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 C M Russell Museum 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.
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers!”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia.”
“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”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my mother transitioned from one memory care to another. She needed a little extra support during this big change and we were referred to Always Best. The owner Rashid, is one of the most professional, kind, knowledgable and detail oriented people I have ever worked with. We have used 2 other home care companies in the past, and the customer service Rashid provided was absolutely above and beyond. He was very communicative and updated me every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for my mom. He made sure we had the appropriate care professionals who could fit our specific needs as well. His care team was top notch and we were thrilled with the care my mom received during this time. Ms. Monse, Ms. Judy, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Ling and Ms. Esther were all wonderful and made a valiant effort to keep my mom on her routine throughout the day while also keeping her stimulated. We are so thankful we found Always Best Home care services and would 100% wholeheartedly recommend Rashid and his team.”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of Always Best Care Senior Services. For those individuals facing the challenge of taking care of an elder relative, Always Best Care is more than just a nursing / care service - they are a support network. I wanted to make a special call out to Ron, Shanti, and Mary for their hard work and dedicated care for my mother. I truly appreciate all your help during these challenging and stressful times. Sincerely, Todd”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the family feel safe and secure. Dr. T Talbert”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients and truly does all he can to make them and their loved ones happy. I highly recommend using Always Best Care to care for anyone in need of care.”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home care for my father following a recent surgery. Rashid and his team were responsive, caring, extremely communicative, and super flexible with our evolving needs and schedule changes, helping us navigate a challenging time with grace and support. We are really grateful and would highly recommend them to others in the area.”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her insurance to provide me time to do things I needed to do. We have had the same caregivers for the past 3 years and we love them!! Brenda C. is absolutely terrific!! Jeanine is fabulous!! From the start, they have worked with and around our schedules, especially when we have had changes. Working with Scott M. the original manager/owner, and now with Rashid F., the new manager/owner has been really easy and enjoyable. Everyone as been easy-going and helpful.”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological condition that affects my movement and balance. My caregiver has helped me make doctor appointments and attend weekly yoga. My caregiver is always punctual. I highly recommend the company.”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was so worried about how he would manage, especially since I couldn’t always be there due to work, but he was in amazing hands. The caregivers were compassionate, attentive, and made his recovery process so much easier. Knowing he was well cared for gave me peace of mind. I highly recommend their services!”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful with taking me to doctor's appointments, to the pharmacy, and entertaining my free time by playing cards. Rashid, the owner, has been so helpful, so understanding, and so kind and has helped me tremendously in my caring. I would recommend Always Best Care of Fairfax!”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses Medicaid, but they were very kind and helpful in connecting us with another agency who accepts Medicaid, and followed up with us to make sure we had reached the other agency.”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers! From the first day the emphasis was always on our father and how they could meet his needs and keep him comfortable. They took care of our dad as if he was a member of their family. The caring starts at the top with Rashid, who is amazing. He knew my father well and visited him often, always keeping us informed. He would be at the house to orient new care team members and introduce them to our father including weekends and shift change at 8 pm. When we could not be with our father, we knew he was in great hands. We were so fortunate to have found Rashid and his wonderful team of caring and empathetic caregivers, they were a blessing to us during a very difficult time.”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia. She has received in-home services from Always Best Care for several years. Her home care aide, Brenda, helped my friend with things like organizing her files, paying bills, finding and keeping track of her things, canceling subscription items bought online and then not remembered, medication management, etc. She was kind, patient, and highly flexible. The company owner has also been wonderful to work with; kind, patient, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend ABC Senior Services!”
“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!”
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 Giant Springs State 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 Dante's Creative Cuisine or visit The Great Falls GF, 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 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.
Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort, and Spa in Great Falls has filed for a special exception with Fairfax County for an outdoor expansion.GREAT FALLS, VA — On Nov. 7, 2022, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort, and Spa in Great Falls received a notice of violation from Fairfax County.The veterinary hospital had been operating an outdoor dog run at its 11415 Georgetown Pike location, which it wasn’t allowed to do under its current zoning. Since then, the dog run has not been used.On March 25, CVP Operations ...
