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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

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Home Care In Reston, VA

Home Care Reston, VA

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 Former Reston Monkey House 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 Reston, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Reston, VA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Rosalind S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gary V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Rio Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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,”

Cheryl S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Judith B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Michelle H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and billing was easy.”

John E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Robin H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Tom S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Elizabeth
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Susan F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jill B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Joan B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Michael F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I couldn’t be happier with the care Scott and his team have provided my mother this past year. They’ve been very responsive and flexible to her changing needs. I would recommend this very well-run company to anyone seeking top-notch care for their loved one.”

Rita S.
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“I can't say enough good things about Always Best Care. They have have been very flexible with providing services for my dad, and have a top-notch staff. We're extremely pleased!”

Dolly K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with Scott in the Senior Healthcare field for over 5 years and have consistently found him to be genuinely concerned and compassionate in regards to caring for the elder population as well as extremely knowledgeable about the Senior Market in general. He is well respected in the industry and has a lot of reliable contacts to refer families to if you are looking for assistance in other areas of the industry. In a very competitive field, it is nice (and extremely important) to find someone you can trust.”

Bev O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Scott has been a great resource for two summers now, when I needed help finding a companion who could take my mom to the pool. Scott did a wonderful job finding companions who were a good fit for my mom's personality & needs, and was also quite helpful figuring out pool schedules & locations in Reston, with an eye toward accessible facilities at each one (very important as I live 3k miles away ). Scott is really good about working with the staff at the assisted living where my mom is, and the companions he hires are kind, thoughtful, and professional. Thank you, so much.”

Mira G.
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“I found that Always Best Care went out of its way to give my mother wonderful help during a challenging time of extreme heat and intermittent power outages. I am very appreciative!”

Sheila B.
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“They were able to find a suitable care-giver within a relatively short time frame”

Robin L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Charlie P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Peggy B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Michael C.
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“Always Best Care is a very respected business in Herndon. It is always a pleasure to work with Scott and his team.”

Jon H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Scott was a huge help to the Nay family by helping us find an Assisted Living Home that suited my parent's budget and lifestyle. Scott identified our financial concerns and then went to work looking for a place for my parents. He found a great place closer to my home and my parents are thrilled with it and are able to bank money instead of wasting money at the place they were at before. Scott's referral service will always be remembered by the Nay Family”

Bill N.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Reston, VA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Reston, VA

Types of Elderly Care in Reston, VA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Reston, VA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Reston, VA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Reston Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Reston, VA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 PassionFish Reston or visit Reston A “New Town” Historical Marker, 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.

 In-Home Care Reston, VA

Benefits of Home Care in Reston, VA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Reston, 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.

 Elderly Care Reston, VA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your VA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Reston, VA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Reston, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Reston, VA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Reston, VA

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:

  • The Kensington Reston
  • Sunrise at Reston Town Center
  • Tall Oaks Assisted Living
  • Hunters Woods at Trails Edge
  • Great Falls Assisted Living
  • Kensington Senior Living, LLC
Home Care Reston, VA

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.

 In-Home Care Reston, VA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Reston, 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.

 Elderly Care Reston, VA

Latest News in Reston, VA

MOU Signed For Reston Water-Chilling Service

RESTON, VA — Directors of Reston RELAC LLC, the service entity RELAC, and Simon McKeown, acting as the Steering Committee Chair representing Reston homeowners, signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday afternoon to establish the foundation for a carefully structured community-owned entity to manage the chilled-water service for about 900 customers in Reston during the 2024 cooling season."RELAC provided chilled water service to our customers for 11 years after purchasing from Aqua Virginia," said RELAC President...

RESTON, VA — Directors of Reston RELAC LLC, the service entity RELAC, and Simon McKeown, acting as the Steering Committee Chair representing Reston homeowners, signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday afternoon to establish the foundation for a carefully structured community-owned entity to manage the chilled-water service for about 900 customers in Reston during the 2024 cooling season.

"RELAC provided chilled water service to our customers for 11 years after purchasing from Aqua Virginia," said RELAC President Waddell, in an exclusive statement to Patch. "Under the current operational model we were not able to get the capital needed for any major upgrade to the system. It was decided that the only option was to end the service. We were then approached by an individual who thought it possible to turn the service into a co-op company, which would have other options to raise capital."

