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 Old Town Alexandria Waterfront 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 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.”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out”
“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”
“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”
“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!”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out to Always Best Care S.S. (Fairfax County VA) & received the best customer service from Rashid after 11 exhausting calls. What I actually needed at that time they did not offer, but Rashid still proceeded to assist me. Rashid showed caring concerns and patience. Rashid even reached out on my behalf to others in his field of work as well provided me with further resources outside of his own practice! Not only did Rashid provide other resources, Rashid followed up with me the next day!! Mind you I missed the call/phone tag & Rashid still returned my call until we connected! That’s above beyond…. I was relieved of a lot of burden & false hope. The resources ended up being a huge success. So I want to highly recommend Contacting Always Best Care S.S. And have the pleasure I experienced with Rashid an awesome person, very professional top notch customer service for your needs. Rashid Farrell thank you for being you???? Octavia”
“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.”
“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.”
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 Jones Point 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 Ada's on the River or visit Captains Row Old Town Alexandria, 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.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Residential parking district fees and residents' contributions to stormwater capacity projects could get more expensive if approved by Alexandria City Council.City Council's upcoming meeting on April 8 will include proposals for fee increases in addition to a public hearing on the real estate and personal property tax rates. All of the items are associated with the annual budget, which City Council will give final approval to on April 30.Here's a recap of the key tax and fee decisions coming up....
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Residential parking district fees and residents' contributions to stormwater capacity projects could get more expensive if approved by Alexandria City Council.
City Council's upcoming meeting on April 8 will include proposals for fee increases in addition to a public hearing on the real estate and personal property tax rates. All of the items are associated with the annual budget, which City Council will give final approval to on April 30.
Here's a recap of the key tax and fee decisions coming up.
Tax Rates
As part of the annual budget process, City Council sets real estate and personal property tax rates. City Manager James Parajon's proposed budget would keep the real estate tax rate of $1.135 per $100 of assessed value. Even with a flat tax rate, property owners who saw their assessment values increase should expect a higher tax bill. The city estimates average residential real estate tax bill would increase from $7,931 to $8,285 annually. City Council ruled out a higher rate by setting $1.135 as the advertised real estate tax rate.
Under the budget proposal, the personal property tax on vehicles would remain the same at $5.33 per $100 of assessed value. For vehicles designed for people with disabilities, the rate would remain $3.55 per $100 of assessed value. The proposed personal property tax on business items is $4.75 for tangible personal property and $4.50 for machinery and tools.
Final rates will be adopted with the budget on April 30. The public will be able to provide feedback on tax rates during the April 8 public hearing. Public hearings are required under Virginia law if the proposed tax rate results in a tax bill increase above 1 percent from the previous year.
Stormwater Utility Fee
The stormwater utility fee, which provides dedicated funding for stormwater quality and capacity projects, has been on the rise in Alexandria. This year, the stormwater utility fee is proposed to increase from $324.10 to $340.30 per billing unit. The billing unit is based on a typical single-family home, but fees will be less for condo and townhouse types and more for larger single-family homes. A public hearing on the stormwater utility fee increase will be held on April 22, and final adoption would come with the budget approval on April 30.
When City Council first adopted the stormwater utility fee in 2017, the fee totaled $140 per billing unit. Then, the fee doubled in two phases within a year — $140 to $210 in June 2021 and $210 to $280 in November 2021. Since then, fee increases have continued to be adopted with annual budgets.
To provide context, a larger portion of funds went to stormwater quality initiatives to meet state and federal mandates than stormwater capacity initiatives. But when the city experienced multiple severe flash flooding events tied to insufficient stormwater capacity, a task force was created and recommended fee increases to accelerate stormwater capacity projects and maintenance.
According to a city staff memo, the fee increase alone would generate an additional $1.1 million. Altogether, the fee generates $20.8 million for storm sewer large capacity projects, spot improvement projects, stream and channel maintenance, and storm sewer maintenance projects.
Residential Parking Fees
Residents parking their cars in the city's residential parking permit districts could see costs increase. The city is proposing to increase the fee from $40 to $55 for the first vehicle, $50 to $75 for the second vehicle, and $150 to $250 for the third and any additional vehicles. The fee was last increased in 2018. The city said the proposed fees are still below the estimated $100 to $250 monthly costs to park in garages.
For context, the fee is separate from the vehicle personal property tax and doesn't get charged to all city residents. The residential permit parking program applies to residents who park their cars on the street within parking districts with high parking demand. That includes areas like Old Town and residential areas near Metro stations. Vehicles parked in these districts are subject to two-hour and three-hour time limits, but those with the residential permit are exempt from that time limit. However, the city code rule that vehicles cannot be parked in the same on-street space for 72 continuous hours still applies.
