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Susan Smith Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN, makes nursing history in Delaware

Claudia Estrada March 18, 2025Headlines, Health, Town Square Live

WILMINGTON- Susan Smith Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN, is breaking new ground in the nursing field through her leadership and mentorship in the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). As the first nurse scientist to be named an INBRE site principal investigator and the first nurse to receive the prestigious Seema S. Sonnad Mentor of the Year Award, Birkhoff’s contributions …

The Balancing Act: How Milford Caregivers Juggle Work, Family, and Caring for a Loved One
As more families in central and southern Delaware take on caregiving roles, local experts say support, flexibility, and self-care are key to avoiding burnout. MILFORD, Delaware— For many families in Milford and throughout central and southern Delaware, caregiving is not an abstract concept — it is part of daily life. Whether caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a serious illness, or a loved one with disabilities, caregivers often balance demanding responsibilities at home while trying to maintain full-time employment and family commitments. That balancing act can take a toll. A recent AARP and S&P Global survey found that 67% of family caregivers nationwide struggle to manage both work and caregiving responsibilities, often reporting stress, guilt, exhaustion, and emotional strain. Locally, caregivers say the pressure can feel even heavier when support services are difficult to find or navigate. This article — part of an ongoing Milford LIVE series examining the caregiver experience — highlights practical strategies to manage stress while pointing readers to local resources, including Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford Wellness Village, Oasis Senior Care, and Delaware Hospice. Caregiving at Home: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone Caregiving is rarely meant to be a one-person job, yet many Milford-area caregivers find themselves managing everything from medical appointments and meals to finances and household maintenance. Experts recommend starting with a realistic assessment of what your loved one needs — and identifying where help can be shared. Sharing the Load Delaware Hospice, Easterseals, and Oasis Senior Care all encourage caregivers to list daily and weekly tasks and determine which responsibilities can be delegated. That may include asking a family member to manage paperwork, a neighbor to help with transportation, or arranging part-time in-home support. When loved ones live out of town or cannot provide hands-on care, financial contributions toward respite care or professional support services can ease the burden significantly. Caregivers are also encouraged to be specific when asking for help. A clear request — such as “Can you stop by Tuesday at noon to help with lunch?” — makes it easier for others to step in and provide meaningful assistance. Local Support in Milford: A Growing Network of Care Easterseals at the Milford Wellness Village One of Milford’s most important caregiving resources is Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, located within the Milford Wellness Village, a growing hub for health and community-based services. Easterseals offers a range of programs designed to support both caregivers and those receiving care, including adult day services, respite care, counseling, and caregiver support programs, as well as services for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. Crystal Baynard, a caregiver herself and a member of the Easterseals Community Outreach Program, said caregivers often put every ounce of energy into caring for others while neglecting their own needs. “Most caregivers fully devote themselves to the role of supporting and providing for their loved one,” Baynard said. “Having connections of their own by socializing with friends or family, finding the right support group, and not ignoring signs of stress or burnout are critical to the journey.” By offering services locally through the Milford Wellness Village, Easterseals helps reduce travel time and stress while strengthening community-based support for families throughout Sussex and Kent counties. Oasis Senior Care: Guidance When Families Need Direction In addition to hands-on services, many families need help understanding care options and coordinating next steps. Oasis Senior Care works with families as a consulting and care-planning resource, helping caregivers navigate complex healthcare decisions, coordinate services, and develop clear care plans as needs change. For caregivers feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, having professional guidance can provide clarity and confidence during difficult transitions. Planning Ahead Reduces Stress Unexpected medical events and sudden care needs are part of the caregiving reality. Preparing in advance can prevent last-minute panic. Experts recommend caregivers keep medical, legal, and financial documents organized and up to date, maintain a list of trusted contacts for emergencies or home repairs, and create a folder with medications, care instructions, and provider information. Preparation allows caregivers to respond calmly and decisively when challenges arise. Taking Care of the Caregiver Caregivers often put their own needs last — but burnout is one of the most serious risks they face. Even small, intentional breaks can help restore balance. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Short walks, quiet moments with coffee or tea, reading, stretching, or time with a pet can all help caregivers recharge. Experts recommend scheduling personal time on a calendar and treating it like an appointment that should not be skipped. Caregivers are also encouraged to resist the urge to be “perfect.” Managing a household, a career, and caregiving responsibilities simultaneously is not always realistic — and comparing one’s situation to others only adds unnecessary pressure. Every caregiving journey is different. Balancing Care and Work in the Milford Area For working caregivers, open communication with employers can make a meaningful difference. Many workplaces offer flexible schedules, remote or hybrid options, or Employee Assistance Programs. Caregivers should also be aware of their legal protections. Employees at workplaces with 50 or more staff members may qualify for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects caregivers from discrimination related to family responsibilities. Managing Stress and Staying Connected Chronic caregiving stress affects both physical and emotional health. Tools such as shared digital calendars, medication apps like CareZone, and structured routines can help bring order to busy days. Caregiver support groups — including those offered through organizations like Easterseals — help reduce isolation by connecting people facing similar challenges. Recognizing warning signs such as fatigue, irritability, sadness, or withdrawal and asking for help early can prevent long-term health problems. The Takeaway for Milford Families Balancing work, family, and caregiving is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about setting boundaries, planning ahead, asking for help, and using trusted local resources. For Milford families, organizations such as Easterseals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford […]
