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 Rehoboth Beach Historic Marker 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 Rehoboth Beach, 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.
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I”
“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use”
“”
“”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult”
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”
“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.”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to trust others yet Always Best Care of Philadelphia did it with ease. We happily recommend them to our family and friends. Bryant and Co. truly care as if it was their own family. God Bless and May all your Staff be safe, they are in my prayers.”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome staff. Mr. Greene, his brother Al Billz and staff always looked out for me even when I was ill. I love them and Always Best Care to the moon and back!”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use them for all your personal needs Senior or younger. They get the job done!!!”
“”
“”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult time. The office staff, social workers, and the aides were professional, caring, and reliable. Donna you are awesome....keep up the great work!!!! I would recommend this service to anyone.”
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 Lake Gerar 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 La Fable or visit Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum, 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.
Request More Information
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 Rehoboth Beach, 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 Rehoboth Beach, 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 Rehoboth Beach, 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.
Delaware, your day has finally come. On Friday, August 1, adult-use cannabis sales officially begin across the First State. It’s been a long road since legalization passed in 2023, but now Delaware joins the expanding club of states where adults 21 and older can legally buy cannabis.Let’s be clear: This is a limited rollout, not a full-blown free-for-all. Sales are only happening at existing medical dispensaries that received conversion licenses. That means 13 shops, scattered from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach, will be you...
Delaware, your day has finally come. On Friday, August 1, adult-use cannabis sales officially begin across the First State. It’s been a long road since legalization passed in 2023, but now Delaware joins the expanding club of states where adults 21 and older can legally buy cannabis.
Let’s be clear: This is a limited rollout, not a full-blown free-for-all. Sales are only happening at existing medical dispensaries that received conversion licenses. That means 13 shops, scattered from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach, will be your go-to options for recreational cannabis on day one.
Where to buy on August 1st: Leafly will be on the ground covering the action at Columbia Care – Rehoboth Beach, where the ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. at 36725 Bayside Outlet Dr #760. Expect celebration, first-day buzz, and firsthand updates on Leafly and our social channels.
New to cannabis retail? Here’s how to make your visit smooth and stress-free:
Most Delaware dispensaries will carry:
Delaware adults may buy up to:
Out-of-state shoppers are welcome (but know the law) Live in Maryland, Jersey, or Pennsylvania? You’re welcome to shop in Delaware—as long as you’re 21+ with valid ID. Just don’t transport cannabis across state lines, and no public consumption (that includes the beach, boardwalk, and parks).
A moment years in the making Delaware’s cannabis debut might feel modest—13 stores, cash only, limited hours—but for the thousands of residents who’ve been waiting, it’s historic. Legal cannabis access means safe, tested products, professional service, and the end of an era of risk and stigma.
Leafly will be on-site in Rehoboth Beach to cover the kickoff. Follow us for updates, videos, and photos from Columbia Care and across the state.
Cannabis is legal in Delaware—now make it easy. The Leafly app lets you find dispensaries, browse menus, and shop with confidence. Know before you go, and get the most out of day one.
Welcome to the legal era, Delaware.
For over a century, the Rehoboth Beach Patrol has been more than just a line of defense between swimmers and the sea—it’s been a symbol of dedication, courage, and community spirit along Delaware’s coast.On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., that legacy will be officially recognized with the unveiling of a new State of Delaware Historical Marker at the Rehoboth Beach Patrol Building. Established in 1921 by Benjamin F. Shaw and the American Red Cross, the Patrol has safeguarded th...
For over a century, the Rehoboth Beach Patrol has been more than just a line of defense between swimmers and the sea—it’s been a symbol of dedication, courage, and community spirit along Delaware’s coast.
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., that legacy will be officially recognized with the unveiling of a new State of Delaware Historical Marker at the Rehoboth Beach Patrol Building. Established in 1921 by Benjamin F. Shaw and the American Red Cross, the Patrol has safeguarded the city’s two-mile shoreline through generations of lifeguards who have performed countless rescues, provided medical assistance, organized beach evacuations, and engaged the community through safety programs.
