It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Old Town Alexandria Waterfront in Alexandria, VA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Alexandria, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We recently moved my mom to Virginia, and Always Best Care was right there to”
“When I contacted Always Best Care, my primary need was reliable, safe transportation to and”
“Rashid and his team from Always Best Care of Fairfax were truly partners with our”
“Always Best Care has done an amazing job caring for my elderly mother. Daniel specially”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care! We have been using their services since August when”
“Always Best Care was a godsend for our family. When my dad needed immediate care,”
“Rashid and his staff are outstanding! They made it possible to transport my 96”
“Our experience with Always Best Care has been truly great. Rashid has been a”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and the owner Rashid Farrell. We”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and the owner Rashid Farrell. We”
“If you're looking for care for a loved one and don't know who to trust,”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From our initial consultation through ongoing care, they”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers!”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia.”
“We recently moved my mom to Virginia, and Always Best Care was right there to help us every step of the way. My mom has Alzheimer’s, and we were unsure how to move her safely and calmly, especially since she didn’t fully understand what was happening. Traveling by plane and arriving at National Airport added another layer of stress. Jonathan connected us with Bruce from Always Best Care in South Carolina, and together, both offices and our family coordinated Mom’s move. The South Carolina staff was great, and Mom’s caregiver moved her schedule around so she could travel with Mom. She was incredibly kind and gentle and stayed with Mom throughout the entire flight. Always Best Care also recommended medical transportation from the airport to her new facility. The driver was compassionate and took great care to make sure Mom was comfortable and safe. In the days following, another kind and compassionate caregiver immediately connected with Mom and helped make her transition to her new home a wonderful experience. Always Best Care was truly the answer our family needed. We are so thankful to Jonathan and Rashid for helping us navigate this difficult season and for treating Mom with such genuine kindness, dignity, and care. We highly recommend Always Best Care!”
“When I contacted Always Best Care, my primary need was reliable, safe transportation to and from a medical appointment. From the outset, Mr. Rashid Farrell went beyond simply arranging a ride. Mr. Farrell, along with a nurse, took the time to review my medical background and conduct a thorough health assessment to ensure my safety and comfort. This personalized approach gave me confidence that my well-being was their top priority. Even though my transportation needs later changed, the company’s commitment to quality and care remained consistent. They adapted seamlessly to my new requirements, maintaining the same level of attention to detail. The staff’s professionalism, empathy, and genuine concern for my needs made the experience not just convenient, but truly caring. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone seeking transportation services that combine reliability with compassionate, individualized care. They have earned my trust and loyalty!”
“Rashid and his team from Always Best Care of Fairfax were truly partners with our family as we together provided care for my husband when he needed it. As my husband's care needs increased, ABC never failed to step up to provide the additional services and dedicated care necessary and, when needed, the recommendations for rehab and other outside services. Rashid is the kindest, most patient and most responsive owner/operator of any business I have ever worked with - both in healthcare and otherwise. I cannot imagine having gone through this part of our lives without Rashid and his team. Ms. Martine was also always very responsive every time she was needed, often as an emergency and after hours. Ms. Genet was with us the longest and we were always happy to see her. In her low-key professional manner, she successfully encouraged him to do all he could with physical therapy and other activities. Ms. Stacey spent many long hours with us and was always patient and supportive to both of us and provided excellent care as did Ms. Benica and Ms. Salay. Ms. Jidy was with us at the end of our journey and was truly a Godsend to both of us. I will be forever grateful to Rashid and his team and will never forget their dedication, support and kindness to us.”
