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 Old Stone House 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 Georgetown, 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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“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”
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“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”
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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 Georgetown Waterfront 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 Fiola Mare or visit Tudor Place, 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 Georgetown, 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 Georgetown, 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 Georgetown, 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.
Georgetown, DE (July 3, 2025) – Multiple people were hurt Wednesday morning, July 2, following a rollover crash near the intersection of New St and N Bedford St.The accident happened around 9:34 a.m. and involved at least one vehicle flipping over. Georgetown Fire (Station 77), Georgetown EMS (Station 93), and Sussex County medics responded quickly to the scene. First responders reported that individuals were trapped inside the overturne...
Georgetown, DE (July 3, 2025) – Multiple people were hurt Wednesday morning, July 2, following a rollover crash near the intersection of New St and N Bedford St.
The accident happened around 9:34 a.m. and involved at least one vehicle flipping over. Georgetown Fire (Station 77), Georgetown EMS (Station 93), and Sussex County medics responded quickly to the scene. First responders reported that individuals were trapped inside the overturned vehicle and had to be rescued.
The crash also caused structural damage to nearby property, adding another layer of concern for emergency crews. Medical teams provided care at the scene, and some injured parties may have been taken to the hospital for further treatment. At this time, officials have not shared how many vehicles were involved in the crash.
Police have not yet released the names of those hurt. The exact cause of the crash is still being investigated, but officers are reviewing road conditions, speed, and possible mechanical issues. Part of the area near the crash site was closed while crews worked to remove debris and check the safety of nearby buildings.
Authorities continue to look into what led to the crash. We extend our sincere wishes for recovery to those injured in this incident.
Rollover crashes are among the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents. In areas like Georgetown and other parts of Delaware, these
incidents often lead to serious injuries. The compact design of many roads and the mix of local and through traffic can contribute to high-impact collisions.
When a rollover occurs, victims may suffer from broken bones, head injuries, or even long-term trauma. People trapped inside vehicles often require emergency rescue, which can delay treatment and worsen injuries. These crashes also increase the risk of damage to nearby homes or buildings, as seen in the recent incident on New St and N Bedford St.
The causes of rollover accidents vary. Speeding, sudden swerving, and mechanical failure are common factors. In some cases, a defective part or poorly maintained road may be to blame. That’s why it’s important to conduct a full investigation, especially when injuries are involved.
For victims and their families, the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress can pile up quickly. This is where a Delaware personal injury lawyer can help. By examining the facts of the case, a legal team can determine if someone else’s actions or negligence caused the crash. A Georgetown accident attorney can also help recover compensation for pain, suffering, and ongoing care.
In rollover accidents, especially when structural damage is involved, the legal process can be complex. Multiple parties, including property owners, drivers, and manufacturers, might share some liability. An experienced car crash lawyer can help make sure all responsible parties are held accountable.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a crash in Georgetown or anywhere in Delaware, don’t wait to get help. Call Murphy & Landon at 302-472-8112 today for a free consultation.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Contact Murphy & Landon if you locate any information that is inaccurate. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
Source: La Plaza DELa Plaza Delaware joined the Georgetown community in celebrating the ribbon-cutting of Al Toque Delicias Latinas, a food truck owned by Cleyman Angel, a recent graduate of our Milford business class. This Latino-owned venture launched with a menu full of authentic Latin flavors —offering delicious birria tacos, burritos, fried chicken, pupusas, and more.To mark the occasion, special discounts and a launch menu were offered to attendees. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, facilitated by La Plaza Delaware, high...
Source: La Plaza DE
La Plaza Delaware joined the Georgetown community in celebrating the ribbon-cutting of Al Toque Delicias Latinas, a food truck owned by Cleyman Angel, a recent graduate of our Milford business class. This Latino-owned venture launched with a menu full of authentic Latin flavors —offering delicious birria tacos, burritos, fried chicken, pupusas, and more.
To mark the occasion, special discounts and a launch menu were offered to attendees. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, facilitated by La Plaza Delaware, highlighted Angel’s entrepreneurial journey and underscored our commitment to supporting Latino-owned businesses in Delaware.
La Plaza Delaware is a nonprofit partnership created to increase opportunities, business savvy, and prosperity for Latino and minority-owned businesses.
