The Best Memory Care Facilities in Fairfax, VA
Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Fairfax’s senior population continues to grow (18.56% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Fairfax, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 12.73% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 6.97%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.45% in Fairfax vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent nearly a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Fairfax. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Fairfax, VA
Table of Contents
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Fairfax, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
- Spent over 11 hours researching memory care facilities in Fairfax
- Read more than 40 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 3 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Fairfax, VA
Aarondale Community
- Resident Capacity:90
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice
- Base Pricing:Not Available
Aarondale Community is nestled on an idyllic campus next to Deerlick Park along State Route 617 in Springfield, Virgina, just minutes from Springfield Town Center and a short drive from Washington, D.C. As a Retirement Unlimited Incorporated (RUI) community, Aarondale offers residents lifelong learning opportunities through various RUI University courses and classes. The facilitys Inspiritas memory care neighborhood provides a secure, homelike environment for residents with cognitive challenges, where they can enjoy interactive art and relax in the private garden and courtyard areas. Through the facilitys Aarondale Ambassador program, new residents are provided with individualized orientation into the community to ease their transition. A Life Enrichment Department staff serves as the ambassador and becomes their immediate point of contact for any concerns and needs.
People rave about Aarondale Communitys exceptional service and amenities. A memory care residents family member writes, "Every step of the way, the staff at Aarondale has risen to the challenge in a very dedicated, caring way and have made my mother feel right at home There are lots of activities for her to try She gets regular physical therapy which helps her enormously.
- Reviews:5 out of 5 stars; 246 reviews
- Phone:(703) 813-1800
- Address:6929 Matthew Pl., Springfield, VA 22151
- Web:www.rui.net
Great Falls Assisted Living
- Resident Capacity:64
- Room Types:Studios, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Not Available
Great Falls Assisted Living is located in a quaint residential area along Virginia State Route 7 in Dranesville, close to the State Route 193 intersection and Fairfax County Parkway interchange. This memory care facility consists of four neighborhoods, and each one has its own living room, dining room, kitchen and convenient access to secure outdoor spaces with walking trails. The communitys Town Center brings residents together for a variety of activities. It houses the neighborhood center, creative arts studio, health center, beauty salon/barbershop and multipurpose hall for exercise classes, religious services and special events. Using a Montessori-based approach to memory care, Great Falls Assisted Living offers meaningful activities that support the residents wellness. The chef-prepared meals and snacks are well-balanced and dietitian-approved.
Family members are grateful for the excellent care provided by the staff at Great Falls Assisted Living. One reviewer shares, "Our dad has been here for over 2 years and has thrived. Every single staff member works hard to ensure the residents' safety and care. It feels like walking into a second family when I go in to see my dad.
- Reviews:4.4 out of 5 stars; 46 reviews
- Phone:(571) 266-1813
- Address:1121 Reston Ave., Herndon, VA 20170
- Web:www.greatfallsassistedliving.com
Tall Oaks Assisted Living
- Resident Capacity:165
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$4,095.00
Tall Oaks Assisted Living is located in a peaceful wooded campus, close to major roads and just about 2 miles from Reston Town Center and Reston Hospital Center. One of its unique amenities is the Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, which provides physical, speech and occupational therapy, as well as two in-house dementia and Parkinsons support groups. The facilitys Its Never Too Late (IN2L) portable computer system is designed for convenient use by seniors of all technology skill levels. The facilitys Rose Garden Memory Center features a light-filled sunroom and enclosed courtyard, providing a secure, homelike environment for residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Its Reflections Memory Care Program offers residents a range of up-to-date therapeutic experiences such as art, music and pet interaction and other activities for sensory stimulation.
Loved ones describe Tall Oaks Assisted Living to be a caring, inclusive facility. One reviewer shares, "The staff is upbeat and caring. They really take time to learn the names of residents and to relate to them on an individual basis. They are happy to answer the questions of family members and to communicate ways to improve the quality of life for the resident.
- Reviews:4.11 out of 5 stars; 49 reviews
- Phone:(703) 834-9800
- Address:12052 North Shore Dr., Reston, VA 20190
- Web:talloaksal.com
The Virginian
- Resident Capacity:49
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:Not Available
The Virginian is a memory care facility that focuses on residents' remaining skills, rather than the ones they've lost. It emphasizes giving residents as much choice in their daily lives as possible while creating a familiar, upbeat environment. Staff members hold regular meetings with residents and their loved ones to craft an environment that's conducive to keeping remaining skills sharp. Residents have access to a wide range of amenities, including walking trails, community trips and a computer suite. Activities are offered as part of the Lifestyle Promise program, which encourages mental and physical stimulation. Dining options are flexible, and residents can customize their meal plans in accordance with their individual dietary needs.
Residents appreciate the staff's attention to details and willingness to provide care, with one saying, "The people were very attentive, and the physical therapy was excellent." Loved ones are pleased with the facility's commitment to keeping them abreast of residents' situations, with one saying staff members, "Call me regularly with any updates or changes."
- Reviews:3.9 out of 5 stars; 60 reviews
- Phone:(703) 385-0555
- Address:9229 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22031
- Web:liveatthevirginian.com
Westminster at Lake Ridge a CCRC
- Resident Capacity:46
- Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Detached Homes
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:Not Available
Westminster at Lake Ridge is a continuing care retirement community located in serene surroundings, with close proximity to recreational and cultural attractions in the North Virginia and Washington, D.C. areas. The facility is manned by skilled professionals and provides a range of lifestyle choices that cater to different levels of care, from independent and assisted living to memory and skilled nursing care. It offers seniors life enrichment activities, including wellness programs, learning opportunities and outdoor trips. Residents stay fit and active at the fitness center, where a full-time fitness and wellness coordinator is on hand to develop a program appropriate for each resident. A variety of living options are available, which can be personalized according to a resident's style and preferences and maintained through weekly housekeeping services.
The facility is praised for its comfortable apartments, well-kept grounds and on-site amenities. People appreciate the helpful, encouraging staff and the variety of health services offered. Proximity to city amenities gets positive feedback, with one resident saying, "Metro is close enough for easy access to DC. This is just the sanest lifestyle for me at this time in my life. I've never met so many interesting, active, engaged old folks.
- Reviews:4.1 out of 5 stars; 56 reviews
- Phone:(703) 436-8122
- Address:12191 Clipper Dr., Lake Ridge, VA 22192
- Web:www.wlrva.org