GREAT FALLS, VA — On Nov. 7, 2022, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort, and Spa in Great Falls received a notice of violation from Fairfax County.
The veterinary hospital had been operating an outdoor dog run at its 11415 Georgetown Pike location, which it wasn’t allowed to do under its current zoning. Since then, the dog run has not been used.
On March 25, CVP Operations VA LLC and Seneca Hill filed a special exception application with Fairfax County Planning and Zoning to allow the veterinary facility to reinstate outdoor dog runs so that the business could continue its operations.
Although Seneca Hill has been in operation since 1981, it moved to its current home in 2004. The current zoning for the 73,670 square-foot property, located east of the Georgetown Pike and Leesburg Pike intersection, is split into commercial (C-8) and residential (R-1).
"Permit a kennel and veterinary hospital with outdoor components, a waiver of setback requirements to permit the outdoor components within 100 feet of lot lines, an increase in fence or wall height in a front yard, and waiver of minimum lot size," according to Fairfax County's summary of the project.
The application calls for the addition of three outdoor dog runs. All of these would be kept in the The first dog run would be a grass-covered area located on the side of the building facing Georgetown Pike.
The second and third runs would be located at the rear of the building, near a telecommunications facility and Leesburg Pike. The ground is covered with a mix of grass and concrete. Each dog run would be surrounded by chain link fencing.
Seneca Hill is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. The hospital is closed on Sunday. However, some dogs are kept at the facility outside of regular hours.
“There are 12 employees onsite at any one time,” according to the application. “Up to 120 dogs may be accommodated within the facility at any one time. A minimum ratio of one staff to 10 dogs will be maintained to ensure appropriate supervision of dogs onsite and to expeditiously clean up any eliminations that occur. Dogs that are in care at the resort and spa, if on-site longer than three hours, are taken outside every 3-6 hours between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.”
Between 7-8 a.m. and 10-11 p.m., all dogs outdoors will be kept on leashes. But outside of those times, the dogs will be permitted to run free within one of the three outdoor dog runs for up to 30 minutes at a time. No more than 15 dogs would be allowed outside at any one time and use of the outdoor dog runs would be staggered.
To address concerns over the environmental impact of so many dogs outside at any given time, CVP Operations and Seneca Hill included a five-point plan for dog waste disposal. In addition, each of the runs would have bioretention improvements to ensure that pet waste would be effectively treated and kept from draining onto adjacent properties.
“The combination of appropriate staff supervision, immediate disposal of pet waste, frequent cleansing of outdoor elimination areas, and thorough filtering and cleansing by the proposed bioretention facilities will ensure that no contaminants are entering the storm system and that odor will be mitigated to not have any adverse impacts on adjacent residences or businesses,” according to the application.
As of last Thursday, the application is still under review by county staff and no public hearing dates have been scheduled.
Fourth of July is right around the corner. And you know what that means — fireworks shows are popping up around the region. Whether you’re looking for your local community festivities or want to celebrate with extravagant illuminations, here’s where you can catch the fireworks in Northern Virginia.June 27, 4 p.m.800 Waterloo Rd., Warrenton, freeJune 27, 5:30 p.m.South Riding Golf Club: 43237 Golf View Dr., South Riding, freeJune 27 & 28, July 4, 6–9:30 p.m.3200 Mount Vern...
Fourth of July is right around the corner. And you know what that means — fireworks shows are popping up around the region. Whether you’re looking for your local community festivities or want to celebrate with extravagant illuminations, here’s where you can catch the fireworks in Northern Virginia.
