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.
The house at 111 Coleman Ave. in Lewes has been there for more than 150 years, but a termite infestation means it will not be there much longer.The house is owned by brothers Darryl and Darnell Daisey, members of one of the city’s most prominent African American families.The pre-railroad folk-style house has been in the Daisey family for more than 100 years. It was built in 1870 as servants’ quarters.The Lewes Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission considers the house to be a contributing struc...
The house at 111 Coleman Ave. in Lewes has been there for more than 150 years, but a termite infestation means it will not be there much longer.
The house is owned by brothers Darryl and Darnell Daisey, members of one of the city’s most prominent African American families.
The pre-railroad folk-style house has been in the Daisey family for more than 100 years. It was built in 1870 as servants’ quarters.
The Lewes Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission considers the house to be a contributing structure to the historic district, because it was built before 1940. HPARC approved renovations to the house Feb. 1, 2024.
The renovations called for extending the front-porch roof, replacing the siding, and door and window trim. They would also be adding a full second floor to an extension in the rear of the house.
But as those renovations got underway this summer, it became clear the tiny insects had caused a big problem.
“There was extensive termite damage, and a lot of what we wanted to preserve is no longer safe,” said Darryl Daisey.
The house was stripped down to its frame. The city’s building inspector condemned the structure and approved demolition, according to Kevin Mallinson, HPARC chair. He said HPARC had no role in that decision.
Mallinson said he will read a letter from the city attorney explaining the demolition decision at the Thursday, Aug. 7 HPARC meeting.
Mallinson said the Daiseys will have to go before the Lewes Board of Adjustment to ask for a variance because the new house would be too close to the property line.
Darryl Daisey said they are likely to present to the board in September. He said it has not been determined whether they will then need to return to HPARC to present the application for the new house.
Daisey said his family just wants to get the approval done quickly.
“We’re trying to cooperate as best we can,” Daisey said.
Cape Cod is a summer dreamscape, with its windswept coastline, cedar shingles, and bigleaf hydrangeas. It's among New England's most beloved coastal destinations, but it's also quite crowded during the warmer months. If you're looking for an alternative, you'll be pleased to find one right here in Delaware. Cape Henlopen State Park and the nearby town of Lewes have the rugged coastal charm of their Massachusetts counterparts, but without nearly as much tourism.Cape Henlopen is 5,000 acres of pure maritime beauty. It's located at the m...
Cape Cod is a summer dreamscape, with its windswept coastline, cedar shingles, and bigleaf hydrangeas. It's among New England's most beloved coastal destinations, but it's also quite crowded during the warmer months. If you're looking for an alternative, you'll be pleased to find one right here in Delaware. Cape Henlopen State Park and the nearby town of Lewes have the rugged coastal charm of their Massachusetts counterparts, but without nearly as much tourism.
Cape Henlopen is 5,000 acres of pure maritime beauty. It's located at the meeting point between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a variety of lively ocean waves and calmer bay waters. It's easily the most-visited state park in Delaware, welcoming nearly 1.9 million visitors annually. But that's still just a fifth of the number of travelers to Cape Cod, meaning the beaches here will provide some much-needed peace, quiet, and tranquility.
It's difficult to compare a destination like Cape Cod with a single state park, but the nearby town of Lewes is certainly worth exploring. From boutique shopping to waterfront dining, it's easy to fall in love with this seaside town, which isn't so dissimilar to destinations like Chatham and Wellfleet. Some of the most popular restaurants in Lewes include Heirloom, Bramble & Brine at the Buttery, and Matt's Fish Camp.
But you're probably here for the beach, as you should be. There are a handful of public beaches at Cape Henlopen State Park, including Deauville Beach, Herring Point Beach, and the park's main swimming beach situated near the bathhouse. While lounging is always a great idea, the trails offer a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery. In addition to hiking trails, Cape Henlopen also offers a scenic bike trail known as the Cape Henlopen Bike Loop. This three-mile loop is a fantastic way to dive into the park's history—and you can even rent a free bike from the park to use!
And speaking of history, Cape Henlopen has a fascinating one. Fort Miles was constructed during WWII at Cape Henlopen as a coastal defence installation that would protect the Atlantic Coast and Delaware Bay from a potential German invasion. The creation of the state park was largely an effort to preserve the region's wartime history.
As you can see, there's a lot to uncover, and you'll likely want to spend more than a day here. Fortunately, there are plenty of charming places to stay near Cape Henlopen. (Outdoor enthusiasts can even pitch a tent at the state park!) One vacation rental that caught my eye is a rental called the Rodney House in Lewes, and it's been named among the most beautiful rental homes in town. Moreover, you'll be within walking distance of everything this darling town has to offer. So while Cape Cod is certainly a bucket-list-worthy destination, I'd argue that Delaware's coast is every bit as charming and can certainly hold its own.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to plan your trip to Cape Henlopen and the nearby town of Lewes? If so, be sure to send this article to your favorite travel companion and let the adventures begin!
Unusually shaped with a near-circle on top and a near-right angle at bottom, unusually situated as a tiny coastal sliver that can be leisurely crossed on foot, and unusually populated with fairytale-like characters, Delaware must appear as a veritable Oz to Mid-Atlanticers. In places like Lewes, Ashland, and Milton, tourists can see the Fountain of Youth, Enchanted Woods, Steampunk Treehouse, Sherwood Forest, and other fantastical locales. Learn where exactly to find them.Ashland Ashland is an unincorporated community in the ...
