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.
Salute summer's end by sipping on fall ales, savoring a good meal, and taking advantage of these Labor Day festivities at the beach.Labor Day marks the unofficial end to Delaware’s summer beach season. If you’re trying to savor the end of summer, bookmark these 10 activities for Labor Day weekend.1. Prepare for fall releases the seasonal Punkin Liqueur on September 1, just in time for Labor Day sips in Milton and Rehoboth Beach. Crafted from Dogfish Head’s iconic Punkin Ale and aged for over four year...
Salute summer's end by sipping on fall ales, savoring a good meal, and taking advantage of these Labor Day festivities at the beach.
Labor Day marks the unofficial end to Delaware’s summer beach season. If you’re trying to savor the end of summer, bookmark these 10 activities for Labor Day weekend.
releases the seasonal Punkin Liqueur on September 1, just in time for Labor Day sips in Milton and Rehoboth Beach. Crafted from Dogfish Head’s iconic Punkin Ale and aged for over four years in bourbon barrels, the spirit includes notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, vanilla, and brown sugar. Stop by the Milton Brewery or Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth for a sip.
6 Cannery Village Center, Milton 320 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
in Long Neck, situated on the water, has a full lineup of live entertainment in its tiki-style setting. Acts include Kristen & the Noise, Screamin Daisies, Cowboy (a Kid Rock tribute), The Greaseband, Gypsy Wisdom, and The Funsters.
27334 Bay Road, Long Neck
in Lewes offers brunch and a kid-friendly craft every Sunday. On August 31, kids can decorate their own bookmarks to get ready for all the books they’ll read during the school year. While the kids craft, adults can taste a variety of craft brews, a Crooked Blood Mary, or a mimosa flight.
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes
The Freeman Arts Pavilion is a great place to soak in summer vibes at the Delaware beaches. On Thursday, August 28, Andy Grammer will take the stage at 7 p.m. On Friday, August 29, Bill Blagg brings Family Magic to the stage, with over 60 minutes of nonstop magical fun for all ages. At 10 a.m. on August 30, Ran’D Shine will keep the family entertainment going with an interactive magic show. Changes in Latitudes, a Jimmy Buffett tribute act, will perform on Saturday at 7 p.m. The weekend closes out with pop/country artist Maren Morris on Sunday, August 31.
31806 Lake View Drive, Selbyville
The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand’s concert series winds down this weekend with Parrotbeach on Saturday. Enjoy Jimmy Buffett tunes and soak in the summer beach vibes in Rehoboth.
Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Labor Day is the last market of the season at . Featuring 100% handmade goods by local artists and artisans, live music, and local food, it’s a great way to spend an evening in Rehoboth Beach. Bid the season farewell with great bites, refreshing cocktails, and shopping for local art.
511 Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach
Celebrate Labor Day weekend with CAMP Rehoboth at the organization’s annual end-of-summer bash, . The weekend kicks off with a night of comedy on Saturday, August 30, headlined by Zach Zimmerman. On Sunday night, enjoy a night of dance featuring DJ Robbie Leslie and DJ Joe Gauthreaux. The two DJs will put on the ultimate dance party to close out the summer.
229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
At Palm Beach Bar and Grill, Mondays mean a fun piano bar happy hour experience. Catch Tony Sciuto live at the piano from 4-6 p.m., and chow down on happy hour bites and cocktails. What better way to wind down after a beach weekend?
18585 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach’s historic tradition of “” the summer returns this Labor Day with a joyous musical parade on the Boardwalk. Led by the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and Museum, the parade invites revelers with musical instruments of any variety to gather on the Boardwalk at 6 p.m. on Labor Day in front of the Henlopen Hotel. The ensemble will Pipe Out down the Boardwalk to the Bandstand. Even if you’re not a musician, the tradition is a fun way to close out the season, and the historical society provides kazoos for people without their own instruments.