The ceremony will bring together local and state leaders, including State Senator Russell Huxtable, former State Representative Pete Schwartzkopf, Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills, Rehoboth Beach Patrol Captain Jeff Giles, Director and State Archivist Stephen M. Marz, and representatives from the Delaware Public Archives who oversee the Historical Markers Program.
The new marker not only commemorates a storied past but also highlights the ongoing commitment of the Patrol to protect residents and visitors alike, making Delaware’s beaches safer and its history richer.
About the State of Delaware Historical Markers Program:
The State of Delaware Historical Markers Program traces its origins to 1929, when Governor C. Douglass Buck appointed a committee to review Delaware’s notable historic sites and develop a way to identify them. In 1931, the General Assembly of Delaware passed an act establishing a commission to erect historical markers throughout the state. The markers in each county were numbered sequentially as they were proposed, preceded by NC (New Castle), K (Kent), and S (Sussex) to note the county in which they were located. Since the 1930s, the State of Delaware has erected over 700 markers. The Delaware Public Archives has administered the Historical Markers Program since 1990.
For more information about the Delaware Public Archives or to learn more about events and other items of interest at the Archives, visit the website at archives.delaware.gov.
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Sign In|Already have a subscription but never signed in before?...
Already have a subscription but never signed in before?Get started
Get unlimited access with a subscription
Choose your plan. Cancel anytime.
Digital
Monthly
$1 for the first month
Daily digital access on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device
Annual
$99 for the first year
Over 6 MONTHS FREE with an annual subscription
Digital + Print
Sunday - Friday
$1 for the first month
Print delivery + daily digital access & USA TODAY Crossword
Sunday
$1 for the first month
Includes access to the eNewspaper every day of the week
Did you know: Every plan comes with a digital subscription to share.
What's included
Digital plans
Digital + Print
Daily digital access
Android and IOS apps
Subscriber-exclusive content
Digital subscription to share
The eNewspaper — a digital replica of the print newspaper.
Print newspaper delivery
USA TODAY Digital Crossword
Group subscriptions
We have customizable plans for corporations, schools, libraries, government agencies and hotels.
Corporate programsEducation programs
No commitment required. Cancel anytime.
Offer available to new customers only. Read the full subscription terms.
Need help?
Call 1-800-801-3322 and give offer code W-N2 to subscribe.
After investigating evidence of settling in a retaining wall, the Grove Park Canal Dock, along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Rehoboth Beach, has reopened.The dock first opened in May 2021, but it's been closed since December 2024 "out of an abundance of caution," city spokesperson Lynne Coan said.Since then, two nine-point surveys, in which measurements were taken at nine points along the ramp and retaining wall, taken over a nine-month period. determined the dock is safe and stable to use, a city news release said....
After investigating evidence of settling in a retaining wall, the Grove Park Canal Dock, along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Rehoboth Beach, has reopened.
The dock first opened in May 2021, but it's been closed since December 2024 "out of an abundance of caution," city spokesperson Lynne Coan said.
Since then, two nine-point surveys, in which measurements were taken at nine points along the ramp and retaining wall, taken over a nine-month period. determined the dock is safe and stable to use, a city news release said.
“We will continue to monitor conditions and work toward identifying potential permanent solutions," Public Works Director Henry Matlosz said.
The Grove Park Canal Dock is located behind Grove Park and the Rehoboth Beach Museum, at 511 Rehoboth Avenue. It has two boat slips and a canoe and kayak launch. The dock is open from sunrise to sunset, with a 30-minute limit for each boat.
"We’re happy to hear that Grove Park has reopened—it's a vital part of our community, and we’re excited to see it active once again," Cape Water Tours General Manager Kelly Dunt said.
Cape Water Tours previously operated from the dock and is in the process of adding a water taxi service and Rehoboth Bay evening cruises back to their itinerary.
"Unfortunately, due to the delay in reopening, many of our available dates have already been filled with private charters and other scheduled tours. We appreciate the community’s enthusiasm and support, and we look forward to expanding our offerings in the future," Dunt said.