June 27, 4 p.m.800 Waterloo Rd., Warrenton, free
June 27, 5:30 p.m.South Riding Golf Club: 43237 Golf View Dr., South Riding, free
June 27 & 28, July 4, 6–9:30 p.m.3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $40-$50 for adults 12 and older, $28.80-$36 for kids ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under
June 27, 6–10 p.m.Sterling Middle School: 201 W. Holly Ave., Sterling, free
June 28, noon –10 p.m.1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, $20 per vehicle online, $25 per vehicle at the gate
June 28, 4–9:30 p.m.9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, $50 for parking, free to attend
June 28, 5–10 p.m.Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park: 22831 Hanson Park Dr., Aldie, free
June 28, 6:30–10 p.m.Langley High School: 6520 Georgetown Pk., McLean, free
July 2, 6–10 p.m.Yeonas Park: 1319 Ross Dr. SW, Vienna, free
July 4, 3–10 p.m.Manassas Museum lawn: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
July 4, 5–11 p.m.Bluemont Vineyard: 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, $20 for adults 21 and over, $15 for guests under 21
July 4, 5 p.m.17501 Franklin Park Dr., Purcellville, free
July 4, 5 p.m.5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, $60 for general admission car pass, $120 for VIP car pass
July 4, 6 p.m.John Lee Pratt Memorial Park: 120 River Rd., Fredericksburg, free
July 4, 6 p.m.Middleburg Community Center: 101 N. Madison St., Middleburg, free
July 4, 6 p.m.60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, free
July 4, 6–9:30 p.m.The Turner Farm: 776 Walker Rd., Great Falls, free
July 4, 6:30–10:30 p.m.Fairfax High School: 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, free
July 4, 6:30 p.m.Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, free
July 4, 9 p.m.Fredericksburg Convention Center: Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, free
July 12, 6–9:45 p.m.Oronoco Bay Park: 100 Madison St., Alexandria, free
Feature image courtesy Great Meadow
More than 70,000 Fairfax County homes and businesses are in the dark after a line of destructive storms ripped through the area.Many of the outages are concentrated in the northern part of the county, from Great Falls to Vienna to McLean, though additional outages are reported around Springfield and Newington.Some 115,000 Dominion customers throughout Northern Virginia are without power as of 5 p.m., including in neighboring ...
More than 70,000 Fairfax County homes and businesses are in the dark after a line of destructive storms ripped through the area.
Many of the outages are concentrated in the northern part of the county, from Great Falls to Vienna to McLean, though additional outages are reported around Springfield and Newington.
Some 115,000 Dominion customers throughout Northern Virginia are without power as of 5 p.m., including in neighboring Arlington and Falls Church.
Earlier: The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Fairfax County and much of the D.C. metro area, effective until 4:45 p.m. today.
The warning covers a broad swath of Northern Virginia, including Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Loudoun County, and Prince William County, along with the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland.
Meteorologists are tracking severe storms moving northeast at 50 mph, with radar indicating dangerous 70 mph wind gusts that could cause significant damage.
Officials are urging residents to seek shelter immediately in sturdy buildings and stay away from windows due to the dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… The District of Columbia… Southeastern Howard County in central Maryland… Southern Montgomery County in central Maryland… Central Prince Georges County in central Maryland… West central Anne Arundel County in central Maryland… Southeastern Loudoun County in Northern Virginia… The City of Falls Church in Northern Virginia… Fairfax County in Northern Virginia… The City of Manassas Park in Northern Virginia… East central Prince William County in Northern Virginia… The northeastern City of Manassas in Northern Virginia… The City of Fairfax in Northern Virginia… Arlington County in Northern Virginia… The City of Alexandria in Northern Virginia…
* Until 445 PM EDT.
* At 351 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Broadlands to 7 miles west of Dale City, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD…70 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.
* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Alexandria, Columbia, Centreville, Dale City, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Reston, Bowie, Annandale, Clinton, Olney, Springfield, College Park, South Riding, Fort Washington, Herndon, Greenbelt, and Fairfax.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
This is a DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK SHELTER NOW inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows!
Damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature`s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
The eastern state of Virginia, known for the Appalachian Plateau, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and Atlantic coastline, is home to a wide network of breathtakingly scenic parks that showcase its natural beauty. There are 43 s...
The eastern state of Virginia, known for the Appalachian Plateau, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and Atlantic coastline, is home to a wide network of breathtakingly scenic parks that showcase its natural beauty. There are 43 state parks and 22 national parks in which you’ll find more than 700 miles of trails from which to explore their varied landscapes. All those parks add up to a whole lot of family fun and adventure but you won’t have time to visit them all in one trip. Let's take a look at five national and state parks in Virginia that you have to visit — and then let's plan your vacation and gather some ideas for a return trip.