511 Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach
The is scheduled for Monday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m. Inspired by the Jazz Funerals of New Orleans, the festival began as a tradition for the locals of the small coastal town and has grown into a fun, theatrical event. The procession will begin at the north end of Bethany’s boardwalk. The tradition is ideal for lovers of quirky fun, with many “mourners” draped in black garbs and carrying flowers as they give the summer season a “proper burial” and fond farewell.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk
Due to Hurricane Erin, some Delaware beaches will remain closed to swimming and fishing because of dangerous high surf and rip currents.A day after ocean access was closed in Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany beaches due to rough surf and rip tides from Hurricane Erin, more closures were announced along the Atlantic coastline in the First State.Here's what's closed on Aug. 22:Cape Henlopen State ParkClosures will remain in effect for all surf fishing drive-on crossings and swimming beaches due to high surf and unsafe ...
Due to Hurricane Erin, some Delaware beaches will remain closed to swimming and fishing because of dangerous high surf and rip currents.
A day after ocean access was closed in Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany beaches due to rough surf and rip tides from Hurricane Erin, more closures were announced along the Atlantic coastline in the First State.
Here's what's closed on Aug. 22:
Closures will remain in effect for all surf fishing drive-on crossings and swimming beaches due to high surf and unsafe conditions at Cape Henlopen State Park, according to the park's Facebook page. Monitoring will continue and updates will be provided when available.
See what the Delaware beaches look like right nowDelaware beaches will be replenished, but which ones and when?All drive-on surf fishing crossings remain closed at Delaware Seashore State Park and Fenwick Island State Park, it was announced on Aug. 22.
Due to high surf and rip currents, water access is closed at Towers Ocean and Fenwick Island State Park, it was anounced. Beginning at 10:15 a.m., water access was open at South Inlet Bay Area under yellow flag conditions, however the park warned that caution needs to be exercised due to rip currents, wind and waves.
The camp store at the South Inlet Campground will be closed at least through Aug. 23 due to flooding.
Hurricane Erin moved out to sea and well away from the Mid-Atlantic coast. However, Delaware is still being impacted by the storm.
Delaware's Atlantic coastline is under a high risk for rip currents. Tropical storm-force gusts are possible along the Delaware coast on Aug. 22, with breaking waves up to 12 feet in the seas.
Coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents will continue to be a concern on Aug. 22 despite Hurricane Erin pushing further out to sea, according to the National Weather Service.
Widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected again on Aug. 22 with the greatest impacts during this evening's high tide, according to the weather service.
There will be a high risk for dangerous rip currents and a high surf advisory "that will make the ocean very hazardous and life-threatening to anyone that decides to go into the water" on Aug. 22, the weather service said. A high risk for rip currents will likely continue into Aug. 23.
During that time, seas over the open water could reach between 8 to 12 feet.
Breaking waves in the surf zone could reach 6 to 8 feet on Aug. 22 and 3 to 5 feet on Aug. 23.
The Atlantic coastline of Delaware is facing a coastal flood warning. The warning runs through 2 a.m. Aug. 23 for Sussex and Kent counties. A coastal flooding advisory was issued for New Castle County until 2 a.m. on Aug. 23.
The combination of Erin and high tides will lead to 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways in inland Sussex County.
Due to storms brewing out in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s been a bad time for weeklong renters in the Cape Region. However, it’s been a good week for beachcombers. Strong winds and rough waves mean you never know what’s going to wash up on shore.My family falls into that beachcomber category, which is why my wife took the kids down to Rehoboth Beach around low tide on Tuesday while I was at work. They didn’t find anything too interesting, but they did come back with dozens of beach toys, even though the beach was g...
Due to storms brewing out in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s been a bad time for weeklong renters in the Cape Region. However, it’s been a good week for beachcombers. Strong winds and rough waves mean you never know what’s going to wash up on shore.
My family falls into that beachcomber category, which is why my wife took the kids down to Rehoboth Beach around low tide on Tuesday while I was at work. They didn’t find anything too interesting, but they did come back with dozens of beach toys, even though the beach was generally empty. There was a little bit of everything — shovels, buckets, an action figure, sand shifters and molds for sandcastles.
At breakfast the next day, we spent a few minutes trying to figure out why there were so many toys on the beach. We came up with two reasons – the toys are in the sand and being exposed, or the toys are out in the surf zone, churning away, until a storm brings them back to shore.
I reached out to Ed Hale, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware’s School of Marine Science and Policy, to see if he could help answer the question.
He said he suspected it was a combination of things — folks abandoning debris this summer and enhanced sea level rise as a function of storm activity versus sediment erosion.
