It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lewes Town Clock gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lewes, DE is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Stango Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Heirloom or visit The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lewes, DE, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lewes, DE understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lewes, DE 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
LEWES, DE -- 98-year-old Carol Orr has lived at her beachfront home in Lewes since the 1940's. After the most recent property value reassessments by Sussex County, Carol said she saw her annual property tax costs increase by six times its original value.Orr showed WBOC a ledger statement from 2024, showing she paid $842.21 in 2024. Her bill this year showed a total cost of $5,221.83. Orr said she was shocked to find the increased bill in her mailbox."It scares me," Carol said. "I feel like I'm losing my mind. Eve...
LEWES, DE -- 98-year-old Carol Orr has lived at her beachfront home in Lewes since the 1940's. After the most recent property value reassessments by Sussex County, Carol said she saw her annual property tax costs increase by six times its original value.
Orr showed WBOC a ledger statement from 2024, showing she paid $842.21 in 2024. Her bill this year showed a total cost of $5,221.83. Orr said she was shocked to find the increased bill in her mailbox.
"It scares me," Carol said. "I feel like I'm losing my mind. Everything was always so safe. Horrible is the only word I can think of."
At 98-years-old, Orr lives alone. Her son, Skip Orr, told WBOC she struggles with dementia, so he helps take manage her finances from his home in Pennsylvania. Skip said he is not sure how their family will manage the increased cost.
"It's devastating," Orr said. "Between the county bill, the city bill in Lewes, and her caregiver expenses, it exceeds her income. We are scrambling to try and figure this out because, with her last wishes, she wants to remain in the house until she passes."
Carol said, as a Lewes native, she has decades of fond memories in her house.
"I can't imagine living anywhere else. I raised Skip here," Carol said.
Orr told WBOC they appealed the assessment three times, and were able to get an original, higher amount lowered by a few hundred dollars a year. However, Orr said they are still not sure whether or not they can keep his mother in the house. Orr said he worries about other families in Sussex County that may be struggling like his.
"I understand why the county needed to do it, but someone needs to protect the people falling through the cracks," Orr said. "The hundreds of other Delawareans out there who are on a fixed income. I don't know how they can get by. I am truly worried that a lot of people are being taxed out of their homes."
Sussex County officials have resources available for those in similar situations to Carols. Officials encourage who saw an increase of $300 dollars or more a year in their annual property taxes to apply for the county's payment plan.
The plan allows bills to be paid in three installments interest free. The first payment is due September 30th. The second payment is due November 15th, and the final payment is due December 31st, according to officials.
Those interested in applying for the program are encouraged to do so by September 30th, the final day applications can be submitted.
Thinking of hitting the road and escaping for a weekend retreat in 2025? Whether you like long walks on the beach or through former colonial villages, Delaware is full of surprises! Nothing will melt away your weekday stress like strolling through the botanical gardens in Millsboro, curling up with a book on the shores of Bethany Beach, or touring the historical landmarks in New Castle. Each of these towns delivers its unique personality, from the nightlife vibes of Dewey Beach to the old-world charm of New Castle. So, pack a bag and let&rsq...
Thinking of hitting the road and escaping for a weekend retreat in 2025? Whether you like long walks on the beach or through former colonial villages, Delaware is full of surprises! Nothing will melt away your weekday stress like strolling through the botanical gardens in Millsboro, curling up with a book on the shores of Bethany Beach, or touring the historical landmarks in New Castle. Each of these towns delivers its unique personality, from the nightlife vibes of Dewey Beach to the old-world charm of New Castle. So, pack a bag and let’s dive into these amazing Delaware destinations!
A weekend in New Castle feels like stepping into a quaint colonial village similar to Williamsburg, but without the crowds and the traffic! Located in northern Delaware along the Delaware River, it seamlessly blends natural attractions and historical sites. The most notable of the historical attractions in New Castle is the Amstel House and Dutch House museums, both located within a city block of each other. Built in the late 1600s and early 1700s, these two houses showcase the colonial architecture predominant during New Castle’s founding. With original woodwork, period-accurate furnishings, and manicured gardens, they feel like stepping back in time.