According to city data, 5,000 Alexandria households received permits for one vehicle in 2024, 1,700 households received two permits, and 350 households received three or more permits. If the same number of households receive permits, the city estimated increases would generate an additional $200,000 in revenue annually.
The Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board unanimously recommended the parking fee increases. A public hearing will be held April 22, and final action would come with the final budget on April 30.
Highlighting a partnership that spans continents and connects namesake cities, the president of Egypt’s Alexandria University (AU) visited Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus and attended the grand opening of Academic Building One in Alexandria, Virginia.During the visit, the two universities formalized a long-standing relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aims to encourage student mobility and joint research initiatives between the two Alexandrias.“We are very excited to advance the n...
Highlighting a partnership that spans continents and connects namesake cities, the president of Egypt’s Alexandria University (AU) visited Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus and attended the grand opening of Academic Building One in Alexandria, Virginia.
During the visit, the two universities formalized a long-standing relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aims to encourage student mobility and joint research initiatives between the two Alexandrias.
“We are very excited to advance the next phase of our collaboration,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands after meeting with AU President Abdelaziz Konsowa. “Alexandria University is a valued partner, and an important part of our growing education and innovation network.”
The memorandum of understanding envisions a dual-degree pathway structured as a 4+1 program. This framework will enable Egyptian students to earn their bachelor’s degrees at Alexandria University before pursuing a Master of Engineering in computer science or computer engineering at Virginia Tech’s new facility in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area. The agreement also paves the way for collaborative community projects between Alexandria, Egypt, and Alexandria, Virginia.
Among the longer-term goals is Virginia Tech’s involvement in AU’s recently announced corporate research center and technology park. The Egyptian facility, designed to foster research providing practical industry solutions and encourage student entrepreneurship, is poised to be a complementary partner to Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus and VT India initiatives.
The Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED), part of Outreach and International Affairs, has been instrumental in fostering this partnership.
“We have worked with colleagues in Egypt for many years,” center Executive Director Tom Archibald said. “Building on the long-standing relationship that CIRED already has with Alexandria University, President Sands signing this MOU signifies that Virginia Tech is poised to accelerate this relationship to be more formal and active. Now, CIRED’s role will be to help operationalize this MOU.”
Beyond initiating and developing the relationship between the universities, the center will manage and implement projects emerging from this newly formalized partnership.
During his visit to Blacksburg, Konsowa met with Sands, Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke, Vice President Guru Ghosh, and other key faculty members in engineering, agriculture, and health sciences. He toured various facilities, including the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science lab, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Konsowa then traveled to Alexandria, Virginia, to witness the grand opening of Academic Building One.
In Northern Virginia, Konsowa met with Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. During her public remarks at the grand opening, Gaskins highlighted potential partnerships between the two Alexandrias.
“We started talking about our shared challenges. … As we talked, we didn’t just share our challenges, we started to share ideas,” Gaskins said.
As the dual-degree pathway begins to take shape, students from Alexandria, Egypt, will begin arriving in Alexandria, Virginia, to complete their graduate programs, strengthening connections between the two cities.
“Dr. Konsowa’s visit represents a significant milestone in our international collaboration efforts,” said Ghosh, vice president for outreach and international affairs. “The deliberations between Virginia Tech’s faculty, leadership and between Mayor Gaskins and Dr. Konsowa revealed numerous areas for potential cooperation. Within just days of formalizing our partnership, we identified several promising initiatives that align with both institutions’ strengths. This agreement establishes a foundation for sustained collaboration where faculty expertise, industry partnerships, and student research will address shared challenges in Egypt and the United States through evidence-based solutions.”
Have you ever heard of a goosepig?In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax heads to Old Town Alexandria to learn more about one of the D.C. region’s most peculiar urban legends.It’s something Matt found out about after doing a story on the City of Alexandria’s new “sign finder,” a digital locator tool that gives you access to nearly 200 of the ...
Have you ever heard of a goosepig?
In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax heads to Old Town Alexandria to learn more about one of the D.C. region’s most peculiar urban legends.
It’s something Matt found out about after doing a story on the City of Alexandria’s new “sign finder,” a digital locator tool that gives you access to nearly 200 of the city’s historical markers at your fingertips.
When Matt went looking through the sign finder, he stumbled upon a marker in Old Town North, on N. Pitt Street near First and Montgomery: A sign commemorating the story of this oddly proportioned hybrid creature, which first popped up in Alexandria around the early 1800s.
Come along with Matt, and an Alexandria historian you’ve come to know through his show, to learn more about this tall tale!
You can see the “Goosepig” marker for yourself by visiting historic Old Town Alexandria, or you can view a PDF of the marker using the Sign Finder tool on the city’s website.