Shenandoah National Park covers over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers backcountry camping, hiking, fishing, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to over 50 different mammal species including deer, bear, and bobcats. Regular ranger programs give visitors a chance to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna from an expert. Guided kids hikes and young naturalist programs are also available. The park is open year-round however the public road running through it, Skyline Drive, may close during bad weather.
Big Meadows, a high elevation meadow, is one of the most popular areas of the park thanks to its beautiful floral landscape and stunning views. Here you’ll find the Byrd Visitor Center, picnic areas, a campsite, a lodge, and hiking trails.
Skyland is another popular stop. A former resort built in the 1890s, the park property is now home to a dining room, tap room, amphitheater, gift shop, and Skyland Stables where you can book a guided horseback ride.
Old Rag Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the parks and known for its incredible viewpoints. You need to earn those jaw dropping views however, climbing to the 3305ft summit is not easy and only experienced hikers should attempt the long trails in this part of the park. From March to October, visitors need to purchase a day use pass for the mountain in advance, in addition to their park entrance pass.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the park’s wilder residents, visit at dusk or dawn when they are most active. Stay quiet and still and remember to keep a respectful distance.
The park is a great place to visit in the fall when the alpine foliage is ablaze with color. Fall colors tend to be at their peak during the second or third weeks of October. If you’re hoping to see the eye-catching wildflowers, plan for a spring visit as this is when they’re showing off their best blooms.
An 1,860 acre preserve in the lush Crooked Run Valley, Sky Meadows State Park features dense woodlands, rolling pastures, and a colonial-era farmstead. The park is open year-round, from 8am to dusk and has a visitors center, gift shop, nature and history programs, and children’s discovery area. There’s also in-hike camping, 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 22 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails and Appalachian Trail access.
Sky Meadows is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning that it offers visitors a chance to look at the dazzling night sky without the interference of light pollution. The dark sky observation area is at Turner Pond which is open after hours until 2am. The park holds monthly astronomy programs that give visitors the chance to view the stars through telescopes and learn about deep space.
If you’re an accomplished hiker, try the 1.7-mile Lost Mountain Trail to climb through the woods and into open meadows with stunning valley views. If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, take the Piedmont Overlook Trail, a moderate 0.6-mile track with two viewpoints. There's also the historic Mount Bleak mansion, which provides tours.
If you can, time your visit for one of the park’s seasonal events. The Great American Campout takes place on the fourth Saturday in June and Fall Farm Days take place in October. Both celebrate the history, natural diversity and agricultural heritage of Crooked Run Valley with fun events and games.
Just 15 miles from Washington DC, Great Falls Park covers a historic natural area around the Potomac River as it rushes through the Mather Gorge. The centerpiece of the park is the rushing falls and there are three scenic overlooks within a short walk of the Visitor Center. Swimming is not permitted in the park as the river currents can be dangerous but experienced kayakers are welcome to try whitewater rafting on the Class II - Class VI rapids.
There are 15 miles of trails in the park but you’ll get the best river views from the River Trail. A 3-mile trip there and back, this hike takes you along the banks of the Potomac along a ridge on top of the cliffs. While not an easy hike, there is some climbing and rocky terrain, the spectacular views are well worth the effort.
The park includes the historic Patowmack Canal, one of the country’s first canals, which opened in 1802. The 1.25-mile Patowmack Canal Trail follows the remains of the canal and passes all three scenic overlooks as well as the picnic area.
Bring your binoculars! There are lots of opportunities for birdwatching around the park, which is home to 163 species including woodpeckers, kingfishers, vultures, and songbirds.
If you’re in the park at 1 p.m. on a weekend, try to catch the Ranger Talk at Overlook 3. This presentation delves into the history of the Patowmack Canal through the eyes of Capt. George Pointer, a formerly enslaved African American, who began working on the canal at the age of 13 and eventually became superintendent of the Patowmack Canal Company.
Virginia’s largest state park, Pocahontas State Park contains three lakes, a museum, 90 miles of trails, an aquatic center, and an amphitheater. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression, the preserve was originally known as the Swift Creek Recreational Demonstration Area but changed its name in the 1940s following a contest among local schoolchildren to pick a more distinctive title.
If you’re visiting with the kids in summer, you’ll love the family-friendly Aquatic Center which includes a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, swimming pools, and water slides.