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Founder of Milford Wellness Village honored on National Rural Health Care Day by State and Community Leaders
Milford Wellness Village founder Meir Gelley named 2025 Community Star MILFORD, Del. — Mr. Meir Gelley, founder and owner of Milford Wellness Village, was honored Thursday morning with the 2025 Community Star award for his leadership in expanding services for older adults and improving access to care in rural Kent and Sussex counties. Gelley was recognized during a National Rural Health Day event at Milford Wellness Village from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Conference Center lobby at 200 Kings Highway in Milford. The celebration is being held by the Delaware Rural Health Initiative in partnership with members of the Governor’s Health Cabinet and local officials. Speakers included Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young, Office of Public Health Nursing Director Kyle Phillips, Milford Mayor F. Todd Culotta, and Bayhealth President and CEO Terry Murphy. Gelley is expected to address the delegation and share his vision for the Milford Wellness Village. The honor comes as southern Delaware continues to wrestle with deep-rooted healthcare challenges. Sussex County is one of the fastest-growing and oldest counties in the state, with more than a quarter of residents age 65 and older. Health assessments show higher-than-average rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, as well as persistent shortages of primary care, behavioral health, and specialty providers, particularly in rural communities. Limited public transportation, long travel distances to hospitals and clinics, and pockets of poverty and food insecurity create what advocates describe as “care deserts” for seniors, farmworkers, and low-income families. These gaps have prompted Governor Matt Meyers to launch a $1 billion rural health infrastructure plan to strengthen facilities and expand services in Kent and Sussex counties. Christen Linke Young, Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Health and Human Services reported that Delaware ranks last for access to primary care services, especially in Sussex County. Against that backdrop, Betsy Wheeler, Executive Director of the Delaware Rural Health Care Initiative, recognized that Meir Gelley and this team have taken action that has made Milford Wellness Village a model for how rural communities. Built on the former Milford Memorial Hospital site, the 264,000-square-foot campus at 21 W. Clarke Avenue now houses more than 25 healthcare and social service providers. The site is anchored by Polaris Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, a 150-bed skilled nursing facility offering post-acute care and therapies. Rather than simply replacing the hospital with a single nursing home, Gelley led the effort to create a multi-use wellness campus that brings together primary care, rehabilitation, behavioral health, adult and child day programs, pharmacy services, transportation, and social supports under one roof. The site has created over 750 jobs and provides services to 200 patients living at one of the providers every day. Gelley, CEO of Nationwide Healthcare Services, has described the approach as breaking down barriers between providers and patients. “This facility has walls, but imagine that it has no walls,” he has said. “Following a patient after they leave the home is what we found to be successful.” For seniors, the campus offers a practical path to aging in place by coordinating medical care, rehab, pharmacy and social programs in one location. Adult day services, transportation and the WeCare support program help families who are juggling work while caring for aging loved ones. The Village is also home to innovative programs such as PACE Your Life, launched in 2022 to help seniors remain in their homes while receiving comprehensive medical and social services. Mayor F. Todd Culotta points to the project’s economic impact as another reason for Gelley’s recognition. Transforming the former hospital into a wellness village preserved a key community asset, created more than 220 jobs, and continues to attract providers, nonprofits, and businesses to Milford’s downtown corridor. Culotta believes that Milford will soon become the Heart of Health Care in Sussex and Kent Counties. He concluded by saying, “It’s our industry now!” For Kent and Sussex counties, where hospitals and clinics are clustered in a few areas and rural residents often travel long distances for care, the Village offers what advocates call a “one-stop” hub. Seniors can see a primary care provider, attend rehab, pick up medications, participate in day programs, and connect with social services in a single trip. Executive Director Lon Kieffer says that an integrated, walkable campus is especially important in a county where there is roughly one primary care provider for every 2,000 residents, behavioral health services are limited, and families often rely on nonprofits and churches to close gaps in transportation, food, and basic needs. By pairing healthcare with education and workforce development programs, Milford Wellness Village is also helping train the next generation of nurses, therapists and support staff to serve in rural Delaware—an important step in addressing long-term workforce shortages. The 2025 Community Star award recognizes those efforts and Gelley’s role in turning a vacant hospital into what many now see as a lifeline for seniors and families in lower Delaware. The National Rural Health Day event is open to guests and community partners. Organizers say it is intended not only to honor Gelley but also to spotlight the continuing needs of rural residents and the role community-based hubs like Milford Wellness Village can play in closing care gaps.