Hear “Matt About Town” first every Tuesday and Thursday on 103.5 FM!
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If there's an off-the-beaten-path type of attraction, person, or phenomenon in the DC area that you think more people should know about, Matt is your guy. As the features reporter for WTOP, he's always on the hunt for stories that provide a unique local flavor—a slice of life if you will.
A Washington, D.C.-area developer wants to build an apartment tower in Alexandria, Va., that could ultimately become the city’s tallest residential building.Red Fox Development filed plans with the city to construct a building at 2425 Mill Road that could host up to 775 apartments and 40,000 square feet of commercial space, according to the Business Journals, ...
A Washington, D.C.-area developer wants to build an apartment tower in Alexandria, Va., that could ultimately become the city’s tallest residential building.
Red Fox Development filed plans with the city to construct a building at 2425 Mill Road that could host up to 775 apartments and 40,000 square feet of commercial space, according to the Business Journals, which first reported the news. The 31-story project was initially proposed last year, though with eight fewer floors. Architecture firm Cooper Carry is designing the tower.
SEE ALSO: Trump’s Latest Tariffs Already Being Felt by Commercial Real Estate
Plans call for staggered levels to the tower, one of which would feature 1.5 acres and include amenities like an open lawn, a pool, pickleball court and a dog park, per the Business Journals.
The project is just north of Interstate 495 on roughly 3 acres of undeveloped land near Carlyle Crossing, a sprawling 1.7 million-square-foot development in the works from Stonebridge, and near the Eisenhower Avenue Metro station. Stonebridge acquired the Carlyle Crossing land from the Hoffman family in 2018, with construction beginning on that project the following year.
Red Fox is under contract with the Hoffmans to use the 3-acre parcel for the Mill Road tower, Red Fox President Adam Peters told Commercial Observer, though price and terms of the contract were not immediately clear. Provided the project is approved, Peters said he expects the land purchase and the beginning of project construction to occur at roughly the same time.
Peters said that he hoped the project would bring “a lot of eyeballs” to Alexandria, and that a residential tower of such scale could bring vitality to local businesses. The project could receive approvals from the city by the end of 2025, he added, with construction beginning in late 2026 or early 2027.
Alexandria, and Northern Virginia in general, have become a hotbed of development and investment activity in recent years. Paradigm Development, for example, is currently trying to win entitlements for a 12-story condo building not far from Red Fox’s proposed project. Paradigm had originally intended to use its lot — adjacent to two other residential towers that it built in 2014 and 2022 — for a nine-story hotel development, but switched up its plans last spring.
American Real Estate Partners is meanwhile converting an office building at 1101 King Street in Old Town Alexandria into 200 residential apartments, for which it received a nearly $88 million construction loan in early 2024. That project is expected to open later this year.
Nick Trombola can be reached at [email protected].
Job cuts soared across the government sector in February, with retailers and pharmaceutical companies also cutting positions.Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Mar 7, 2025 at 3:27 pm ETVIRGINIA — Layoffs soared across the United States in February, but the pace was much slower at Virginia-based companies last month amid a mass of federal government job cuts and canceled contracts, along with staff reduction...
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Mar 7, 2025 at 3:27 pm ET
VIRGINIA — Layoffs soared across the United States in February, but the pace was much slower at Virginia-based companies last month amid a mass of federal government job cuts and canceled contracts, along with staff reductions at retailers and other businesses.
Nationwide, job cuts jumped 245 percent last month, according to executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. There were 172,017 layoffs announced in February across all sectors, and Challenger said that 62,242 of these were federal agencies impacted by the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to slash spending.
That is the highest monthly total for layoffs since July 2020, when 262,649 cuts were announced, according to a Challenger Report published on Thursday.
“Private companies announced plans to shed thousands of jobs last month, particularly in retail and technology," said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president and workplace expert for the firm. "With the impact of the DOGE actions, as well as canceled government contracts, fear of trade wars and bankruptcies, job cuts soared in February."
While Virginia workers were likely included in layoffs at Washington, D.C.-based federal agencies, Commonwealth-based companies laid off 83 workers in February. So far this year, 330 jobs have been cut, according to Challenger's report.
While it's unclear how many Virginians have been impacted by DOGE's job cuts, around 300,000 Commonwealth residents work for federal agencies, and federal jobs also support other employment, according to a Virginia Public Media report citing the state Employment Commission. Nearly 50,000 workers live in Fairfax County alone.
If you are a federal worker or contractor and have been affected by the recent workforce reductions, resources are available through Virginia Career Works Northern Region.
Here's a select breakdown of announced job cuts by industry, according to the Challenger report.
Government
Technology
Electronics
Financial
Pharmaceutical
Retail
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