Patch broke the news earlier this month that the company was canceling its service at the end of the 2023 season.

Related: RELAC Cancels Water Chilling For A/C Service To Reston Customers

The following letter, which provides details about the new community-owned entity that will assume responsibility for the management and operation of the RELAC service, was sent to the presidents of the Reston Homeowners Associations:

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dear Board Presidents of Reston Homeowners Associations:We trust this message finds you well. As Board members of HOA’s under RELAC services, we are pleased to announce a significant development that holds great promise for our community. Yesterday, an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding between the Directors of Reston RELAC LLC, the service entity RELAC, and Simon McKeown as Steering Committee Chair was signed, marking a crucial step towards addressing the operational and managerial concerns related to the service currently known as RELAC. This follows the notification last week from Mark Waddell regarding RELAC’s intention to end its services.The MOU establishes the foundation for a carefully structured community-owned entity that will assume responsibility for the management and operation of the RELAC service. This cooperative model is designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and community engagement, ensuring that the RELAC service will remain operational and provide a service designed in the best interests of all residents, as well as commercial clients.Key highlights of the MOU and the upcoming cooperative include:As we embark on this transformative journey, we are confident that the cooperative model will bring about positive changes and improvements to the services in Reston. We anticipate your support and collaboration throughout this process, and we look forward to working together to ensure the success of this initiative for the benefit of our entire community.We will be scheduling a series of town hall meetings, with remote and in-person access options in the coming weeks to the community to provide more details, answer questions, and gather valuable feedback. In the interim, we would like to meet in person with all or some of your committee/Board Members ASAP in-person or via Zoom call. Please call 202-807-7884 or schedule an appointment via Calendly [https://calendly.com/simon08880] with any immediate questions.Thank you for your individual and collective dedication to the well-being of our vibrant and special community.Warm regards,Simon McKeownSteering Committee ChairResident Hickory, [email protected]Mark WaddellPresident, Reston RELAC LLC

Reston Water-Cooling Co-Op Committee Begins Public Engagement Process

RESTON, VA — Customers who cool their homes in Reston with the RELAC water-cooling system will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed co-operative that's being formed to manage the operation of the system.Later this week, the co-op steering committee will announce a series of public meetings at which customers can ask questions and provide feedback."We've had an awful lot of community feedback, which is supportive of the process of forming a sustainable cooperative," committee chair Simon McKeown t...

RESTON, VA — Customers who cool their homes in Reston with the RELAC water-cooling system will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed co-operative that's being formed to manage the operation of the system.

Later this week, the co-op steering committee will announce a series of public meetings at which customers can ask questions and provide feedback.

"We've had an awful lot of community feedback, which is supportive of the process of forming a sustainable cooperative," committee chair Simon McKeown told Patch on Monday.

The first public meeting will take place later this week in the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Lake Anne.

"The reason that's the first is because that contains the Heron House, which is a multi-story condo," McKeown said.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Heron House roof would not be able to support the weight of the air conditioning units necessary to serve its residents.

"They are in a particularly difficult set of circumstances in that the only option they have right now that's remotely viable is continuing with RELAC," said MCKeown.

The steering committee has also hired an independent engineer who is finalizing a report on the status of the existing system. That report will include recommendations for infrastructure upgrades and potential their costs.

On Sunday, the committee posted a survey on its website, where people can ask questions or share their concerns. If they'd rather speak one-on-one with McKeown, there is also a link to schedule a meeting.

Related: RELAC Cancels Water Chilling For A/C Service To Reston Customers

As of Monday morning, about 72 percent of the 100 customers who had completed the survey said they were supportive of the process so far, according to McKeown.

The effort to establish a co-op was started after the Reston Lake Anne Air-Conditioning Corporation cooling system notified its customers on Dec. 11 that the 2023 cooling season was the last year the company would be providing its services. The next cooling season begins in April.

In a letter sent to RELAC's 900 0r so residential and commercial customers, the company said that the decision to stop providing services was that electrical costs have increased 20 percent over the last 10 years. In addition, the company said it would be impossible to secure a loan to cover the more than $400,000 needed to install a new chiller without raising the tariff.

