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 the historic Great Falls Grange 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 Great Falls, 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.
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They”
“I had the good fortune to work for Scott Maguire at ABC following my move”
“Anyone reading this is likely where my family was. Completely exhausted and desperate. My husband”
“Wow--my family has worked with a number of companies to assist us through the years”
“I couldn’t be happier with the care Scott and his team have provided my mother”
“I can't say enough good things about Always Best Care. They have have been very”
“I have worked with Scott in the Senior Healthcare field for over 5 years and”
“Scott has been a great resource for two summers now, when I needed help finding”
“I found that Always Best Care went out of its way to give my mother”
“They were able to find a suitable care-giver within a relatively short time frame”
“Scott Maguire at ABC was very helpful when I needed to find an assisted living”
“I have worked with this company for many years as the leader in an assisted”
“Always Best Care has provided a wealth of knowledge. They helped me deal with”
“Always Best Care is a very respected business in Herndon. It is always a”
“Scott was a huge help to the Nay family by helping us find an Assisted”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful for the help and advice we have received. The home health aide sent to us has been outstanding and Scott Maguire has always been available for advice. We recommend ABC to anyone who needs its services.”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night companions at the hospital and home for more than two months. Scott responded to our needs and provided some wonderful people. Highly recommend.”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure. Scott was very helpful in arranging a dependable and compassionate caregiver for the time which we needed the assistance. I could confidently attend to my work schedule knowing that my mother was receiving the help she needed for medication reminders, meal preparation, exercise prompts and having a supportive ear during the convalescence from Sue. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services very highly.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that works best for your situation. My mom loves here caregiver and I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for peace of mind,”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three years, and I would unreservedly do so again. It took a little bit to find providers who were right for my mother’s particular needs (besides becoming increasingly frail, she had severe anxiety), and for my schedule (my mother was living with me), but owner Scott Maguire was extremely accessible and responsive, and ultimately we established an arrangement that worked well. The caregivers were honest, reliable, caring, and responsive to my feedback, and communication via daily logs and in-person reporting ensured I was aware of anything I needed to know. I found the advantage of working with a small company whose owner I never had trouble reaching or getting to understand my needs a huge factor in what made this agency work for me.”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying several other companies). Scott was professional and responsive. He found the perfect companion for my mom (Kendall). She was reliable, flexible, thoughtful, kind and an excellent communicator. Within a short time, my mom began asking when that "nice Kendall" was coming again. I cannot recommend ABC Senior Services highly enough. I will always be grateful for their services.”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and billing was easy.”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended by another senior care agency. They quickly responded with excellent experienced care givers who were terrific in caring for my father, giving him the attention he needed. The personal attention given by the owner was terrific. The nursing consultation was also appreciated. I highly recommend this agency.”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott and Always Best Care came to my rescue by providing me with the help I needed to get through this ordeal. The young lady that came 7 hours a day was a Godsend to me. She was attentive and caring and made my wife's life so much better, no to mention my own. I would not have made it through without her. Scott dealt directly with the insurance people saving me from having to manage any record keeping and payment issues. That also relieves a lot of stress. I would strongly recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of such services.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed help and companionship and I couldn’t be there 24/7. Always Best Care sent providers to be with her and I can’t say enough good things about them. They were compassionate and skilled, and always there when I needed them. I could relax knowing that my mom was in good hands.”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They ran errands with her, provided meals for her and Dad, and generally kept her engaged and entertained during the pandemic. Scott was a wealth of knowledge and always available to help us navigate the disease and it’s effects. I highly recommend him and his team!”
“I had the good fortune to work for Scott Maguire at ABC following my move from New Hampshire to Virginia. I was with the agency for eight years until last month when I moved to Florida. Scott always cared about his clients, and had a knack for matching them with compatible caregivers. He was always available for questions and concerns. I had opportunities to work for other agencies between clients, but chose to stick with Always Best Care, because the name of the agency says it all.”