“Always Best Care has done an amazing job caring for my elderly mother. Daniel specially has been an outstanding, dedicated helper throughout these months of struggle and complexity”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care! We have been using their services since August when we moved my mom into assisted living. She needed a lot of extra personal help, and we weren’t quite sure how the transition would go, but Rashid ensured that from the moment she arrived at her new home, she had a caregiver there to help her. All of the care professionals from Always Best have been warm, nurturing and professional, but the two who have been with my mom the longest, Ms.Jidy and Ms Shanice, have played a critical role in helping my mom adapt to her new home and be healthy. Beyond caring for her personal physical needs, they have helped her make friends, made sure she attended fun activities and went on excursions, took her outside to enjoy the sunshine, reminded her to do her exercises, and more. They have noticed when something is “off” with her and she isn’t quite herself, and have notified the nurses they suspect some medical attention is needed. My mom’s quality of life is definitely better due to their care, and my family has peace of mind knowing they are with her. Additionally, Rashid and Ron are incredibly thoughtful, professional and communicative, which we really appreciate. We are so glad we made the decision to use Always Best!”
“Always Best Care was a godsend for our family. When my dad needed immediate care, Mr. Rashid and his team stepped in with kindness, skill, and professionalism. I knew Always Best Care was different right from the initial assessment. Mr. Rashid, the owner, came with a nurse to meet my father, and together they quickly earned his trust. Other agencies had done similar assessments, but their staff barely interacted with him. The Always Best Care team, on the other hand, engaged with my dad and encouraged him to do things he hadn’t done in months — walking, stretching, showering, even playing word games. Their expertise and compassion gave me peace of mind, knowing my dad was not only being cared for but also gently challenged in ways I couldn’t manage on my own. My dad especially loved Ms. Renette, whose patience and kindness won him over, and Ms. Bouchra, who motivated him to stretch and walk outside after months of not doing so. Thank you, Always Best Care, for supporting our family and helping make such a difficult time easier and kinder.”
“Rashid and his staff are outstanding! They made it possible to transport my 96 year old mother-in-law from Virginia to New Jersey so she could attend our wedding. The aide that was with my mother-in-law for the entire weekend went over and above. We would recommend Always best Care Senior Services to anyone that wants the best care for their loved ones”
“Our experience with Always Best Care has been truly great. Rashid has been a source of support and we are grateful! In particular, he was very helpful in helping us select a senior living facility for our parents. He did all the leg work in narrowing down our list to those he felt matched our requirements and then helped us tour the finalists . This allowed us to make an informed decision and we are very happy with the results . Rashid cares deeply about the welfare of his clients and goes above and beyond to provide what is best for them!”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and the owner Rashid Farrell. We were searching for in home care for our aging parents so that we could keep them in the home they love for as long as possible. We began our search with our parent's primary physician, and he provided us with the names of a couple of agencies...one being Always Best Care. We spoke with Rashid about the type of care we were looking for and the specific needs of our parents and he listened carefully and provided wonderful insight and advice to us. He explained how and why he got into this particular business and it was mostly because of his own experience wanting the best care for his parents as they aged. He approaches his business from a caring and compassionate place and provided a care plan specific to our needs. He even found us a night caregiver in just a few short hours in the evening after our mom fell and broke her scapula and the hospital needed to release her ... at that time, we only had care from 9 to 5. He follows up constantly...checking in to make sure we are happy with the service we are getting. He also helped us transition our parents to an assisted living facility when the time came. His caregivers are kind and responsible. Our parents became very fond of Ms. Almaz as she was their main caregiver, but they also enjoyed the company of Ms. Salay, Ms. Stacy, Ms. Millie and Ms. Renette. If I had to do this all over again, I would definitely use Always Best Care...The name is appropriate because Rashid does provide the absolute Best Care for our aging loved ones!”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and the owner Rashid Farrell. We were searching for in home care for our aging parents so that we could keep them in the home they love for as long as possible. We began our search with our parent's primary physician, and he provided us with the names of a couple of agencies...one being Always Best Care. We spoke with Rashid about the type of care we were looking for and the specific needs of our parents and he listened carefully and provided wonderful insight and advice to us. He explained how and why he got into this particular business and it was mostly because of his own experience wanting the best care for his parents as they aged. He approaches his business from a caring and compassionate place and provided a care plan specific to our needs. He even found us a night caregiver in just a few short hours in the evening after our mom fell and broke her scapula and the hospital needed to release her ,,,at that time, we only had care from 9 to 5. He follows up constantly...checking in to make sure we are happy with the service we are getting. He also helped us transition our parents to an assisted living facility when the time came. His caregivers are kind and responsible. Our parents became very fond of Ms. Almaz as she was their main caregiver, but they also enjoyed the company of Ms. Salay, Ms. Stacy, Ms. Millie and Ms. Renette. If I had to do this all over again, I would definitely use Always Best Care....The name is appropriate because Rashid does provide the absolute Best Care for our aging loved ones!”