Based on the data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s probe at the ferry terminal, it looks like the prevailing wind direction for Aug. 19 was east, said Hale. However, on Aug. 18, there was a lot of wind from east-northeast, which coupled with high tide, would send water up the beach with floating debris, he said.
“I wish folks would carry their toys home,” said Hale. “But it looks like your wife and kids have a good haul.”
Yes, it was a good haul, but more beach toys like these are about the last thing we need at our house.
A few weeks ago I was in Dewey Beach and noticed the hanging parking tag being used by the town this season is in the shape of a skimboard, and it has paw prints all over it. I stored it away in the memory bank for later use, because it’s a new take on an old policy.
Well, here I am with an explanation. I ran into Mayor Bill Stevens and his wife Janine on one of their walks around town while I was trying to get a photo of the tag hanging in the vehicle with the town’s big water tower in the background. Stevens credited Town Manager Bill Zolper with the switch.
When contacted on this pressing issue, Zolper said Dewey Beach is unique for two reasons — it’s known as the skimboarding capital of the world and as a dog-loving town. This was a new way to educate people about the town and a way for them to have a positive association with the town, he said.
Prior to being town manager, Zolper, who grew up in Dewey, worked for the FBI and as a government contractor. He said he used this association technique while stationed overseas when working with Afghans or Somalis. It’s a learning exercise, and it can be extremely helpful, he said.
The shape of the tag also makes the job easier for the parking ambassadors, said Zolper. Many vehicles can have a number of hanging tags on the mirror, but the unique board shape of Dewey’s tag means it can be identified quickly and the ambassador can move on, he said.
Last week at the Rehoboth city council meeting, something happened that I’ve never seen before, and I thought it was notable — a constituent brought in a cake for everyone to share at the end of the meeting.
Standing at the microphone during public comment, holding a yellow-frosted limoncello cake from Pasqualini’s Bakery, resident Nancy Doyle said the treat was a way for her and her husband to say, “Thank you,” to all the commissioners for their hard work and dedication to the city.
I’ve been covering small-town municipal governments for more than 20 years, and I do not remember that ever happening one time.
Apparently, Saturday, Aug. 30, is National Beach Day. According to multiple websites that curate holiday lists, it was started in 2014. I’ve never heard of it, but we’ve got a lot of beaches around here, so I thought this was appropriate. As always, send jokes to [email protected].
Q: Why did the beach turn red?
A: Because the seaweed.
Despite Hurricane Erin's powerful waves and swimming prohibition, the beaches were buzzing with people curious to see the true power of the ocean.The Delaware beaches were closed to swimmers on Aug. 21, which was a no-brainer because of the washing machine of 6-to-8-foot waves crashing into the areas swimmers typically occupy. Once the morning drizzle let up, people returned to the sand and boardwalks.The waves are expected to build to more than 10 feet during the evening of Aug. 21. As of 2:26 p.m., a buoy off Bethany Beach wa...
Despite Hurricane Erin's powerful waves and swimming prohibition, the beaches were buzzing with people curious to see the true power of the ocean.
The Delaware beaches were closed to swimmers on Aug. 21, which was a no-brainer because of the washing machine of 6-to-8-foot waves crashing into the areas swimmers typically occupy. Once the morning drizzle let up, people returned to the sand and boardwalks.
The waves are expected to build to more than 10 feet during the evening of Aug. 21. As of 2:26 p.m., a buoy off Bethany Beach was reading waves at 9.8 feet high.
Beachgoers walked backward on the sand toward the water in Rehoboth Beach, as a stiff northeast wind blew sand all over them. Many took videos, selfies and more, but few stayed on the windswept sand for more than a couple of minutes.
Randy and Vicky Skaradek are from Maryland but have been coming to Rehoboth Beach for 40 years. They've had a house in Lewes for 16 years, and were impressed with the waves while they watched from the sand on the afternoon of Aug. 21. They were surprised with the size of the breaking waves offshore.
"This is the biggest I've ever seen," Randy Skaradek said.
Watching over them was Rehoboth Beach lifeguard Rick Svitich, who was on the balcony of the city's new lifeguard headquarters on the boardwalk. He can see all the way down the beach, and lifeguards would occasionally be dispatched to the beach to whisk overcurious people from testing the water above ankle-height.