“Anyone reading this is likely where my family was. Completely exhausted and desperate. My husband and I had been primary caregivers for my in-laws when one ended up with non-COVID pneumonia and the other had a stroke followed by a fall-- all since early January. Now vaccinated, they were ready for outside help and wanted it to start right away. We had been talking to an agency throughout the process that came highly recommended, Old Dominion. But they were not able to turn around an awesome caregiver in 72 hours and recommended I call one of their friendly competitors-- Scott- At Always Best Care Senior Services in Herndon. Scott understood that we were looking for stopgap care until Old Dominion could find someone permanent and after a call Friday afternoon, he had someone at my in-laws on Monday, 8:00am. And she was terrific. It makes all the difference to have such a positive experience from the beginning. My in-laws were very pleased and appreciated that Scott had been upfront that the caregiver he had available had a thick accent and that, combined with a mask, might be challenging for someone hearing impaired. This is an issue for my mother in law and it made all the difference that she knew in advance. The other thing I appreciated is that all of Scott's caregivers are vaccinated or on their way. The one he sent was getting her second shot later in her start week with us. Unfortunately, my father-in-law is going to need a stint in skilled rehab, so we won't be continuing with Scott's wonderful caregiver. But Scott stepped up to help provide some insiders perspective on facilities. There was nothing to gain from that, except putting goodness out into the world. The process is overwhelming and it made such a difference to get his perspective. We could not have been more pleased to have had such a terrific experience and highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you or a loved one is looked for quality care.”
“Wow--my family has worked with a number of companies to assist us through the years in the Annandale area. This is the best. Scott Maguire--the owner is responsive, collaborative, and empathetic to unique questions and requirements. This is the company we will work with hereafter.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the care Scott and his team have provided my mother this past year. They’ve been very responsive and flexible to her changing needs. I would recommend this very well-run company to anyone seeking top-notch care for their loved one.”
“I can't say enough good things about Always Best Care. They have have been very flexible with providing services for my dad, and have a top-notch staff. We're extremely pleased!”
“I have worked with Scott in the Senior Healthcare field for over 5 years and have consistently found him to be genuinely concerned and compassionate in regards to caring for the elder population as well as extremely knowledgeable about the Senior Market in general. He is well respected in the industry and has a lot of reliable contacts to refer families to if you are looking for assistance in other areas of the industry. In a very competitive field, it is nice (and extremely important) to find someone you can trust.”
“Scott has been a great resource for two summers now, when I needed help finding a companion who could take my mom to the pool. Scott did a wonderful job finding companions who were a good fit for my mom's personality & needs, and was also quite helpful figuring out pool schedules & locations in Reston, with an eye toward accessible facilities at each one (very important as I live 3k miles away ). Scott is really good about working with the staff at the assisted living where my mom is, and the companions he hires are kind, thoughtful, and professional. Thank you, so much.”
“I found that Always Best Care went out of its way to give my mother wonderful help during a challenging time of extreme heat and intermittent power outages. I am very appreciative!”
“They were able to find a suitable care-giver within a relatively short time frame”
“Scott Maguire at ABC was very helpful when I needed to find an assisted living facility for my mother. Later, when my mother's needs increased, ABC provided a very good companion for her. I recommend Scott and ABC without reservation.”
“I have worked with this company for many years as the leader in an assisted living community in the local Herndon neighborhood. I have found that the caregivers at "Always Best Care" were compassionate, caring and engaging with the the residents they served with our community. The management team at Always Best Care, in addition, were very responsive to any questions or concerns that we may have had and resolved issues immediately. The management team often visited their team members in the community ensuring that their employees were engaging with their clients and performing professionally in the "guest community". I would highly recommend this organization if you are looking for a team who can understand the needs of the senior as well as the needs of the family.”
“Always Best Care has provided a wealth of knowledge. They helped me deal with all the issues that appeared once my Mom got sick and could no longer take care of herself. Scott shared ideas and information. He was able to direct me to VA services I didn't realize my Mom was entitled. This money thanks to Scott has allowed my Mom to stay in her home and have services provided to her. I highly recommend Scott and his caring wonderful staff at Always Best Care.”
“Always Best Care is a very respected business in Herndon. It is always a pleasure to work with Scott and his team.”
“Scott was a huge help to the Nay family by helping us find an Assisted Living Home that suited my parent's budget and lifestyle. Scott identified our financial concerns and then went to work looking for a place for my parents. He found a great place closer to my home and my parents are thrilled with it and are able to bank money instead of wasting money at the place they were at before. Scott's referral service will always be remembered by the Nay Family”
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 Difficult Run Stream Valley Park 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 L'Auberge Chez Francois or visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 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.
Request More Information
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 Great Falls, 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 Great Falls, 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 Great Falls, 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.