“If you're looking for care for a loved one and don't know who to trust, look no further. Rashid and his team of caregivers at Always Best Care Senior Services provided top-notch care for my 88-year-old mother over the course of several weeks. I was impressed by Rashid's professionalism, responsiveness, and dependability. When I first contacted him, he took the time to meet with me and my mother at her residence to better understand our needs. He always managed to line up high-quality caregivers, often on short notice. My mother was not in a good place mentally and resisted receiving care from strangers, yet she told me she was pleased with each of the caregivers that Rashid sent her way. My thanks to Ms. Martine, Ms. Barbara, Ms. Gidy, and Ms. Anna. They drove my mother to various appointments, helped her communicate with her healthcare providers, and supported her emotionally. I should also mention that the billing process was straightforward and transparent, with no surprises. Finding care for a loved one can be daunting and scary. You won't be disappointed if you turn to Rashid and his team.”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From our initial consultation through ongoing care, they demonstrated true professionalism at every step. Rashid, in particular, provided a comprehensive view of the professional care and service, while always treating our family with genuine dignity and respect. The company also actively helped connect us with other vendors and resources we needed, making the whole experience seamless and a little less overwhelming. The care professionals they provided were top-notch - reliable, skilled, and compassionate, with many of them having years of professional and nursing care. Their team clearly understands that quality care extends beyond just the basics - it's about creating a comprehensive support network. If you're looking for a care provider that truly partners with you and delivers excellence, Always Best Care is the right choice.”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my mother transitioned from one memory care to another. She needed a little extra support during this big change and we were referred to Always Best. The owner Rashid, is one of the most professional, kind, knowledgable and detail oriented people I have ever worked with. We have used 2 other home care companies in the past, and the customer service Rashid provided was absolutely above and beyond. He was very communicative and updated me every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for my mom. He made sure we had the appropriate care professionals who could fit our specific needs as well. His care team was top notch and we were thrilled with the care my mom received during this time. Ms. Monse, Ms. Judy, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Ling and Ms. Esther were all wonderful and made a valiant effort to keep my mom on her routine throughout the day while also keeping her stimulated. We are so thankful we found Always Best Home care services and would 100% wholeheartedly recommend Rashid and his team.”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of Always Best Care Senior Services. For those individuals facing the challenge of taking care of an elder relative, Always Best Care is more than just a nursing / care service - they are a support network. I wanted to make a special call out to Ron, Shanti, and Mary for their hard work and dedicated care for my mother. I truly appreciate all your help during these challenging and stressful times. Sincerely, Todd”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the family feel safe and secure. Dr. T Talbert”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients and truly does all he can to make them and their loved ones happy. I highly recommend using Always Best Care to care for anyone in need of care.”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home care for my father following a recent surgery. Rashid and his team were responsive, caring, extremely communicative, and super flexible with our evolving needs and schedule changes, helping us navigate a challenging time with grace and support. We are really grateful and would highly recommend them to others in the area.”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her insurance to provide me time to do things I needed to do. We have had the same caregivers for the past 3 years and we love them!! Brenda C. is absolutely terrific!! Jeanine is fabulous!! From the start, they have worked with and around our schedules, especially when we have had changes. Working with Scott M. the original manager/owner, and now with Rashid F., the new manager/owner has been really easy and enjoyable. Everyone as been easy-going and helpful.”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological condition that affects my movement and balance. My caregiver has helped me make doctor appointments and attend weekly yoga. My caregiver is always punctual. I highly recommend the company.”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was so worried about how he would manage, especially since I couldn’t always be there due to work, but he was in amazing hands. The caregivers were compassionate, attentive, and made his recovery process so much easier. Knowing he was well cared for gave me peace of mind. I highly recommend their services!”