Closer to the Delaware River, there’s also the Read House and Gardens, the former home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, George Read. Situated in central New Castle, the mansion sits on over 2 acres with stunning gardens and a perfectly preserved interior. From the Read House, you can walk over to Battery Park for a lovely walk along the Delaware River. While there are plenty of affordable hotels in the area, The Terry House Bed and Breakfast is one of the best places to stay, and is within walking distance to many of the historical sites in New Castle.
Maybe you prefer a beach retreat for your long weekend? Bethany Beach is one of the quieter beach retreats in Delaware, with plenty of family-friendly activities. The ideal day consists of soaking up the sun at Bethany Beach Public Access and taking a leisurely stroll down theBethany Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk has a bandstand where live music plays in the summer, and next to the bandstand is Mango’s, where you can dine on fresh seafood with an Atlantic Ocean view.
The great thing about Bethany Beach is that there’s so much more to see than miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean! Traveling inland, the Bethany Beach Nature Center is a great place to explore wetlands and gardens, and it’s a great place for the family. After a day of exploring the sights in the area, one of the best places to stay is the seaside Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn. Located on the ocean, it’s the perfect location to the beach, boardwalk, and all the best shops in town!
Traveling inland from the Atlantic shores is the natural paradise of Laurel. Situated in central Delaware, it’s an often overlooked community with classic small-town charm and amazing parks. If you’re in the mood for a long weekend hiking in the woods, Trap Pond State Park is Laurel's crown jewel. The air is a little fresher, and the trails are shaded by fragrant loblolly pines and bald cypress trees in the swampy areas of Trap Pond.
After exploring the natural wonders of Trap Pond State Park, downtown Laurel has plenty to discover. There are unique antique stores like Out of the Attic Antique Mall and the Delaware Avenue Antique Emporium, where you’re sure to find treasures to remind you of your amazing weekend in Laurel. Many of the hotels in Laurel are quite rustic, so the best place to stay when visiting the area is the Travelodge by Wyndham, a short 15-minute drive north to Seaford.
The underrated town of Milton offers the best of both worlds: historical attractions and natural beauty. It’s easy to get lost in the 19th-century charm of downtown Milton. You can catch a live show at the historic Milton Theatre, and then head to Milton Home Coffee Roastery for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Or you can simply walk the well-maintained brick pathways at Mill Park with a stunning view of Wagamons Pond. If you really want to take in the vibes of Milton, the best place to stay is the Governor’s Bed and Breakfast. It’s like a rustic English garden in the heart of Delaware, with comfy beds and a fantastic breakfast.
When you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots and take in the natural scenery of Milton, the Edward H. McCabe Preserve is a wonderful retreat. It hosts wonderful hiking trails, bike trails, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the Broadkill River. Whether you just want to birdwatch or take photos, or you’re looking for a challenging hike, it’s a great place to take the whole family.
Lewes is one of Delaware’s most exciting coastal towns, blending historical attractions with the beauty of the coastline. Known as the “First Town in the First State”, you can visit historical landmarks like Fort Miles Historical Area (and an old World War II fort), or a former military base of Cape Henlopen State Park. Or, if you just want to soak in the sunshine, Lewes Public Beach is the perfect place to relax. With white sandy shores, calm waters, and attentive lifeguards, it’s a great place for the family.
Downtown Lewes also has amazing sites worth checking out, like the Ryves Holt House. As the oldest house in the state of Delaware, it’s a charming slice of American history. And when you’re ready to hang up your hat at the end of a long day, the Inn at Canal Square is one of the most popular destinations in Lewes. It’s centrally located, within walking distance to beaches and restaurants, and offers breathtaking views of the water right from your room.
In northern Delaware, not too far from the New Jersey border, is the idyllic retreat of Odessa. It’s less touristy than some of the other vacation towns in Delaware, which means less traffic and crowds. It’s where you’ll find charming historical relics like the Corbit-Sharp House, which was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. If you want to learn more about this former grain trading port, be sure to stop by the Historic Odessa Foundation, located within an old bank.
While Odessa may be famous for its historical charm, it’s also ripe for outdoor adventures.
The Augustine Wildlife Area is one of the best parks in the area, offering stunning views of the Delaware River, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. After exploring the scenery of Odessa, one of the best spots to stay is the Miller-Dunham House Bed and Breakfast. As a restored colonial home, the accommodations are cozy, and its location puts you right in the heart of all the action in Odessa!