Al Toque Delicias Latinas is a proud member of ¡DALE! (Delaware Alliance of Latino Entrepreneurs), a network of local Latino-owned and -operated businesses. ¡DALE! members benefit from an online business directory, networking events, and free participation in business workshops.
The event was held on June 7th in front of Sports at the Beach Complex (22495 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Georgetown, DE).
Sources: Gov. Meyer Office and Delmarva Power
WILMINGTON – Today, Governor Matt Meyer announces an agreement with Delmarva Power to cover the energy bills of struggling Delaware families:
“Today, the State of Delaware is proud to announce a meaningful step forward for Delaware families. Through a renewed partnership between the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) and Delmarva Power, we are proud to announce the expansion of the Home Energy Check-Up and Counseling Program (HEC²). Not only will the expansion deliver immediate utility bill credits to eligible households, but it will also invest in long-term energy efficiency improvements that reduce costs over time.
“This is a win for the people of Delaware. At a time when energy prices have stretched household budgets through both winter and summer, this agreement will bring nearly $6.5 million in total relief and energy-saving support to our communities—without shifting any of the cost burden onto customers. It’s a model of what collaboration between government, utilities, and community organizations can achieve when we put people first. Together, we’re building a more resilient, energy-efficient Delaware, one where no one is left behind.”
This agreement is not contingent on any new legislation passing and funds will be distributed to Home Energy Check-Up and Counseling Program (HEC²) to applicants who earn up to 350% of the federal poverty level and are delinquent on their energy bills. The State of Delaware estimates nearly 20,000 Delawareans will be aided by this one-time cash infusion.
In addition to the Governor Meyer announcement, also Delmarva Power announced specifics about this Customer Relief Fund to help reduce burden of energy bills in Delaware.
NEWARK, Del. (June 18, 2025) – Delmarva Power today announced the launch of the Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund, which will provide a total of $4.5 million in relief for limited- and moderate-income customers in Delaware during an anticipated increase in energy bills. The fund is made possible through a one-time donation by Delmarva Power’s parent company, Exelon, in partnership with the State of Delaware. Eligible Delmarva Power customers in Delaware could qualify for up to $300 in grants through the fund.
Applications open in July.
“Delmarva Power has deep community roots, and we’re committed to standing by our customers and helping them stay connected to the essential energy service we provide,” said Tyler Anthony, President and CEO of Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “The Customer Relief Fund offers immediate assistance with higher energy bills as we continue to work on long-term solutions with Delaware Governor Meyer, the Delaware General Assembly and local officials.”
“Delmarva Power understands that many residents are struggling today with higher energy costs, and I am pleased to see that they’ve stepped up to provide real relief through the Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund,” said Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. “While the Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund provides meaningful relief in the short term, I look forward to our continued work together on long-term solutions to provide reliable, affordable energy.”
How the Customer Relief Fund Will Work
The Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund will provide limited- and moderate-income Delmarva Power customers in Delaware with meaningful relief in the coming months, as customers will likely see another increase in energy costs driven by increasing supply costs as demand rises and supply is not there to meet it.
Beginning in July, the fund will be open to active, limited income customers who are income qualified for federal and state energy assistance programs and have at least $250 in arrearages over the past 60+ days. Moderate income customers who meet certain income eligibility requirements may also be eligible for support. Approved grants will be credited to the customer’s Delmarva Power account.
To apply or learn more, customers should visit delmarva.com/ReliefDE or call 1-800-375-7117. Similar funds were announced earlier this month for Delmarva Power Maryland customers.
A New Source for Relief
The Customer Relief Fund is a new and one-time program in addition to Delmarva Power’s existing efforts to make energy affordable and help customers manage their bills. Customers can visit delmarva.com/BillSupport for more ways to manage their bill, use energy more efficiently or access energy assistance, including:
Delaware News JournalAs many of southern Delaware's forests and farmlands are sold to developers for millions of dollars, Georgetown's Austin Okie is instead creating a legacy of land preservation.The humble 94-year-old has been quietly donating money and land to conservation organizations for years. From Millsboro to Fenwick Island, some of Sussex County's most ecologically valuable acres are protected thanks to Okie.“It’s hard to imagine what Delaware would look like without Austin Okie’s decades of g...
Delaware News Journal
As many of southern Delaware's forests and farmlands are sold to developers for millions of dollars, Georgetown's Austin Okie is instead creating a legacy of land preservation.