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful with taking me to doctor's appointments, to the pharmacy, and entertaining my free time by playing cards. Rashid, the owner, has been so helpful, so understanding, and so kind and has helped me tremendously in my caring. I would recommend Always Best Care of Fairfax!”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses Medicaid, but they were very kind and helpful in connecting us with another agency who accepts Medicaid, and followed up with us to make sure we had reached the other agency.”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers! From the first day the emphasis was always on our father and how they could meet his needs and keep him comfortable. They took care of our dad as if he was a member of their family. The caring starts at the top with Rashid, who is amazing. He knew my father well and visited him often, always keeping us informed. He would be at the house to orient new care team members and introduce them to our father including weekends and shift change at 8 pm. When we could not be with our father, we knew he was in great hands. We were so fortunate to have found Rashid and his wonderful team of caring and empathetic caregivers, they were a blessing to us during a very difficult time.”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia. She has received in-home services from Always Best Care for several years. Her home care aide, Brenda, helped my friend with things like organizing her files, paying bills, finding and keeping track of her things, canceling subscription items bought online and then not remembered, medication management, etc. She was kind, patient, and highly flexible. The company owner has also been wonderful to work with; kind, patient, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend ABC Senior Services!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ada's on the River or visit Carlyle House Historic Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Alexandria, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Alexandria, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Alexandria, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
UPDATE — SEPT. 21: WMATA now lists midday single-tracking on both the Yellow and Blue lines between Reagan National Airport and Pentagon City on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Riders should allow extra time. The full Yellow Line shutdown returns Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26–27.ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Metro riders will need a different plan this weekend: no Yellow Line trains will operate Saturday or Sunday.Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority trac...
UPDATE — SEPT. 21: WMATA now lists midday single-tracking on both the Yellow and Blue lines between Reagan National Airport and Pentagon City on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Riders should allow extra time. The full Yellow Line shutdown returns Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26–27.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Metro riders will need a different plan this weekend: no Yellow Line trains will operate Saturday or Sunday.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority track work will suspend Yellow Line service on Sept. 19–20. The same service pattern will return the following weekend, Sept. 26–27, according to a Sept. 17 City of Alexandria transportation notice.
Alexandria’s stations will not be left without rail service. Blue Line trains will alternate their destinations between Franconia-Springfield and Huntington.
That means riders at Huntington, Eisenhower Avenue, King Street–Old Town, Braddock Road and Potomac Yard should check the destination displayed on each train rather than assuming every Blue Line train follows the same route.
There is another important change: transfers will not be available at Pentagon station during the work.
Passengers who normally use the Yellow Line for a direct trip toward L’Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place or Mount Vernon Square should allow extra travel time and check WMATA’s trip planner before leaving.
The altered service is scheduled for two sets of dates:
WMATA says the interruption is needed for planned track maintenance. Riders can review the official service map and check the agency’s planned track-work page for the latest information.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday unveiled a data center accountability framework and signed an executive order putting parts of it into effect immediately, in what her office called the most aggressive effort of its kind in the country.None of that changes the project at Alexandria's western edge, which Fairfax County approved by right before the framework existed.The centerpiece for localities is a proposal to eliminate by-right approval and require local approval of any data center using more than 2...
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday unveiled a data center accountability framework and signed an executive order putting parts of it into effect immediately, in what her office called the most aggressive effort of its kind in the country.
None of that changes the project at Alexandria's western edge, which Fairfax County approved by right before the framework existed.