There is no word on either victim's condition at this time.MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Crews searched for a missing person who was later pulled from the Potomac River Saturday morning. Less than two hours later, another person was rescued after falling in the same area.According to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for the Montgomery County Fire Department, the swimmer was reported missing in the Great Falls area near the Virginia Chute around 10:15 a.m. Th...
There is no word on either victim's condition at this time.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Crews searched for a missing person who was later pulled from the Potomac River Saturday morning. Less than two hours later, another person was rescued after falling in the same area.
According to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for the Montgomery County Fire Department, the swimmer was reported missing in the Great Falls area near the Virginia Chute around 10:15 a.m. The swimmer was reportedly swept downstream.
With the help of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, the swimmer was found and pulled from the water a short time later. The man was taken to the shore in a rescue boat to help from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Emergency Medical Services. He was then taken to an area hospital with critical condition.
Just before 11:45 p.m., Piringer tweeted that another person was rescued in the Great Falls Park area, this time victim fell from the Blue Trail. The person was found near the water's edge. There is no word on how far the person fell or their condition at this time.
Earlier this month, a person was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition after suffering from a medical emergency on aboard a boat on the Potomac River.
Update - Potomac River, patient located in water & pulled from water, now being transported via rescue boat to awaiting @MCFRS_EMIHS on Shoreline (IAO Old Anglers) pic.twitter.com/rYawgaboXp
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 22, 2023
(~1130a) Mutual Aid Great Falls Park, VA @Gr8FallsPark injured person from fall, Blue Trail, patient located near water’s edge (VA side) @mcfrs SW730B, SW710, SW710B & others responding to assist @ffxfirerescue pic.twitter.com/LuHaZ97AJK
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 22, 2023
READ NEXT:
WATCH NEXT: Is it safe and clean to swim in the Potomac River?
Advocates are trying to remove the ban on swimming in the Potomac. Click here to watch and subscribe to the WUSA9 YouTube channel.
GREAT FALLS — Long before the former federal court room on the second floor of the Great Falls Post Office became the Veterans Treatment Court, Carol Richard was helping veterans and others overcome addiction in a career that spanned half a century.“Carol Richard is an LAC (licensed addictions counselor) who is an Army veteran herself and has been treating addictions and veterans for 50 years.,” ...
GREAT FALLS — Long before the former federal court room on the second floor of the Great Falls Post Office became the Veterans Treatment Court, Carol Richard was helping veterans and others overcome addiction in a career that spanned half a century.
“Carol Richard is an LAC (licensed addictions counselor) who is an Army veteran herself and has been treating addictions and veterans for 50 years.,” said Judge Elizabeth Best who administers the Cascade County Veterans’ Treatment Court and works closely with Richard.
Richard will retire from her LAC position the Department of Veterans Affairs in June.
“Well, I didn't choose it. It chose me,” said Richard when she reflected on her time as a drug and alcohol counselor
The Helena native enlisted in the woman’s Army corps in 1971.
It was while she was working on the psychiatric ward at Denver’s Fitzsimons Army Medical Center when her path was laid out.
“They said, we're going to start a drug and alcohol ward, and we're going to volunteer you and some of your cohorts to go work there,” said Richard.
She was treating Vietnam Veterans during a tumultuous time.
“The men in that went to Vietnam, they did not get a very good reception,” said Richard. “Women didn't get a very good reception either.”
Carol says she’s always had a passion for helping people and is proud of what she’s achieved.
Between her military service and time with the VA, she had a civilian practice in which her treatment was into third generations.
Carol says every addict is different and when treating someone for addiction, it’s important to validate their feelings.
“It allows them to tell me why they're there and maybe to tell me why they don't want to be there,” said Richard.
For those who don’t know addiction, Carol uses a not so clean analogy everybody might understand.
“When was the last time you had diarrhea? Why don't you use willpower and just stop the flow?” said Richard. “It's a biochemical process that happens in the brain and it doesn't just stop.”
For those who are trying comprehend recovery, Carol relates it to a life lesson.
“It isn't an easy process. It's not that they don't want it. It's it's just that it's new, it's unfamiliar, and they have to learn the skills,” said Richard. “They have to feel the support they have to try. It's kind of like riding a bicycle the first time. Some of us have to ride with the training wheels for longer than other people. When we take the training wheels off, sometimes we fall down and we get back on the bike and we ride it again. Recovery is the same way.”
Carol’s involvement in Veterans’ Treatment Court came about when she was asked to fill in for a veterans justice outreach worker and go to training. She asked to be a part of the team and never looked back.
