News and Information
November 15, 2023
Fairfax County’s Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) received high marks and words of praise from caregivers in a recent survey conducted by the department.
Seventy-eight percent of respondents told ADHC they are “very satisfied” with the care their loved one receives at ADHC. Most respondents said their family member has been able to remain at home in the community as a result of attending ADHC. A majority also said ADHC has helped their loved one’s mood and behavior, and caregivers themselves have benefitted from their family member’s attendance.
The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services operates four ADHC centers: Herndon Harbor, Lewinsville, Lincolnia and Mount Vernon. ADHC enables adults with dementia due to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or a vascular issue, as well as those who have physical impairments or intellectual disabilities, to live their best life — at home, with their family. The skilled and experienced staff meet the medical needs of participants and create programs to boost memory, socialization and movement.
ADHC Program Manager Marjorie Burris says the program is a good option for families because of its 6:1 ratio, licensed nursing staff and sliding-fee scale. She says it has proven to be a “win-win” for families – not only for the client but also for the family member in need of respite.
“When trying to be ‘the perfect caregiver,’ it can impact your ability to make informed decisions about the best care for your loved one,” she said. “While at-home care is a nice option to think about, it can limit your loved one’s ability to learn and improve their cognitive senses.
“ADHC offers both a safe and healthy environment for people with dementia. By admitting your loved one into an Adult Day Health Care center, you’re not just dropping him/her off for someone else to handle; you’re allowing him/her to socialize with others and preserve independence. Adult Day prides itself on its diverse selection of activities and health services to give caregivers and their loved ones as much comfort as possible.”
The survey, conducted in spring 2023, received 33 responses. Caregivers’ answers to the question “What are we doing well?” included:
Adding meaning and challenges to her daily life.
Taking care of my wife and giving her a place to belong.
Providing a mentally stimulating environment.
Just being there for us means a lot.
The staff takes great care of her while she is there.
The four locations are as follows. To learn more about ADHC and inquire about current availability, visit Fairfax County Adult Day Health Care, email adultday@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 571-585-2790, TTY 711.
Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care (waitlist as of 11/13/23)
875 Grace Street
Herndon, VA 20170
703-435-8729, TTY 711
Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care (waitlist as of 11/13/23)
1611 Great Falls Street
McLean, VA 22101
703-734-1718, TTY 711
Lincolnia Adult Day Health Care (spaces available as of 11/13/23)
4710 N. Chambliss Street
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-914-1372, TTY 711
Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care (spaces available as of 11/13/23)
8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 137
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-704-6050, TTY 711
November 6, 2023
Help feed Fairfax County families in need without leaving the house. This year, giving has never been easier as the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus campaign has gone virtual. From Nov. 1-30, 2023, individuals and community groups can make monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County.
This is the 12th year that Fairfax County Government has partnered with local non-profits. In previous years, the campaign has centered around people placing physical donations of shelf-stable foods directly inside FasTran buses parked outside grocery stores or libraries – literally stuffing the bus with goods. While that will still be offered for the Winter 2024 Stuff the Bus campaign, the virtual food drive will help prepare Fairfax County’s non-profit food access partners for the busy holiday season.
Information on the community partners and the virtual drive is available at Stuff the Bus Virtual Food Drive.
The campaign coincides with Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors designated Nov.11-18, 2023 (the week before Thanksgiving), as Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week to raise awareness about the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness in Fairfax County.
The Capital Area Food Bank’s 2023 Hunger Report reveals multiple and compounding factors that have driven food insecurity to remain at staggeringly high levels. Inequitable economic recovery from the pandemic, inflation, and the end of many federal benefit programs make it difficult for families to put food on the table. According to the Capital Area Food Bank Survey, it’s estimated that 24% of Fairfax County residents are food insecure.
“We are thrilled that the Fall Stuff the Bus campaign will feature virtual donations because it opens up the opportunity to give to so many folks who might not be able to make it out to one of our buses for an in-person campaign,” said Ramona Carroll, the Equity Program Manager for the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
‘In addition to convenience for the donors, it helps the non-profits receiving the contributions because they can use the funds to purchase fresh and culturally-appropriate foods for the neighborhoods they serve.”
The virtual Stuff the Bus campaign runs through Nov. 30. The in-person Stuff the Bus campaign returns to grocery stores and community locations in Jan. 2024. For more information, visit Stuff the Bus.
November 1, 2023
Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services invites public input on a request to grant SevaTruck Foundation use of the kitchen at Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean, VA. A series of public meetings will be held from November 2023 to January 2024.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors suspended any provisions that would otherwise preclude a temporary use or structure needed to respond to the emergency.
This action permitted the non-profit organization SevaTruck to access the Lewinsville Senior Center kitchen to prepare meals on site for communities that were highly impacted by COVID-19 and to remain in effect no longer than 12 months after the Board of Supervisors terminated the local state emergency. Nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals were served on site to the local community and off-site for children attending Title 1 schools, low income and marginalized communities and homebound residents across Fairfax County.
SevaTruck currently serves meals to communities in Mt. Vernon, Annandale, Falls Church, Fairfax, McLean, Herndon, Reston and Tysons. SevaTruck staff and volunteers have access to the center’s refrigerator, freezer and pantry to prepare 1,800 meals a week. SevaTruck serves a crucial role in addressing hunger and food insecurity and has a deep understanding of the communities it serves.
The community is invited to attend one of four information sessions to learn more about the request and provide input. Information sessions will be held on the following dates/times.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 (11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.), VIRTUAL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89347159962
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 (7 – 8:30 p.m.), VIRTUAL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89347159962
Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 (2:30 – 4 p.m.), Lewinsville Senior Center: 1613 Great Falls Street, McLean, VA
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 (6 – 7:30 p.m.), VIRTUAL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89347159962
For more information, contact NCS@fairfaxcounty.gov.