The centerpiece for localities is a proposal to eliminate by-right approval and require local approval of any data center using more than 25 megawatts of power, regardless of prior project approvals. By-right development means a project that meets zoning requirements can proceed without a discretionary vote.
The framework would also require community benefits agreements between operators and local communities, end state subsidies for data centers in Virginia's site development programs, and remove future large projects from the state's fast-track permitting process.
Executive Order 22, signed Thursday, bans executive branch agencies and employees under the governor's supervision from entering into or requiring non-disclosure agreements for data center projects. It also directs the state to create a planning and community engagement toolkit for local governments, expedite noise regulations, and review diesel and other backup generation.
Other pieces would require utilities to allocate a larger share of transmission and generation costs to data centers and other large power users, limit how much electricity data centers can generate from on-site natural gas, and set standards meant to keep sudden swings in their demand from destabilizing the grid.
The order also creates a state artificial intelligence task force focused on workforce displacement, data privacy and cybersecurity.
Most of the framework requires legislation. Spanberger said she will bring it to the 2027 General Assembly session, which convenes in January. Nothing in it would undo an approval a locality has already granted.
Starwood Capital Group's Plaza 500 project sits on 34 acres off Edsall Road in Fairfax County, feet from Alexandria's western border and from homes in the Bren Mar neighborhood. Dominion engineers told a Mason District committee in July that the substation is designed to supply 176 megawatts, seven times the threshold in Spanberger's framework. Starwood has filed plans for the first of two buildings, a 226,469-square-foot structure standing 75 feet tall.
The campus is permitted under Fairfax County's light industrial zoning, so it never went before a public body for a vote. House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, who represents part of Alexandria's West End, has told constituents the development is by right based on the property's zoning.
That is the arrangement the governor's framework would end. Under it, a project of that size could not proceed by right regardless of prior approvals, and would require a local approval vote.
Alexandria's rules already work that way. Planning and Zoning Director Paul Stoddard told the Alexandria Times that a data center inside the city would have to be approved by City Council and could not be built by right.
The only public hearing tied to the project is on Dominion Energy's application for the substation that would power it. That hearing was set for Sept. 24 before Dominion asked the Fairfax County Planning Commission to move it to Dec. 2, saying it needed time to answer questions about noise levels, lighting and electromagnetic field emissions. The Save Bren Mar Coalition, which opposes the project, called the delay "a stall tactic meant to quiet public outcry."
Opposition has come from several directions. Alexandria's City Council formally asked the county to deny the substation in an Aug. 3 letter from Mayor Alyia Gaskins, arguing that heavy industrial use that close to dense housing is reason to reject it. Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez has asked the commission to recommend denial. U.S. Rep. Don Beyer wrote the commission on July 30 asking it to deny the application, citing "serious concerns about the potential impact of this project on residents." A coalition of 33 civic and environmental groups has urged county planning staff to recommend denial, arguing Starwood and Dominion have not explored alternatives such as co-locating at the nearby Van Dorn substation.
The Save Bren Mar Coalition says the substation would sit 67 feet from the closest homes.
The city has no vote. The land is in Fairfax County.
Starwood has defended the project. A spokesperson for Starwood Digital Ventures told the Alexandria Times the redevelopment is "an essential opportunity for Fairfax County to replace what was once an active, industrial site with a less obtrusive investment," and said the company is working with Dominion and the county to keep the substation "community-conscious and low-impact." Dominion says the substation is needed to serve the site and will improve reliability for surrounding neighborhoods.
The framework also touches something Alexandria residents are already paying for. The proposal to shift more transmission and generation costs onto large power users is aimed at residential ratepayers across the state, including Dominion customers here. Bren Pointe residents argued to the State Corporation Commission, which approved the transmission line serving the site in August 2025, that demand from the data center would raise their bills.
