November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor family members caring for an older adult or person with disabilities. According to the National Council on Aging, more than 53 million Americans are serving as family caregivers, an economic value of more than $470 billion. In Virginia, 980,000 people provide regular care or assistance to a family member, says an AARP report.

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services’ mission is to partner with communities, families and individuals to provide opportunities to access a continuum of resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities. To meet that mission, NCS has a variety of services for older adults and persons with disabilities aimed at relieving the stress on family caregivers. Among them:

Adult Day Health Care – NCS’ four Adult Day Health Care locations enable adults with dementia or physical or intellectual disabilities to live their best life at home with their families. Trained staff focus on the whole person’s intellectual, physical and social needs with engaging activities and games that promote memory care while fostering social interaction. Participants often show better sleep and mood, which provides peace of mind for caregivers. Learn more.

Transportation Support – The Transportation Options, Programs and Services (TOPS) program provides subsidized transportation for eligible older adults, enabling them to travel affordably, safely and independently. Learn more.

Inclusion Services at NCS Senior Centers - Inclusion services for older adults allow seniors with minor cognitive and physical disabilities to actively participate in the day-to-day activities at Fairfax County Senior Centers. The program is provided in partnership with ServiceSource – a local non-profit organization with extensive background in supporting older adults and adults with disabilities. Learn more.

Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA) – This multiagency partnership is designed to enrich the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities in while combatting isolation. Participants can connect with peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources though live, interactive programs or prerecorded programs on-demand. Learn more. 

Additional Support – The Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) Adult and Aging Division has many programs and resources to support family caregivers, including free webinars, respite and support services, and supports for caregivers of persons with dementia. For more information call the  Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line at 702-324-7948, TTY 711or visit Family Caregiver Support Programs.

 DFS is supporting the 38th Annual Caregiver’s Conference “Navigating the Journey: Adjusting the Sails in Dementia Caregiving” on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at the Fairfax County Government Center.