The humble 94-year-old has been quietly donating money and land to conservation organizations for years. From Millsboro to Fenwick Island, some of Sussex County's most ecologically valuable acres are protected thanks to Okie.
“It’s hard to imagine what Delaware would look like without Austin Okie’s decades of generosity and passion for our natural spaces," said Lori Brennan, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Delaware and Pennsylvania. "He and his family have protected and preserved thousands of acres of important forests and open space in Delaware, safeguarding an irreplaceable mosaic of plant life and wildlife habitat."
Okie has deep passion for Sussex County and recognizes how important it is to maintain the natural environment, according to Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Executive Director Christophe Tulou.
"He's made that very clear, through his lifetime of philanthropy and personal engagement," Tulou said.
Coming from Okie's own mouth, his interest in land preservation is simple.
"It almost seemed like fate or something like that," he said. "I knew somehow it should not be sold to developers. It should be used for protecting the environment, and I was right."
Okie worked as a mechanic, never went to college and called himself "a late bloomer-type," but he's not the type to toot his own horn.
Ryan Faucett is Okie's 33-year-old first cousin twice removed and his next-door neighbor. He is proud of Okie, calling him intelligent, thoughtful and determined, and said he finds Okie's love and respect for both nature and local history inspiring.
"He has traced the origins of all the property he owns and has given away, as well as much of the rest of Sussex County," Ryan Faucett said. "He has a deep sense of gratitude for the hard work of his ancestors, and he has made concerted efforts to honor the native Americans who came before them (like at Bullseye Farm)."
His cousin was never the type of man to drink or gamble, values frugality and is "surprisingly progressive for a man in his 90s," Ryan Faucett said.
Okie's grandfather, Linford P. Faucett, was one of the largest landowners in southern Delaware, a 1931 news article said. Faucett was born in Georgetown but lived in Philadelphia, where he was the general manager of H.K. Mulford Co., a pharmaceutical company that later became part of Merck.
Much of Okie's land was left to him by his mother, Isabel Okie, who was Linford P. Faucett's daughter.
"I started looking into who I was and I was so damn surprised," Okie said. "I didn't have a clue."
Okie and his family first donated land to The Nature Conservancy in 1997. The over 400-acre Bullseye-Ferry Landing Preserve is located just north of Mountaire and on the Indian River in Millsboro.
It's a "mosaic of diverse living communities," The Nature Conservancy website says, home to rare flora and fauna and over 65 species of migratory birds. Right next door, the Okie family farm also was placed under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy.
Around 1700, the Waples family came into control of the property and established a ferry there. Okie's grandfather bought the land in 1906, he said, but Okie himself made the effort to find the records that named the Native American that originally lived there. Now, the first line of the historical marker at Bullseye-Ferry Landing states: "Before Dutch control of what is now Sussex County, Native American Iwatama Socuum held 'Long Reach,' now Bullseye-Ferry Landing Preserve."
As a nature preserve, Bullseye-Ferry Landing is not open to the public.
In 2007, Okie and The Nature Conservancy preserved an additional 118 acres at Poplar Thicket in Long Neck. The Marian R. Okie Memorial Wildlife Preserve, now managed by the state, is one of the few undeveloped properties along Long Neck Road.
Marian Okie, Okie's only daughter, died in a car accident when she was 24 years old, in 1982.
"Lots of people go down there to take photographs of the birds, the sunrise, the sunset. Professional photographers, amateur photographers," Okie said. "It's because it's the only place left."
Okie's grandfather bought the land in 1912, he said. The 118-acre property contains tidal salt marsh, wetlands, forests, fields and a beach on the Indian River Bay, according to The Nature Conservancy.
In September, Okie donated two forested, ocean-block properties to the town of Fenwick Island, under a conservation easement. The lots have been in his family for centuries, he said, and he helped survey them as a boy.
The properties will become the Faucett Okie Family Preserve, Fenwick Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said. (Okie's mother was Isabel Faucett.) The town plans to open the preserve to the public before Memorial Day with a formal dedication in the fall.
Last month, Okie sold Sussex County about 40 acres of forested land on Cordrey Road in Millsboro for about half the cost of its value.
Located next to East Coast Garden Center, the deed stipulates the property will not be developed except for public recreational access.
Sussex County spokesman Chip Guy said there are no plans for the property yet.
Okie didn't donate this Burton's Island, but his family sold it to the state in the 1970s, he said, and the land became a nature preserve as part of Delaware Seashore State Park.