For more grown-up fun in the water, rent a boat and explore the 225-acre Swift Creek Lake, a beautiful fishing spot popular with local anglers. Paddleboard, kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals are available to rent from Memorial Day through to Labor Day.
The CCC Museum honors the laborers of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Housed in the original CCC building, the museum details their accomplishments in Virginia while living in times of great economic hardship. The museum is open Friday afternoons, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Check the park’s event schedule before visiting. From May to October, the 2,000-seat amphitheater plays host to musical concerts of all genres as part of the park’s Pocahontas Premieres program.
The Colonial National Historic Park celebrates the birth of America, from the country’s early roots as a British colony through to Independence. The park is divided into three districts — Historic Jamestown, Glasshouse, and Yorktown Battlefield.
Jamestown was founded by Virginia Company settlers in 1607 as the newly arrived settlers sought to make a home in the new world. Thanks to the efforts of historians and archaeologists you can now view original artifacts from the settlement in the Archaerarium Museum which brings the story of Jamestown to life through its fascinating exhibits.
One of the first industries in the English colony was glassblowing. Stop by Glasshouse to see a live demonstration of this intricate art as crafters in period dress make glass using the tools and techniques from 1608. Demonstrations take place daily.
The Yorktown Battlefield is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War where George Washington defeated the British General Cornwallis. View a Victory Monument commemorating the battle or catch an artillery firing demonstration to get a taste of the battlefield.
If you’re short on time while visiting the park, drive the 23-mile Colonial Parkway to catch the sights from the car. The scenic byway stretches from Yorktown to Jamestown combining key sites from colonial history with stunning Virginia scenery as it travels through hardwood forests, along rivers, and over rolling hills.
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature-lovers will find the vacation of a lifetime in Virginia’s pristine parks. But these lush pieces of paradise aren’t just beautiful, and they’re not just ecologically important. Virginia’s parks are also a window into the state’s history and culture. Honor the CCC workers who made parks possible, see where English colonists set America on a course for Independence, visit the place where George Washington effectively ended the Revolutionary War. A trip to the park is so much more than a fun day out in the fascinating and beautiful Old Dominion State.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — Just last week, Ishu Fenner and her family moved into their new home in the picturesque town of Great Falls, Virginia, where wildlife abounds.She discovered during the sales process that an enclosure in her backyard housed a majestic 10-year-old peacock, which she and her husband had named after a legendary escape artist.“To the realtor, jokingly, I said, 'Does the peacock come with the house? '" said Fenner with a laugh.The Fenner’s decided to keep Houdini. They even ...
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — Just last week, Ishu Fenner and her family moved into their new home in the picturesque town of Great Falls, Virginia, where wildlife abounds.
She discovered during the sales process that an enclosure in her backyard housed a majestic 10-year-old peacock, which she and her husband had named after a legendary escape artist.
“To the realtor, jokingly, I said, 'Does the peacock come with the house? '" said Fenner with a laugh.
The Fenner’s decided to keep Houdini. They even consulted the previous homeowner on how to best care for a creature famed for its colorful coat.
“She was like, 'He will roam free in the backyard and go right back into his enclosure,'" said Fenner.
Last Monday, Fenner opened that gate only to learn a gut-wrenching lesson on peacock behavior. Houdini slipped out without a peep because peacocks, who are males, love to roam in search of food and females.
“Maybe he just wanted to be free. Maybe he’s free. Maybe he can let his wings spread. I was trying to be positive, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I felt bad. Predators out there. Cars. So, I was worried about his safety," said Fenner.
Two days later, 7News Anchor Scott Thuman’s wife captured Houdini on video two miles from home, landing him on the news. Later that same night, guess who returned to his coop? Houdini was back.
That’s when Ishu’s husband came up with the perfect moniker.
“He was like, 'Hey, Houdini, you disappeared and came back,' and I was like, 'That’s the name,'" said Fenner.
But that’s not where this story ends. Fenner wants to expand Houdini's enclosure to include a female companion known as a peahen. Hoping love will halt his wandering ways.
“If they lay eggs, they have an incubator in there, maybe I’m going to become a peacock farmer," concludes Fenner.
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