"A significant number of customers on the RELAC system have refused to pay their utility bills," the letter said. "This has caused a serious problem for RELAC’s bottom line. The amount of unpaid utilities has fluctuated between $80K to $120K."

Related: MOU Signed For Reston Water-Chilling Service

Acting as the steering committee's represenative, McKeown signed a memorandum of understanding on Dec. 28 with Reston RELAC LLC, and RELAC to establish the foundation for a carefully structured community-owned entity to manage the chilled-water service for the 2024 cooling season.

Once its established, the co-op will be governed by the rules and regulations set down in the adopted agreement. Shareholders will elect board members, who will oversee the management of the co-op.

"We're hopeful of getting this all out this week and then doing these town halls over the next two weeks, giving people about 14 days to make a decision and commit to the proposal," McKeown said, adding that the agreement could be finalized by mid-February or shortly after that.

More information about the co-op process and other issues regarding RELAC can be found in the FAQ on the RELAC LLC website.

Reston Association opposes reported plan for casino near Wiehle-Reston East Metro

Reston Association’s Board of Directors has formally come out in opposition to the possibility of a casino near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.In a statement released yesterday (Monday), RA CEO Mac Cummins lamented what he said was lack of communication with RA’s leadership, board ...

Reston Association’s Board of Directors has formally come out in opposition to the possibility of a casino near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.

In a statement released yesterday (Monday), RA CEO Mac Cummins lamented what he said was lack of communication with RA’s leadership, board and members regarding potential state legislation that would add Fairfax County to the list of Virginia localities authorized to have a casino.

“We strongly believe that a casino in our community, surrounded by natural areas including lakes, tree canopy and natural trails valued by our residents, would be detrimental to the property values of our homes and inconsistent with our values as a community,” Cummins wrote in a statement.

Reston-based developer Comstock has shown interest in building a casino near the Metro Station, Reston Patch reported last week.

First, the General Assembly must approve state-enabling legislation. Then, county voters would participate in a referendum on whether a casino should be allowed.

The necessary bills were first introduced — and quickly withdrawn — by state Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) and Del. Wren Williams (R-9) this past January, as the Washington Business Journal reported. It specified that the casino should be located within one quarter-mile of a Silver Line Metro station, part of a mixed-used development, outside the Dulles airport flight path and outside the I-495 Beltway.

In a letter to Marsden, who plans to re-introduce the bill next year if he’s reelected, RA board president John Farrell expressed disappointment and shock.

“Reston has just finished a 4-year citizen-led effort to update our Master Plan. The Fairfax Board of Supervisors adopted that Comprehensive Plan Amendment on September 12, 2023,” he wrote. “Nowhere in that plan is a casino contemplated for Reston.”

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn has also publicly stated that he opposes the establishment of a casino in Reston.

Virginia currently only allows casino gambling in five cities. The proposed amendment from Marsden and Williams would’ve expanded that to any locality with over 1 million residents and a county executive form of government — criteria matched only by Fairfax County.

Peter Lee McCandless, 87, Believed In And Promoted The Reston Dream

RESTON, VA — Peter McCandless, an 87-year-old resident of Reston, died after being struck by an SUV as he was crossing the southbound lanes of Reston Parkway on Dec. 27."He was on his daily walk of a mile," Kris McCandless told Patch on Tuesday. "We both share the 'Battle of the Bulge.' He wasn't thin, nor am I. He was just out for his walk and it was a bad, crummy day to do it.&...

RESTON, VA — Peter McCandless, an 87-year-old resident of Reston, died after being struck by an SUV as he was crossing the southbound lanes of Reston Parkway on Dec. 27.

"He was on his daily walk of a mile," Kris McCandless told Patch on Tuesday. "We both share the 'Battle of the Bulge.' He wasn't thin, nor am I. He was just out for his walk and it was a bad, crummy day to do it."

When asked what his father would've liked his legacy to be, Kris McCandless struggled for an answer.

Karen Cleveland, the former chair of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, came to his rescue. She had worked worked with his father in the 1980s. She recalled Susan McCandless, Peter's wife, saying that he most wanted to be known for being "employee number 20" for Reston.

"He believed in the Reston dream and he never gave up on that, like a lot of us who've been around for a long time," Cleveland said. "It's so brilliant that Bob had the seven principles that have stood the test of time. Peter felt so blessed to be able to do this work. He would do just about anything to promote Reston."