“There's so many different people that are on this team because they want to be there. It's it's kind of a utopic treatment,” said Richard.
Like Judge Best, other members of the team have nothing but praise for Carol.
“Even today when she came in for this (interview) and we put her to work with somebody who's new to the program,” said Cascade County Veterans’ Treatment Court Coordinator Denver Cobb. “We used her knowledge.”
“She's got dedication like no other. I mean, Carol has never really took a vacation,” said Cascade County Veterans' Treatment Court Case Manager Kathy Hankes. “She's always here whether she's logged on Zoom or calling us to see what's going on with all of her clients. When she's away, she's still here.”
At the age of 70, Carol will be retiring from her full-time position with the VA, but that passion of helping veterans will continue.
“It's hard decision to make because I really care about each and every one of the folks that I work with,” said Richard. “So, I asked Judge Best if I could volunteer for the Veterans’ Court. She said, yes, that would be great. So that helps to make retirement easier.”
Carol will be able to spend more time with family but will take on a mentorship role with Veterans’ Treatment Court.
Questions or comments about this article? Click here to contact Tim.
TRENDING
FOLLOW KRTV: Instagram | TikTok | Twitter
Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Winners of the National Merit Scholarship's $2,500 scholarship were chosen from finalists representing less than 1 percent of U.S. seniors.Mark Hand, Patch StaffMCLEAN, VA — In the second round of scholarship winners in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program announced Wednesday, students from McLean and Great Falls were among the winners.There are 2,500 winners of the National Merit Scholarship Corporati...
Mark Hand, Patch Staff
MCLEAN, VA — In the second round of scholarship winners in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program announced Wednesday, students from McLean and Great Falls were among the winners.
There are 2,500 winners of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's $2,500 scholarships from its own funds and organizations sponsoring awards through the corporation. A committee of college admissions officers and school counselors chose the winners based on their application information.
Winners are named in each state in proportion to the state's share of U.S. graduating seniors. According to the corporation, these winners "are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies." Students may use the one-time scholarships at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
Virginia had 71 scholarship winners, 15 of whom live in McLean and two of whom live in Great Falls.
The scholarship winners who live in McLean are:
Jackson C. Baldrate
Robert DeMartino
Benjamin Joel
Timothy Johanson
Taein Kim
Dominic J. King
Stephanie Ma
Alexander D. Pomper
Kozmo Rhyu
Anisha Talreja
Patrick Foran Wolff
Emma Yang
Olivia Zhang
Isabella Xindi Zhu
Lilian Zhu
The scholarship winners who live in Great Falls are:
Josephine Amspaugh
Angela J. Zhang
These winners joined around 840 corporate-sponsored scholarship recipients named in April. These scholarships were sponsored by about 107 corporations, company foundations and other business organizations and typically go to National Merit Scholarship finalists who are employees' children or students pursuing college studies or careers that the sponsor wants to support.
On June 7 and July 10, more scholarship recipients will be announced. Around 3,800 students will receive these college-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners.
In all, over 7,140 high school students will be awarded approximately $28 million in National Merit Scholarships this year.
Students were entered into the National Merit Scholarship competition as juniors taking the PSAT in 2021. In September 2022, around 16,000 semifinalists were named based on each state's proportion of graduating seniors. Semifinalists were the top scoring entrants in their states and represent less than 1 percent of seniors in the U.S.
To be considered for finalist status, semifinalists had to submit a detailed scholarship application with an essay and details on extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions as well as demonstrate an outstanding academic record and have an endorsement from a high school official. Around 15,000 finalists met requirements for finalists status and were eligible to be chosen for corporate-sponsored, National Merit Scholarship-sponsored and college-sponsored awards.
You don’t have to look far to find the best fall color in Virginia.Hop the Blue Ridge Parkway and take it north to find great fall foliage in Virginia...
You don’t have to look far to find the best fall color in Virginia.
Hop the Blue Ridge Parkway and take it north to find great fall foliage in Virginia. Parks across the commonwealth offer up vibrant foliage that blankets the mountains and valleys with the colors of autumn, and it happens sooner than many spots located farther south, which means you can start planning your road trip now. Winding scenic roads will take you to wilderness areas and state parks filled with deep forests of deciduous trees and campgrounds too—all perfect places for leaf peeping. Set your sights on Virginia's parks, and you'll also be charting a course to the area's small mountain towns, rivers, and vistas as well. Sections of the Appalachian Trail also run through, offering unparalleled access to the most dramatic fall sights. Explore a park from our list of the most picturesque autumn places in the Old Dominion state, and you'll be glad you did.