When you think of Millsboro, think water views, farmer’s market, and dreamy botanical gardens. Located in southern Delaware, inland from its popular beaches, Millsboro is a hidden gem. It's home to Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek, a lovely wetland retreat settled on almost 40 acres along Pepper Creek. It’s a dreamy naturalist's paradise, and a great place to take the family. After exploring the gardens, another great place to visit in Millsboro isBrittingham Farms. You can take a walk through fragrant lavender fields, or shop at their Farm Store or distillery for freshly-made lavender oils.
If you want to spend your weekend relaxing along the water of Millsboro Pond, the Millsboro Pond Boat Launch is the perfect place to set out on the water. Take a boat or kayak out onto its calm waters and take in the views of the gently rolling hills in the distance. When you’re ready to retire after a long day of exploration, the Atlantic Inn offers comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of Millsboro.
If you prefer your beach retreats to be a little more exciting, Dewey Beach is your best option! It’s an ideal blend of picturesque seascapes with a thriving nightlife that makes a weekend to remember! You can spend the day sunbathing at the Dewey Beach Public Access and walk across the street for a tasty seafood meal at Starboard Raw. If you want to launch a boat out onto the water and drift far from the shore, the Rehoboth Bay Marina is a great place to launch a boat (or rent one!).
The great thing about Dewey Beach is that the fun continues even after the sun goes down. Central Dewey Beach comes alive after sunset, with popular bars and restaurants like The Rusty Rudder, where you can get to know the locals while listening to live music on the open patio nestled along the coastline. After a night on the town, the best place to call it a night is at the Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel. With high-end accommodations, oceanfront views, and a premier location in the heart of Dewey Beach, it’s sure to top off your weekend in all the best ways.
From stately colonial inns to seaside escapes, Delaware has something for everyone. Whether you long to walk the path of early settlers in New Castle, or live for the nightlife scene in Dewey Beach, Delaware proves that the best things often come in little packages! If your weary soul needs historical tours, sandy beaches, or shady trails, these hidden gems are sure to soothe what ails you. These towns allow you to set your own pace and take things slow. The hardest part? Packing it all up after the weekend is over!
The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington will celebrate its continuing commitment to statewide engagement with the return of DelArt Sails South, a festive evening showcasing First State-based artists and coastal community spirit from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Lewes Yacht Club.Tickets include food and beverage, a silent auction and live music.Guests will hear from Delaware-based artists Mark Harris, Robert C. Jackson and Rebecca Raubacher — all represented in the museum’s permanent collection — as they...
The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington will celebrate its continuing commitment to statewide engagement with the return of DelArt Sails South, a festive evening showcasing First State-based artists and coastal community spirit from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Lewes Yacht Club.
Tickets include food and beverage, a silent auction and live music.
Guests will hear from Delaware-based artists Mark Harris, Robert C. Jackson and Rebecca Raubacher — all represented in the museum’s permanent collection — as they discuss their work with Margaret Winslow, head curator.
Over the past year, the Delaware Art Museum has significantly expanded its programs and partnerships across Sussex County. Through lectures, collaborative exhibitions, school visits and community-led events, the museum continues its work to make the arts more accessible and relevant to all Delawareans.
Christine “Chris” King, former drama teacher at Cape Henlopen High School and a member of the museum’s Sussex advisory council, said, “Art is an innate part of who we are as humans. I’ve always been excited to be part of the team on the ground floor, building the foundation to expand accessibility to the arts in our community. What excites me most about DelArt’s commitment to increasing programming in Sussex County is our collective ability to further the educational and experiential aspects of our vibrant arts community.”
Molly Giordano, museum executive director, said, “DelArt staff and volunteers have been grateful to brainstorm with Sussex County residents and partner organizations over the past year. Their guidance helped us host lectures and programs with partners like the Rehoboth Art League, Lewes Public Library and the Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning at the University of Delaware. DelArt’s collection represents our entire state. I’m excited to continue piloting school outreach, artist talks, bus trips and events that connect the state’s largest art museum with Delawareans living in Southern Delaware.”
To learn more, go to delart.org/delartsailssouth. Proceeds benefit the museum’s programs and community outreach initiatives in Sussex County.
