Home Instead History & Mission

Our Story

Home Instead opened our doors in a small two-room office in Centerville in 2003. Our founder, Bob Bird, returned to Wilmington, his childhood home, a few years earlier. He was helping to care for his own father, and it was during this time that he realized the critical importance of supporting aging family members. Bob's personal experience taught him how challenging it could be to find quality home care for his father. Bob and his wife Val opened Home Instead because they understood the need and the value of great care.

In addition to his personal caregiving journey, Bob brought extensive professional expertise to Home Instead. His commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors in our community established Home Instead as the premier home care provider in Wilmington. Bob's leadership extended to roles such as President of the Delaware Association of Home and Community Care from 2012 to 2020 and serving on the board of the Choir School of Delaware. He also contributed as a member of the Health and Employer Advocacy Committees for the Delaware State Chamber. Bob was a frequent speaker on senior issues and played a key role in developing the global Alzheimer's CARE training program by Home Instead. He provided insights for Alzheimer's training within the U. of Pennsylvania Health system and contributed to Alzheimer's continuing education at John Hopkins. His expertise was instrumental in the publication of "Confidence to Care," a resource guide for family caregivers providing Alzheimer's or dementia care at home. Bob Bird's dedication and contributions have left an enduring mark on senior care, and we are honored to continue his legacy at Home Instead.

Over two decades later, Home Instead is still a family business, and we remain committed to the values that inspired our inception. We understand, from both personal and professional experience, the immense value of allowing your loved ones to age at home with trusted support.

In 2012, Allison Sullivan, Bob's daughter, joined Home Instead, and she has been an integral part of our journey ever since. As the owner of Home Instead, Allison carries forward the family legacy, where family values and personal integrity are at the core of everything we do.

Our office team is nothing short of amazing and dedicated. Our Director has been with Home Instead since our very beginnings in 2004. We want you to know that we aren't new to home care. With years of experience, we understand the unique needs of both our clients and our Care Professionals. Our commitment to providing compassionate and reliable care has only grown stronger with time.

Please call us (302) 654-4003. We look forward to being your trusted partner in caregiving.