01 of 15
Sterling, VirginiaFind 838 acres of hiking trails, fields, and wooded areas in Algonkian Regional Park, located along the Potomac River in northern Virginia. Check out fall color along the river or fish along its banks for a welcome respite after a busy day of activities outside the park—Algonkian is just 30 miles from Washington, D.C.
47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA 20165, novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park
02 of 15
Cumberland, VirginiaThis 326-acre state park has plenty of room to roam along with camping facilities near a scenic lake in the Cumberland State Forest. Located in the central part of the state about an hour from Richmond, the park offers a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals, archery range, and playgrounds. Park trails connect to the 16,000-acre forest.
22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, VA 23040, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/bear-creek-lake
Breaks, VirginiaA state park located on the Kentucky-Virginia border, Breaks Interstate Park has campgrounds, picnic areas, lakefront log cabins, and scenic views overlooking the Russell Fork River. If you make the trip in early fall, don't miss the zip lining and elk tours. Peak leaf season usually occurs the last week of October, but you'll catch views of massive sandstone cliffs whenever you visit.
627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607, breakspark.com
04 of 15
Radford, VirginiaEnjoy a day on the water at this 4,500-acre Virginia lake, and be sure to take in the scenic shoreline with its seasonal hues too. Camping and cabins are available in the park, as well as a full-service marina with docking slips and boat rentals. Rent a bike to tour the lake on wheels or stop by the historic Howe House for interactive exhibits on the ecology of the lake and surrounding areas.
6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/claytor-lake
05 of 15
Roanoke, VirginiaThe George Washington and Jefferson National Forests comprise 1.8 million acres across several states, one of the largest stretches of public land in the region. Visit the section in Virginia to see some of the most striking foliage on the East coast. Favorite viewing spots include the High Knob Tower on the state line with West Virginia and the Reddish Knob near Harrisonburg.
06 of 15
Mouth of Wilson, VirginiaStunning vistas along the park's hiking trails are par for the course in Grayson Highlands, which makes anyone who visits year-round, but especially in fall, a fortunate traveler indeed. Near Virginia's two highest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views at more than 5,000 feet high. Campgrounds, yurts, and a bunkhouse are available in this backpackers' paradise.
829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands
07 of 15
McLean, VirginiaIf you like your foliage with a side of whitewater recreation, set your sights on Great Falls Park, which finds the shoreline of the Potomac River turning red and gold during the season. The 800-acre park is only 15 miles from the nation's capital, but you wouldn't know it in this peaceful escape. Explore one of the nation's first canals, see the Great Falls, hike along Mather Gorge's dramatic clifftops, and explore the museum exhibits in the visitor center.
9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102, nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
08 of 15
Abingdon, VirginiaFish with a view at Hidden Valley Lake, a mountain lake in Washington County at 3,500 feet. The south side of the lake in this secluded wildlife area is almost completely forested, while the north side provides good bank access for anglers. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits before visiting.
Route 690, Virginia 24210, dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/hidden-valley-lake
09 of 15
Milepost 176, Blue Ridge Parkway, VirginiaYou can't go wrong touring any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. America's longest national park consists of 469 miles of gorgeous roadway connecting Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains. A fan favorite on the Parkway, Mabry Mill, is located 15 miles from the town of Floyd at Milepost 176. Pull out your camera for snapshots of the original Mabry family mill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop in full fall color (cultural demonstrations and music occur on the weekends in early fall).
Milepost 176, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia, nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/mabry-mill-mp-176.htm
10 of 15
Marion, VirginiaThis recreation area in southwestern Virginia near the Tennessee and North Carolina borders is full of sights to take in, from rugged mountain balds to wild ponies. It includes the Lewis Fork Wilderness area and Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest point. Mount Rogers is also home to a portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail, a popular 34-mile trail open to bikers, runners, walkers, and cross-country skiers.
3714 VA-16, Marion, VA 24354, fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=77722
11 of 15
Natural Bridge, VirginiaThe centerpiece of this state park is a 215-foot-tall limestone gorge eroded into a natural bridge by Cedar Creek, which flows below. There are also hiking trails, waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage throughout the park. Admission to the park includes a visit to the Monacan Indian Village; interpretive programs are held through November.