Two legislators quoted in the governor's announcement have Alexandria connections. Del. Alfonso Lopez, D-3rd, whose district covers part of southern Arlington and northern Alexandria, called the executive action "a very positive step forward for any Virginian who values environmental protection and clean energy" and said he expects to work on legislation in the coming session. Lopez chairs the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee.
Sen. Jeremy McPike, Alexandria's director of general services, said a new approach is needed "to put Virginians and our neighborhoods first." McPike represents a Prince William County district, where data center development has been among the most contested in the state.
Spanberger's office says the framework builds on the nation's first statewide energy consumption tax on data centers, signed earlier this year, and on more than a dozen bills tightening rules on backup generators and water use.
The legislation she wants would have to pass the General Assembly in 2027. Republicans and industry groups have resisted some earlier proposals, and the framework's cost-allocation provisions would run through the State Corporation Commission, which regulates Dominion.
Whether Alexandria's delegation carries any of it, and whether the city presses for it, is an open question. Neither the mayor's office nor the city's Richmond delegation had commented on the framework as of Friday afternoon.
The full framework and Executive Order 22 are posted on the governor's website.
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Ryan Belmore is an Alexandria journalist, neighbor, and the founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief. Send tips and feedback to [email protected].
© 2026 Alexandria News, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Rainy weather will mark the change of season in Northern Virginia, as weather services track a potential Nor'easter off the Atlantic coast. Posted Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 3:53 pm ETAutumn officially begins Tuesday evening, and its rain is arriving a few hours early, with a potential nor'easter not far behind. This week's storms could bring heavy rain, damaging winds and the potential for serious coastal flooding.The first round of rain arrives Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Northern Virginia ...
Posted Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 3:53 pm ET
Autumn officially begins Tuesday evening, and its rain is arriving a few hours early, with a potential nor'easter not far behind. This week's storms could bring heavy rain, damaging winds and the potential for serious coastal flooding.
The first round of rain arrives Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Northern Virginia residents can expect showers to stick around through 5 p.m. and return again after 9 p.m.
Temperatures will drop to around 60 degrees overnight and budge only a little bit through Tuesday.
Tuesday brings more rain, wind gusts up to 22 mph and the possibility of thunderstorms. Temperatures Tuesday night will drop into the mid-50s.
Rain is likely again Wednesday before 2 p.m., before the region begins to dry out and temperatures rebound just slightly for the rest of the week.
The rain during the beginning of the week isn't the only storm being tracked. According to Accuweather, another storm is predicted to form a few hundred miles off the mid-Atlantic coast this week.
Depending on the storm's development, high winds, erosive surf and coastal flooding are possible from eastern North Carolina and Virginia to New England, the outlet warns.
Southeastern Virginia in particular could see heavy rain and major tidal impacts.
"The rain could extend far enough north to ease the ongoing drought in Maine," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said in a statement.
"Regardless of how close to the coast the storm tracks, it has the potential to become strong enough to bring soaking rain and gusty winds in coastal areas, while prolonged rough surf may cause well-above-normal tides and beach erosion."
The storms, timed with the full moon's return, will see water levels pushed "even higher," according to AccuWeather.
This afternoon: Showers, mainly before 5 p.m. High near 74. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of rain: 90 percent. Less than one-tenth of an inch of rain possible.
Tonight: Rain, mainly after 9 p.m. Low around 60. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of rain: 90 percent. Between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch of rain possible.
Tuesday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm, with patchy fog. High near 64. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts up to 22 mph. Chance of rain: 90 percent. Between one-half and three-quarters of an inch of rain possible.
Tuesday night: Rain, with patchy fog before 2 a.m. Low around 54. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph. Chance of rain: 90 percent. Between one-quarter and one-half of an inch of rain possible.
Wednesday: Rain, mainly before 2 p.m. High near 64. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts up to 22 mph. Chance of rain: 80 percent.