Right now, you can get tickets for Rehoboth Bay cruises on July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8 and Aug. 31 at capewatertours.com.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at [email protected] or on Facebook.
My family and I were among the thousands of people who spent some portion of their day July 3 in the ocean waters off Rehoboth Beach. It was pretty much a perfect beach day. The sun was warm, but there was a breeze. There were waves, but the water wasn’t too rough and the rip wasn’t strong, so the kids and I spent hours in the water.Soon after we got home, the state issued a recreational water-quality alert for the waters in the immediate area off Rehoboth Avenue. Test results showed elevated bacteria levels that were 100 ...
My family and I were among the thousands of people who spent some portion of their day July 3 in the ocean waters off Rehoboth Beach. It was pretty much a perfect beach day. The sun was warm, but there was a breeze. There were waves, but the water wasn’t too rough and the rip wasn’t strong, so the kids and I spent hours in the water.
Soon after we got home, the state issued a recreational water-quality alert for the waters in the immediate area off Rehoboth Avenue. Test results showed elevated bacteria levels that were 100 times higher than the minimum threshold to trigger the warning.
The alert was the first this year, but it wasn’t the first time ever. I was a little alarmed the bacteria count was so high, so I reached out to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for some more information.
Michael Globetti, DNREC spokesperson, explained the process.
Once a week, usually Mondays, DNREC samples 26 beaches along the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean coastline. Additionally, six of the most popular beaches, including Rehoboth Avenue, are sampled a second time during the week, usually Wednesdays. Water samples are placed onto a nutrient-rich medium and incubated for 24 hours to count how much bacteria has grown over that time.
While it is possible to use other, quicker methods to analyze water for bacteria, such as evaluating water for the DNA signatures of bacteria, these quicker methods would not tell the recreational water program whether the bacteria is still viable, said Globetti. To put it more succinctly, he said, pathogens that cause illness must be viable – not just genetically detectable – and using a culture-based fecal indicator bacteria method has been determined the best way.
Water-quality conditions at ocean beaches change quickly, with elevated bacteria typically being flushed away quickly by tides. For this reason, the average of the previous 30-day sampling results is the best indicator of recreational water quality. This held true for the test at Rehoboth Avenue. A sample was taken the day after the first sample, and the results showed bacteria counts well below the triggering threshold.
The Rehoboth Avenue sample that triggered the alert was taken during a heavy rainstorm. Globetti said the high sample in Rehoboth was an anomalous result for an ocean site, though similarly high results have been seen in other types of water bodies such as rivers and creeks, also following heavy rainfall. He said high bacterial results, in line with the results seen in Rehoboth, were also observed at monitoring locations in surrounding states that experienced the same heavy rainfall.
Even with the high result that prompted the swim advisory, Rehoboth Avenue continues to meet the standard for the 30-day average, which at 21, is below the standard of 35, said Globetti. This indicates the general recreational water quality of Rehoboth Avenue continues to be good, he said.
The primary purpose of the routine monitoring is to serve as a reference point for the public, including producing a long-term dataset with a geometric mean, said Globetti. However, he said, in doing so, DNREC wants to ensure that Delawareans are aware of any elevated single-sample results for the sake of public transparency.
A single sample that exceeds the standard is considered to be an indication of an elevated risk of illness to the public and, in keeping with its mission to protect public health, DNREC wants to alert the public that an elevated sample result has been detected, said Globetti.
Most mornings, I’m out running before the sun comes up. There are a few people out at that time of day, but it’s mostly animals I see – cats, foxes, beavers, herons. The other morning, just as I was about to start, a skunk waddled itself out from under a bush about 2 feet away. Neither one of us was expecting the other to be there. I don’t know who moved away faster. I know I got lucky I didn’t pull a muscle when I jumped away so quickly. It’s only funny because I didn’t get sprayed. As always, send jokes to [email protected].
Three skunks are walking down a street together when they come to an intersection ...
Skunk one says, "My instincts tell me to go left."
Skunk two says, "My instincts tell me to go right."
Skunk three says, "Hey, my end stinks too, but it doesn't talk to me.”
302-409-3710