"It was mostly marsh, but some of the land was tillable and they raised sheep over there," he said. "You had to go by boat."
Today, you can get to Burton's Island's 1-mile hiking loop by walking across a footbridge. Burton's Island separates the Rehoboth and Indian River bays, so it has views of both, plus wetlands and forests. It's a great place to spot shorebirds.
The nonprofit Delaware Center for the Inland Bays' Austin F. Okie Watershed Society was created last year to recognize Okie's contributions and others who reach the same level of giving.
Members of the society have gifted or otherwise cumulatively contributed $50,000 or more to the Center.
"He is the founding member," Tulou said. "The society is in his honor and an inspiration for others to do as much for the bays and their watershed as he has over his lifetime."
"This is a very special place we call home, and I feel a strong responsibility to protect our unique bays and wildlife," Okie told Center representatives.
"My hope for the future is that many, many more people will support the Center for the Inland Bays' efforts to protect and restore them."
(This story was updated to correct a misspelled name. Delaware Center for the Inland Bays executive director is Christophe Tulou.)
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at [email protected].
The collision occurred around 11:36 a.m. on June 11, along the well-traveled US-113 (Dupont Blvd), near the College Park residential area. Initial reports confirmed that one person sustained minor injuries and received on-site medical attention. That individual was later transported for additional evaluation, though their injuries were not considered life-threatening.Traffic at the intersection was briefly impacted as responders secured the area and cleared the vehicles involved. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by l...
The collision occurred around 11:36 a.m. on June 11, along the well-traveled US-113 (Dupont Blvd), near the College Park residential area. Initial reports confirmed that one person sustained minor injuries and received on-site medical attention. That individual was later transported for additional evaluation, though their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Traffic at the intersection was briefly impacted as responders secured the area and cleared the vehicles involved. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by local authorities, who will review potential factors such as driver inattention, turning maneuvers, or right-of-way violations.
We extend our best wishes to the injured individual and hope for a full recovery.
Intersections like Dupont Blvd and College Park Ln are frequent sites of vehicle collisions in Sussex County, particularly given the blend of high-speed travel and turning traffic along US-113. This stretch of roadway experiences steady volume from both local residents and commercial vehicles, increasing the chances for conflict at access points like College Park Ln.
Even crashes resulting in “minor injuries” can still lead to physical discomfort, missed work, vehicle loss, and long-term medical monitoring. Prompt evaluation by EMS—as in today’s case—is key to preventing complications and ensuring proper documentation for recovery.
Common causes of intersection crashes in areas like Georgetown include unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, distracted driving, and limited visibility at cross streets. In response, transportation officials continue efforts to improve safety by reviewing signage placement, signal timing, and community outreach programs.
Residents are urged to approach busy intersections with heightened awareness, especially during mid-morning and afternoon hours when local roads see peak activity.
If you’ve been injured in a traffic crash, even one described as minor, it’s important to take it seriously. Local Accident Reports offers the support and information you need to navigate recovery—from understanding your medical rights to getting help with insurance and legal guidance. Contact us today to get connected with the resources that can make a difference after a crash in Georgetown or anywhere in Sussex County.
Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.
Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.
Delaware News JournalAs Rite Aid continues with store closures after filing for bankruptcy again, more Delaware locations will shut down.Here’s what you need to know.Rite Aid closing news Rite Aid announced on ...
Delaware News Journal
As Rite Aid continues with store closures after filing for bankruptcy again, more Delaware locations will shut down.
Here’s what you need to know.
Rite Aid announced on May 5 that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time since October of 2023.
The initial announcement noted 47 stores slated for closure, followed by a second wave of 68 stores and a third wave of 95 stores on May 16.
Just before Memorial Day, a court filing showed that Rite Aid sought to close an additional 151 locations in 10 states. This is the largest batch of combined closures, bringing the total stores impacted to 361, which is more than a quarter of Rite Aid’s collection of 1,277 locations, according to Fast Company.
The following Rite Aid stores in Delaware were selected for closure during the company’s last two waves of announcements:
Following the bankruptcy announcement, the company said on its website Monday that Rite Aid Rewards points will no longer be issued for qualifying purchases. All accrued points and BonusCash will expire "per standard terms and conditions available at riteaid.com/rewards/terms-and-conditions," the company said.
Rite Aid will no longer honor gift cards or accept any returns or exchanges beginning June 5.
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