Unusually shaped with a near-circle on top and a near-right angle at bottom, unusually situated as a tiny coastal sliver that can be leisurely crossed on foot, and unusually populated with fairytale-like characters, Delaware must appear as a veritable Oz to Mid-Atlanticers. In places like Lewes, Ashland, and Milton, tourists can see the Fountain of Youth, Enchanted Woods, Steampunk Treehouse, Sherwood Forest, and other fantastical locales. Learn where exactly to find them.
Ashland is an unincorporated community in the Wilmington metro area. However, instead of being just another sprawling suburb, Ashland sprawls with greenery thanks to the 130-acre Ashland Nature Center, 471-acre Auburn Valley State Park, and 1,000-plus-acre Mt. Cuba Center. But the most magical preserve near Ashland is Winterthur. Sounding like a faraway land and looking the same, Winterthur comprises a museum and garden on 1,000 winsome acres. Winterthur's museum was originally home to the du Pont family and now displays around 90,000 classic American objects throughout 175 rooms.
Winterthur's garden spans 60 acres, three of which are called the Enchanted Woods. "Designed to look as though it were created by fairies," the forest has everything from a faerie cottage to an acorn tearoom to a mushroom spray park, plus it hosts the Enchanted Summer Day each June.
If you consider Paradise Lost a fairy tale, Milton, DE, honors one of the best fairy tale tellers. John Milton wrote that fantastical religious epic in the 17th century and, according to Dela-lore, lent his name to a small Delaware town two centuries later. Of course, he was long dead when Milton was named, and when Milton erected a statue of him in Mill Park. The John Milton Statue sits on a bench along a walkway and is seasonally dressed by anonymous townsfolk. For instance, he has donned a Santa hat for Christmas and a leprechaun beard for St. Patrick’s Day.
After seeing what Milton is wearing, check out an even stranger sculpture at the Dogfish Head Brewery. Jutting 40 feet from its lawn is Steampunk Treehouse, which looks like the home of futuristic fairy-bots. In truth, it was built from recycled and reclaimed materials for 2007's Burning Man and moved to the brewery in 2010. Although you can admire it from the outside, the inside is reserved for brewery staff.
In the early 1900s, Laurel was the center of a sweet potato boom, so much so that it needed designated buildings to store all those spuds. Though blight wrecked the industry by mid-century, Laurel's Potato Houses sweetened the surrounding scenery and later the National Register of Historic Places. Few of them survive today, but you can go on a rustic journey for the remaining ones before seeing a remaining swath of normally faraway forest.
Outside Laurel sits Trap Pond State Park, which preserves the "northernmost naturally occurring stand of baldcypress in the US." Resembling thick swamps from southern states or fantasy realms, Trap Pond can be explored via canoe, kayak, pontoon, or a variety of annual activities during the Trap Pond Nature Festival held each April.
Before Lewes was Lewes, it was a Dutch colony called Zwaanendael, meaning "Valley of the Swans." The Dutch were gone by 1632, but they are not forgotten thanks to the Zwaanendael Museum. Modeled after the old town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, the museum looks like a gingerbread house and harbors something that would scare Hansel and Gretel long before the witch did. Grimacing from behind glass is the Zwaanendael Merman, a mishmash of mummified/crafted animals meant to look real, ala the famous Fiji mermaid. The museum's other artifacts are mostly standard, but you can find more fantastical features in the vicinity.
They include the Lewes Town Clock, a 15-foot timekeeper fit for a storybook; the Fountain of Youth, a supposedly age-reversing spring marked by a gazebo-like structure; and Cape Henlopen State Park, a natural wonderland that hosts the Children’s Fantasy Trail, where kids trick-or-treat with their favorite storybook characters leading up to Halloween.
Townsend is a small town surrounded by scenic preserves. To the south sits Blackbird State Forest, to the east sits the Blackbird Creek Reserve, and farther east sits the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area. Straddling the last of those sanctuaries is the Delaware Renaissance Faire, AKA Delafaire. Held each year from October to November, Delafaire consists of three themed weekends. 2024's themes were "Halloweekend," "Fantasy Weekend," and "Heroes & Villains Weekend." Beyond thousands of costumed guests, Delafaire has had designated costumed characters like Max the Goat, Gus the Gnome, Vadim the Rose Peddler, and a wandering comedic bard named Thom Fuewellrey. See if they return for 2025's edition, which is scheduled for October 25 to 26, November 1 to 2, and November 8 to 9.
Unlike Townsenders, Ardenites do not have to pretend they are in a fairy tale. Arden, DE, was founded on fairytale-like principles via Henry George's Single-Tax movement and William Morris's Arts and Crafts movement. As such, Arden is a whimsical village of artsy people and homes on lush land that cannot be owned, only leased for 99 years at a time. Sure, Arden's principles are fantastical, but they are also successful, to such an extent that they survive not just in Arden but in neighboring Ardentown and Ardencroft.
Residents of "the Ardens" spend their days exploring woods like Sherwood Forest and attending "gilds" (Ardenspeak for "clubs") featuring everything from crafting to folk dancing to performing Shakespeare. Outsiders can visit specialty stores like the Oddporium and festivals like the Arden Fair before considering a permanent move. "You are welcome hither" is Arden's motto. Of course, subscription to the aforesaid principles is required.
Delaware already evokes a fairy tale realm, but its small towns are even harder to place in reality. Yet, as shown above, such towns are really real and really wonderful. Between Ashland and its Enchanted Woods, Milton and its Steampunk Treehouse, Laurel and its Trap Pond State Park, Lewes and its Fountain of Youth, Townsend and its Delafaire, and Arden and its Sherwood Forest, which First State fantasy-style feature will you see first?
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