Earlier this month, in connection with public health awareness week, the Fairfax County Health Department opened the doors of its five adult day health care centers to generate public interest in daily senior care.
Described as an alternative to institutionalization, the county's adult day health care program is designed to meet the needs of the growing demand for community-based care for seniors with declining health and adults with disabilities.
Through the five day a week program, participants receive health monitoring, nutritious meals, exercise and social interaction.
"My mom's doing something more than just sitting around the house," said Annette Warden, whose 97 year old mother attends a center in Herndon.
"I have noticed that she is more alert at home after having been here," she said. "On the weekends, without stimulation, I notice she dozes more in her chair or she doesn't sleep as well in the evenings."
Warden said she and her husband moved to the area more than 20 years ago from upstate New York.
Because her father died during the move, they moved her mother as well.
Since then her mother's health has declined — due to complications with blood pressure medications and a recent fall requiring her to receive physical therapy — causing her to worry about who would care for her while she and her husband worked.
"The center was a godsend," said Warden. "I was able to work for a couple more years because of it."
IN ADDITION to providing her mother with proper care and medical attention, Warden said her mother enjoys the program, being around people her own age and the daily activities.
"We serve a broad range of people including people with mild to moderate dementia," said Terri Morris, center nurse coordinator for the Herndon day health care center. "We have a ratio of six patients to every one staff person."
Morris explained through the program, which operates from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is open to Fairfax County, Falls Church and Fairfax City residents, seniors receive care while still living at home or with a family member.
"They are being physically and mentally stimulated, while families appreciate the program because it gives them time to get things done," she said. "I have never been in a job that makes me feel so helpful."
In addition to offering reprieve, the program enables adults to maintain as much independence as possible while reducing any feelings of loneliness or isolation, according to the health department.
For Charles Perrone, a Herndon Harbor House resident, he said the program helps him care for his wife of 56 years, Phyllis, who has severe memory loss.
"When I come down here I feel so young," joked Perrone. "They say to feel young you should come hang out with old people."
Family members or caregivers interested in learning more about the adult day health care centers and fees that are based on a sliding scale, can call one of the five centers.
Locations include Annandale, 703-750-3316; Herndon, 703-435-8729; McLean, 703-734-1718; and two Alexandria centers, Lincolnia, 703-914-0226 and Mount Vernon, 703-799-8570.