Wednesday night: A chance of rain, mainly before 8 p.m. Cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of rain: 30 percent.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
Alexandria VA – Fall is the perfect time to get outside, and families across the Alexandria area can enjoy the season with a trip to a nearby farm. Whether your fall bucket list includes picking apples, searching for the perfect pumpkin or sipping fresh apple cider, Northern Virginia farms offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors while gathering seasonal favorites. A farm visit can be more than just picking produce. It is also a chance to spend time outdoors, take photos, enjoy the cha...
Alexandria VA – Fall is the perfect time to get outside, and families across the Alexandria area can enjoy the season with a trip to a nearby farm. Whether your fall bucket list includes picking apples, searching for the perfect pumpkin or sipping fresh apple cider, Northern Virginia farms offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors while gathering seasonal favorites. A farm visit can be more than just picking produce. It is also a chance to spend time outdoors, take photos, enjoy the changing leaves and make a fall tradition with family and friends.
Open daily Both locations feature a wide variety of pumpkins, gourds, plants, flowers, and seasonal decorations for your home and garden. 1721 W Braddock Rd., Alexandria; 391 West Bay Front Rd., Lothian, MD
September 25-October 31 An indoor, soil-based organic farm along the Four Mile Trail in Arlington. Pre-order your pumpkin package online, then head over to pick from the farm’s wide variety on-site all October long. 2600 S. Oxford St., Arlington
Opening Day TBA The 32nd annual pumpkin patch is back with pumpkins of all sizes. They will have pumpkins, gourds, and baked goods. All proceeds benefit more than 25 charities. 3606 Seminary Rd., Alexandria
Open daily Buy pumpkins, produce, and mums at the market, and enjoy the Pumpkin Hill play yard, opening September 26. 7310 Beulah St., Alexandria
September 18–October 31 They provide pumpkins, apples, gourds locally sourced organic honey. 9401 Burke Rd., Burke
Select days from September 19–November 8 Enjoy pumpkins, apples, apple cider, kettle corn, and an assortment of pies from Mom’s Apple Pie. Tickets are also available for the Fall Festival with activities like the hayride, lost corn maze, farm animals, and other activities. 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, Fall Festival admission $15–$30, free for kids under 2
Open daily The farm has pumpkins, gourds, mums, and wreaths plus apple cider doughnuts and autumnal sweets. 2599 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna
Open daily; pick-your-own pumpkins September 30 The family owned farm offers scheduled play time with the resident goats or pick your own pumpkins. 6745 Bull Run Post Office Rd., Centreville, $15 entrance fee for the pumpkin patch, free for children 2 or younger
Stop by to pick out a pumpkin and ride a hayride, or book a campfire for your group. 11110 Georgetown Pk., Great Falls
Open Saturdays and Sundays Pick a variety of apples and pumpkins and gourds are available for purchase. 37883 E. Main St., Purcellville
Open daily Pick your own apples and pumpkins. October is pumpkin season, with the Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival running September 19 to October 31, with wagon rides to a pumpkin patch, pig racing, and more. Admission price does not include apples or pumpkins. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $11–$13 Monday–Friday, $13–$15 Saturday and Sunday
September 26–November 3 Get pumpkins while jumping pillows and slides for some extra entertainment. Admission includes one pumpkin and sunflowers. Temple Hall Farm Regional Park: 15855 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg, $12 Monday-Friday, $15 Saturday and Sunday, free for kids 2 and under
September 19–October 31 Pick pumpkins where you take clippers and a wheelbarrow and head to the field to find your own pumpkins and gourds. 38299 Hughesville Rd., Hamilton
Opening day TBA Pick your pumpkin off the vine by hand, visit the animals, run the corn maze scavenger hunt, and ride the cow train. 11812 Bristow Rd., Bristow
Open daily Pick your own apples, pumpkins, gourds, and other seasonal vegetables and fruits. Enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, hot pumpkin cider, apple cider doughnuts, hayrides, and other kid-friendly activities. 4484 Lee Hwy., New Baltimore