He said the swell has already flattened a drop-off on the beach and expected the high tide and building waves during the evening of Aug. 21 to bring the water close to or onto the boardwalk. He expects access to the ocean to remain limited toward the weekend because even though the swell may retreat, the rip current threat will linger.
"I'll expect them tomorrow, and probably into Saturday, even as the waves start to slow down; there's just so much water piled up on the beach that we got to let that wind die down and let some of that water get back out," he said.
He will be watching how high tide affects the beaches in the evening on Aug. 21 and in the morning on Aug. 22. He said Dewey was in more trouble than Rehoboth because of the bayside. Dewey Beach had already seen some high waves, and beach sheds were fortified with sand to limit damage from the expected surge of water.
There is a coastal flood warning in effect for Sussex County through the evening of Aug. 23. The building swell and howling onshore wind along with the high tide can bring flooding which may "become severe enough to cause structural damage along with widespread roadway flooding in coastal and bayside communities," according to the National Weather Service.
Do not drive through floods, and be prepared for rising waters if you are near the bay, ocean or a tidal waterway. Flooding is expected to peak the night of Aug. 21.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at [email protected].
(This story was updated to add videos.)
In an effort to end a lawsuit challenging the hiring of City Manager Taylour Tedder, Rehoboth Beach commissioners voted in favor of a few measures that are intended to make the lawsuit’s arguments moot.A lawsuit was filed roughly a year ago by residents alleging the city violated its charter and the Freedom of Information Act when discussing and voting on Tedder’s contract. In a decision issued in May, Vice Chancellor Bonnie W. David said claims that the city violated its charter could move forward.Among the require...
In an effort to end a lawsuit challenging the hiring of City Manager Taylour Tedder, Rehoboth Beach commissioners voted in favor of a few measures that are intended to make the lawsuit’s arguments moot.
A lawsuit was filed roughly a year ago by residents alleging the city violated its charter and the Freedom of Information Act when discussing and voting on Tedder’s contract. In a decision issued in May, Vice Chancellor Bonnie W. David said claims that the city violated its charter could move forward.
Among the requirements laid out in the city charter related to qualifications of a new city manager is one about candidates having at least four years of experience as a city manager. Tedder had been an assistant city manager for a number of years, but when he began his tenure with the city, he had two years and nine months as a city manager. Having now worked in Rehoboth since May 2024, he reached that four years of experience threshold Aug. 9.
Mayor Stan Mills introduced the agenda topic. First, he called the lawsuit, and its proposed settlement that included the resignation of two elected officials, political theater. Then he introduced the measures — ratifying Tedder’s hiring and his contract; acknowledging that Tedder has performed his obligations since being hired; and proposing a reclassification of Tedder in title only from city manager to acting city manager for the period of time he had worked up to the Aug. 15 meeting.
“During argument before the vice chancellor, regarding the motion to dismiss, she noted that once Mr. Tedder had accrued four years’ experience as a city manager, which he did recently, the remaining claims would be at least partly mooted,” said Mills. “The residents of the city have a significant interest in the timely and cost-effective resolution of the litigation; three motions are being presented today to end this litigation.”
Commissioner Suzanne Goode voted against all three measures. She accused the attorneys from Morris James, the law firm attorney representing the city in the lawsuit, of rewriting history. She also said Tedder shouldn’t be paid the contract’s salary for the period worked as acting city manager.
Commissioner Craig Thier said the city is being sued, and he understood why the measures were being brought forward, but he would be voting against the first and third ones. Over the course of the past year, he’s been very transparent about the process of hiring Tedder, and he would not have voted in favor of the compensation package in the beginning, he said.
“I do not support the contract, and I’m not going to change my mind today,” said Thier.
Nancy Doyle, a Country Club Drive property owner, said she supported the measures because Tedder has been doing the job and has done it well.
“He’s really doing a good job, and as a taxpayer, I would like some closure on this,” Doyle. “Maybe there was a mistake made when this was done, and I get that, but this is where we are.”
Ultimately, individual votes were held on all three measures, and all three passed.
Following the meeting, Mills said the favorable votes do not end the lawsuit, but he wasn’t exactly sure what the next steps would be in the process.
City Solicitor Lisa Borin Ogden said the results of the votes would be passed along to the attorneys from Morris James, and they would handle it from there.
302-409-3710