6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge
12 of 15
Woodstock, VirginiaA few miles from historic Woodstock, find Seven Bends State Park, which offers access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Enjoy a picnic, launch a boat, or set out on a hike along 8 miles of trails. Then explore the northern Shenandoah Valley for wineries and breweries, scenic drives, museums, and battlefields.
2111 South Hollingsworth Road, Woodstock, VA 22664, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends
13 of 15
Luray, VirginiaYou can enter the 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park from many places, but the best way to see it is by meandering along Skyline Drive and taking in the vistas along the way. Make a stop at Hazel Mountain Overlook near Luray to see the changing leaves. Lodging, camping, and guided horseback rides are available through October; check the website for details.
259 Big Meadows Visitor Road, Stanley, VA 22851, nps.gov/shen/index.htm
14 of 15
Bentonville, VirginiaThis 1,600-acre park lies along the shore of the Shenandoah River, with scenic views of the area including Massanutten Mountain and Shenandoah National Park. Stay in the six-room lodge, fully stocked cabins, or campground. Then venture onto 24 miles of trails to check out the views, or spend the day fishing.
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA 22610, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river
15 of 15
Delaplane, VirginiaThis 1,860-acre state park has panoramic views and woodlands, access to the Appalachian Trail, and a historic farm. It's a popular spot for hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Bring a packed lunch to make a day of it, and settle in for a leisurely picnic among the area's changing leaves.
11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows
The Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund reached new fundraising heights last month. The organization's spring fundraiser, Miami Vice, raised over $100,000, shattering previous records. As the board and the event committee put in many hours of preparation. They raised $53,000 more than they did the year before.“We are blown away by the generosity and support of our donors and volunteers,” said Sally Anne Andrew-Pyne. “These funds will make a tangible difference in the lives of students facing financial barrie...
The Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund reached new fundraising heights last month. The organization's spring fundraiser, Miami Vice, raised over $100,000, shattering previous records. As the board and the event committee put in many hours of preparation. They raised $53,000 more than they did the year before.
“We are blown away by the generosity and support of our donors and volunteers,” said Sally Anne Andrew-Pyne. “These funds will make a tangible difference in the lives of students facing financial barriers in pursuing their dreams. Thank you to our generous Great Falls community.” Andrew-Pyne is president of the Woman's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund.
Event chair Sumaira Malik and her team and committee members put in countless hours of preparation over the previous six months. They reimagined everything from the auction to the creative content, the website and graphic design, sponsor solicitation, the registration process, finances, the activities, and the exhausting set-up and tear-down.
“I would like to express our deepest gratitude and incredible support from our dedicated and hardworking event team, to our vendors, and to all the attendees and donors in making this fundraiser a resounding success,” Malik said.
Lauryn Nashi, Gigi Bakhtar, Emma Reynolds, Suzanne Charleston, Shelley Davenport, Connie Colabatistto, Kim Moss, Nguyen Roche, Jacqui Reed, Christie Lavin, Megan Dameon, Cory Clarke, Paula Garrison, Bambi Landew, and Sumaira Malik were just a few of the volunteers who undertook the fundraising efforts.
The Fund, EIN: 52-1399501, is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity that continues to open doors to higher education for deserving Northern Virginia students. The Fund's website notes that the students it supports, particularly those from underrepresented groups and low-income backgrounds, "are faced with a myriad of barriers they must overcome to achieve higher education access and ultimately success." These barriers include the rising cost of a college education combined with increased living expenses in our area; the ability to juggle part-time or full-time work on top of a degree; transportation issues; and balancing children and family obligations.
The Fund incorporated the George Mason University Early Identification Program (EIP) into its 2022–2023 giving portfolio as part of its revamped scholarship fundraising efforts. More first-generation EIP students will be able to realize their dream of attending college thanks to the scholarship fund, which will help them enroll at Mason and follow a direct path to a bachelor's degree.
The Fund updated its marketing tools, held meet-and-greet recruiting events, grew its event committee to 30 members, added two board positions, and formed a grant-writing committee to accommodate its rapid expansion.Donations are fully tax deductible beginning on May 20, 2023. All this led the Fund to increase scholarship-giving amounts to $2,500 and awarded 13 scholarships and endowments. The remaining funds are invested so support can be increased and added to in the future.
703-463-9462