September–November 1 The farm offers apple and other tree-fruit picking and pick-your-own pumpkins and winter squashes. Only cash and checks accepted for the pick-your-own-apples. 3205 Hartland Ln., Markham
Hours posted weekly Get apples, pumpkins, winter squash, fall greens (lettuce, kale, arugula, bok choi, mustard greens, turnips, and radishes), and dig-your-own potatoes and peanuts. 1524 Snowden Rd., Delaplane
Saturdays and Sundays, September 19–October 25 Eexplore the pumpkin patches and challenge the corn maze, slides, the massive bounce pillow, hayrides, and get in some snuggles at the petting zoo. 6025 Catlett Rd., Bealeton, $10-$16, free for kids 3 and under
Wednesdays–Sundays Pick pumpkins and apples. Then visit with farm animals and shop in the Harvest House market for cider, honey, jams and jellies, salsas, hot sauces, local cheese and eggs, Virginia peanuts, cookbooks, and fresh baked goods. 11587 Poverty Hollow Ln., Markham
September 12-November 7 Pick your own pumpkins or get already picked pumpkins at the market. Take a hayride or wagon ride around the farm. Saturday nights in October feature a fireworks display above the pond. 1410 Belvedere Dr., Fredericksburg, $18.95–$27.95 online, $5 fee added to ticket price when purchased at the gate
September 26–November 1 Pick pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, buy apple cider, feed the animals, and have a picnic. 18294 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg, $15-$20
September 26–October 25 Pose for fall photos, hayrides, a sunflower walk, and a corn maze add to the post-pumpkin picking fun at this Fall Festival. 1130 Tyler St., Fredericksburg, $6-15, free for children 2 and under.
Pick-your-own schedules can change from year to year—and sometimes from week to week. Weather, temperatures and other growing conditions can affect when apples and pumpkins are ready for picking. Before heading out from Alexandria, check the farm’s website or social media pages for current picking dates, hours, crop availability and any reservation requirements.
Layoffs announced over the summer were up by nearly 50% year on year and hundreds of job losses took effect. NORTHERN VIRGINIA, VA – Job losses in Northern Virginia were higher this summer than they were last year, driven by layoffs at General Dynamics and Bechtel Power Corporation.Between June 21 and Sept. 21 this year, 451 job losses were announced, an increase of more than 47% compared to last year. During the same period last year, 306 job losses were announced.The bulk of this summer's announced job cuts cam...
NORTHERN VIRGINIA, VA – Job losses in Northern Virginia were higher this summer than they were last year, driven by layoffs at General Dynamics and Bechtel Power Corporation.
Between June 21 and Sept. 21 this year, 451 job losses were announced, an increase of more than 47% compared to last year. During the same period last year, 306 job losses were announced.
The bulk of this summer's announced job cuts came from Bechtel Power Corporation’s announcement that 200 people at its Reston location would be let go after Bechtel and partner Terrapower were unable to agree on how to proceed with the next phase of their Natrium Demonstration Project.
Layoffs taking effect over the summer were also slightly elevated compared to last year. Between June 21 and Sept. 21 this year, 80 closures and 519 layoffs took effect, resulting in 599 jobs lost over the season. The General Dynamics layoffs at the Pentagon that took effect in August had the biggest impact on that figure.
In 2025, 541 jobs were lost during the same period. In 2024, that figure was 120, though 491 job cuts were announced in that period.
Across the state, the picture was worse, with 2,901 job losses taking effect over summer 2026 as compared to 1,962 over the prior year, an increase of nearly 50%.
As of July, the unemployment rate in Northern Virginia was 3.4%. The region started the year with a 3.7% unemployment rate.
The Washington Metropolitan Region lost more than 100,000 jobs over the past year, while the rest of the country gained some, according to data released by the Metropolitan Council of Governments in July.
The Washington metropolitan area has a higher concentration of federal employment than any other region in the country, and the wave of layoffs triggered by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) budget cuts has been felt acutely.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN, requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 days’ advance written notice of plant closings or mass layoffs.
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