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New Concept in Primary Care Expanding with Innovative Care Model: Village Primary Care is actively accepting families and seniors
Village Primary Care offers a patient-centered model designed for both busy families and aging adults who need more than a rushed appointment and a referral slip. MILFORD, Del. — As many Delaware families and seniors struggle to find a primary care provider, Village Primary Care at Milford Wellness Village is emerging as a growing option built around time, trust, and coordinated support — and it is actively welcoming new patients. Located at 21 W. Clarke Ave. on the Milford Wellness Village campus, Village Primary Care offers a patient-centered model designed for both busy families and aging adults who need more than a rushed appointment and a referral slip. The practice provides in-person and telehealth visits, a 24/7 emergency phone line, and convenient online scheduling, with an emphasis on continuity so patients regularly see the same provider. At the center of that approach is Executive Director and lead family nurse practitioner Kaitlin Fielder, APRN-FNP-C, who helped shape Village Primary Care around a simple standard: Care people the way you would care for your own family. “We built Village Primary Care to care for people the way we would want to be treated,” Fielder said. “Our focus is not how many patients we can see in an hour, but whether each person gets the right care, the time they deserve, and a plan that truly fits their life.” New patients typically receive 45 to 60 minutes for their first visit, allowing providers to review medical histories, medications, lifestyle factors, and family concerns in depth. “That investment up front”, Fielder said, “helps enable better diagnoses later and supports more effective long-term care.” Village Primary Care now cares for hundreds of families, offering wellness visits, chronic disease management, vaccinations, cancer screenings, Pap smears, minor procedures, and ongoing support for conditions common among seniors and multigenerational households. The practice accepts major insurance plans, including Medicare and widely used commercial carriers, making it an accessible option for residents across Kent and Sussex counties. To expand access while preserving its small-practice feel, Village Primary Care has added Nurse Practitioner, Juanquetta Howell, who brings experience serving patients in the Milford area. Howell’s local ties and primary care background help the practice offer more appointment availability while maintaining its relationship-based model. A Campus Built on Collaboration “What sets Village Primary Care apart,” Fielder said,” is that it does not operate in isolation.” As part of the Milford Wellness Village — a growing health and social services campus on the former Milford Memorial Hospital site — the practice is embedded in a network of providers that offer coordinated, wraparound support. Patients can conclude their appointment and walk around the corner of the hallway to Genoa Healthcare, the on-site pharmacy, to fill their prescription or receive vaccinations. If a patient needs more frequent care, Village Primary Care can engage “We Care” for ongoing check-ins, wellness support, and help managing chronic conditions or recovery needs. Fielder and Howell can help other seniors by introducing them to PACE Your Life, an All-Inclusive Daycare Program for Seniors, which further supports patients living in-home, providing comprehensive care designed to help seniors remain safely in their communities and enjoy their daylight hours at the Village. In addition to these partners, Village Primary Care works closely with other Milford Wellness Village providers, including rehabilitation, therapy, and social service organizations, to align care plans and remove barriers that often slow or derail treatment. “This is where the Village concept becomes real for our patients,” Fielder said. “If someone needs help managing medications, memory support, day services or rehab, we’re not just handing them a brochure. We can walk them next door to Genoa, refer them to We Care, or connect them with PACE Your Life and other partners who become part of their care team.” That warm handoff approach is especially critical for older adults, caregivers, and patients with complex medical and social needs, who are at higher risk of falling through the cracks between providers. “For an older adult living alone, or a family caring for both children and parents, having connected services in one place can be the difference between staying ahead of a problem and ending up in crisis,” Fielder said. A growing option for Milford-area families and seniors With Fielder’s leadership, Howell’s addition to the provider team and strong collaboration with partners such as We Care, Genoa Healthcare and PACE Your Life, Village Primary Care is positioning itself as a long-term primary care home for families and seniors who want consistent providers, longer visits and coordinated services close to home. “Families and seniors are looking for primary care that actually knows them,” Fielder said. “That’s what we’re building here in Milford — a place where patients aren’t just on a schedule, they’re part of our community.” Village Primary Care is currently accepting new patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 302-467-3200 or visit the 24/7 online booking portal.
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