More beachgoers have been getting an unexpected shock this summer as jellyfish numbers bloom along the Delaware coast, interrupting — but not stopping — the summer fun.Beach patrol captains reported a dramatic increase in jellyfish activity and stings in July, the most they’ve seen in recent memory. Lewes Beach reported a fourfold increase in stings compared to 2024.Lion’s manes, which can have 100-foot (30-meter) tentacles, sea nettles and moon jellyfish are some varieties that frequent Delaware’s...
More beachgoers have been getting an unexpected shock this summer as jellyfish numbers bloom along the Delaware coast, interrupting — but not stopping — the summer fun.
Beach patrol captains reported a dramatic increase in jellyfish activity and stings in July, the most they’ve seen in recent memory. Lewes Beach reported a fourfold increase in stings compared to 2024.
Lion’s manes, which can have 100-foot (30-meter) tentacles, sea nettles and moon jellyfish are some varieties that frequent Delaware’s summertime waters.
Jellyfish blooms have become common from Maine to Florida in recent years. Warming waters can create ideal conditions for jellyfish growth.
Normally, Delaware’s five state parks may report a handful of summer jellyfish stings, said Bailey Noel, a beach patrol captain. But Fenwick Island State Park recently reported 92 stings on a single July day. Three lifeguards were taken to urgent care after swimming in jellyfish-infested waters, Noel said.
The jellyfish at Delaware’s Towers Beach surprised Philadelphia resident Christina Jones, whose two daughters refused to wade back into the water after being stung, she said.
“The jellyfish are pretty bad,” Jones said. “And not only are they a lot in number, but they’re pretty big.”
Delaware State Beach Patrol started tracking jellyfish stings this year due to the rise in cases, said Noel. Most patrol teams do not track the data.
Lewes Beach Patrol treated 295 stings in 2024, the first year the data was collected, but reported over 1,200 cases so far in 2025, said Capt. Strohm Edwards. Lifeguards started carrying vinegar solutions, which can neutralize the venom agents, to help ease pain, he said.
But vinegar solutions may cause microscopic venom-coated barbs known as nematocysts to discharge, according to some research. Those experts recommend a baking soda slurry.
While venomous, stings from Delaware’s lion’s manes and sea nettles typically only cause minor irritation and pain, said Edwards. In cases of severe allergic reactions and symptoms — nausea, vomiting and trouble breathing — lifeguards can help.
Jellyfish blooms, sudden fluctuations in jellyfish populations, are not uncommon, said Gisele Muller-Parker, a retired marine biologist who would count dozens of lion’s mane jellyfish during her daily Lewes Beach walks in July. Temperature, salinity and food availability influence jellyfish breeding, and in favorable conditions, such as warmer waters, populations can explode.
“This year, we’ve never seen anything like this,” Muller-Parker said.
The jellyfish were near the end of their life cycle, finishing their reproductive phase and laying their eggs. Those jellyfish will die once water temperatures cool, said Keith Bayha, a research collaborator with the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History.
The jellyfish boom can harm ecosystems and marine industries, said Bayha, who has studied the animals for more than 20 years and helped identify a nettle species. Fish larvae primarily feed on plankton, but jellyfish can eat both the plankton and the fish. And with few natural predators, the jellyfish food chain is an ecological dead end, said Bayha.
Delaware’s boom this summer is far from alone. Florida’s Volusia County reported hundreds of stings around Memorial Day weekend. Gloucester, Massachusetts, reminded beachgoers to stay safe around jellyfish in mid-July. And in June, Maine’s Ogunquit Fire Department warned beachgoers about the increase in jellyfish after stings were reported.
Jellyfish research is limited, but Muller-Parker hopes more work will be done to assess the ecological ramifications of jellyfish blooms and improve safety advisories.
For now, some unlucky beachgoers will have to rely on home remedies and, in the case of Massachusetts resident Kathy Malloy-Harder’s third-grade nephew, a little bravery.
“When he got stung, he jumped up and started crying and said, ’I’m never coming back to the beach again ever,’” said Malloy-Harder, who had to try two stores to find vinegar for him. But she said that after talking about it “and once the sting subsided, he was interested in coming back and enjoying the beach.”
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