One of the best things about retiring to Sussex County is the sense of community. People move here for the beaches, the slower pace, and the charm—but staying happy here long-term often comes down to something simpler: knowing where to turn when you need help, information, or support.
That’s where a program called NICHE comes in.
NICHE stands for Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders. It’s a national initiative that focuses on improving care for older adults by supporting nurses with education, tools, and evidence-based practices. In plain language: it’s about making sure older adults are understood, respected, and well cared for—whether they’re in the hospital or back at home living their lives.
A Guide That’s Actually Useful
One of the most practical outcomes of NICHE in Sussex County is the Senior Community Resource Guide, published by Beebe Healthcare. (Read more about NICHE at Beebe.) Think of it as a local “who do I call?” handbook—something you hope you won’t need right away, but you’ll be very glad to have when the time comes.
The guide brings together information on:
- Care coordination and pharmacy services
- Transportation options
- Community organizations serving older adults
- Support groups
- Services for adults aging with disabilities
Some of the resources may surprise you. For example, GoGo, a service inspired by someone’s grandmother, helps older adults get rides, groceries, and meals—no smartphone required. Another lesser-known gem is Delaware 211, a free service that connects people with essential local resources. Many longtime residents don’t even realize it exists until someone points it out.
Having this information in one place makes it easier to age in place with confidence—something many retirees in Sussex County say is important to them.
Why This Matters Here
Sussex County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and Delaware’s population is aging right along with it. Today, about one in four Delawareans is age 60 or older. By 2040, that number is expected to rise to nearly 34 percent. Those statistics aren’t just numbers—they represent neighbors, friends, and family members who want to stay active and engaged in the communities they love.
The Senior Community Resource Guide was created with that exact goal in mind: bringing care, information, and connections directly into the community.
The guide is coordinated by Logan Jarrell, BSN, RN, Beebe Healthcare’s Age-Friendly NICHE Coordinator in Delaware. (For anyone curious, BSN simply means Bachelor of Science in Nursing.) Her work focuses on older adults who may be at risk for hospital readmission, particularly those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
She’s also involved in creative, human-centered approaches to care—like Doll Therapy, a diversional activity that can bring comfort and calm to individuals with dementia. It’s a reminder that good care isn’t only about medicine; it’s about dignity and understanding.
Connecting Beyond the Hospital
Jarrell and her team don’t just work inside hospital walls. They regularly collaborate with 55+ communities, senior centers, and post-acute facilities throughout Sussex County. Their goal is education and connection—helping residents understand available resources before a crisis happens.
As Jarrell explains, there’s a dedicated Population Health and Care Coordination team that supports community education through workshops, seminars, educational sessions, and health screenings. These kinds of efforts quietly strengthen the fabric of life here, helping people feel supported rather than isolated.
A Local Perspective
Rehoboth Beach resident Phyllis Dillinger knows the NICHE program well from both a professional and personal perspective.
“I was introduced to the NICHE program when I was CEO of The Washington Home Foundation in DC,” she shared. “We allocated funds so hospitals could achieve NICHE accreditation. When I recently met Logan and learned Beebe had this accreditation, I was really impressed.”
Dillinger now leads a local organization that provides health-related information to gay women 50+. Her message applies to everyone aging in Sussex County:
“All seniors need to know what resources are available here—so when the time comes, they know who to contact, when to reach out, and how to get the help they need to continue aging in place.”
Loving Life Here Means Staying Informed
Retiring to southern Delaware isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how supported you feel while living there. Programs like NICHE, and resources like the Senior Community Resource Guide, quietly help make Sussex County a place where people can not only retire, but truly thrive.
Knowing what’s available—and knowing you’re not alone—goes a long way toward loving life right here at home.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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