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cleveland recalled when Peter McCandless wrote a speech for Jim Cleveland, the former president of the Reston Land Corporation whom she would later marry. The speech was for the dedication of the Mercury Fountain at Reston Town Center.

"You looked at the script and were like, 'Peter, this is the most beautiful script and these words would never come out of my mouth. We have to change them,'" she said, eliciting laughter from her husband.

"He was a great writer and everybody loved Peter," Jim Cleveland said. "He was the friendliest guy, always had a smile. He was a quick wit, not sarcasm or anything, just funny. Just a terrific guy to be around."

Peter McCandless' expertise was in public relations, basically putting promotional materials into newspapers and magazines. In late 1964, Reston founder Robert E. Simon hired him to promote his planned community in Northern Virginia.

"That was in his blood. He loved the concept of planned communities and not just urban sprawl," Kris McCandless said of his father. "He always loved art and architecture. He was an avid photographer and he got me into photography. Reston's plan was to 'live, work and play all in the same place, but do it so you maintain as many of the trees as you can. It isn't suburbia, with its little cookie-cutter houses on streets and cul de sacs."

Chuck Veatch, a long-time friend, worked with Peter McCandless promoting Reston during its formative years.

"It was kind of this camaraderie, I would say, with being in the forefront of something that's totally different, totally unique," he said. "Also, there was this dynamic going on in the background of, 'Are we going to be here next week?' It was kind of situation."

Veatch joked that when a prospective client got out of a Volvo and was wearing Birkenstocks, everyone on the sales team would fight to get to that prospect first.

"It was people that would think outside the box, that wanted to be part of something new and different, that they thought was world changing, if you will, and because if you look back at the publicity about Reston, I mean, it was everywhere," he said.

After the McCandless family moved to San Francisco in 1967, it returned to Northern Virginia two years later, with Peter working for a number of public relations firms that had Reston as its client.

"He was pretty much in charge of promoting Reston during that timeframe, from 1969 to 1986," Kris McCandless said.

In 1984, Peter McCandless teamed up with Tom Grubisich, the co-founder of The Connection newspapers, and photographer James Kirby to write the book "Reston: The First Twenty Years."

After living in Lovettsville for several years, Peter McCandless and his family moved back to Reston. That's when he started his own public relations firm, the McCandless Company.

After the death of his first wife in 2010, Peter McCandless met and later married Susan Ehart. In retirement, the couple traveled the world together. She helped him to get a condo in the Stratford House in 2014.

The couple shared a love for the Great Harvest Bread store and even discussed opening a franchise down in Florida. While that never materialized, Peter McCandless began working at the bakery's location in Herndon.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor Peter McCandless' honr on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190.

DC Restaurant Week Winter 2024: Tysons & Reston Area Participating Restaurants

DC Restaurant Week returns for one week this winter from January 15 – January 21, 2024. Support your local restaurants and savor specially priced three-course menus at the participating Tysons and Reston area restaurants listed below.Treat yourself to 3 course meals of culinary delights from many restaurants in the Maryland, DC and Virginia area. The Winter Restaurant Week will is offering dinner options priced at $40.00, $55.00, and $65.00. Lunch and Brunch options are priced at $25.00 and $35.00. Special Resta...

DC Restaurant Week returns for one week this winter from January 15 – January 21, 2024. Support your local restaurants and savor specially priced three-course menus at the participating Tysons and Reston area restaurants listed below.

Treat yourself to 3 course meals of culinary delights from many restaurants in the Maryland, DC and Virginia area. The Winter Restaurant Week will is offering dinner options priced at $40.00, $55.00, and $65.00. Lunch and Brunch options are priced at $25.00 and $35.00. Special Restaurant Week wine and cocktail pairings are also available. Pricing and availability for wine and cocktails pairings vary by restaurant so check the restaurant’s menu or website for more details.

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant week is held twice a year and is presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.

For reservations and menus visit www.ramw.org/restaurantweek

2941

2941 Fairview Park Drive | Falls Church, VA 22042

$55.00 Dinner | $65.00 Dinner

Agora Tysons

7911 Westpark Drive | Tysons, VA 22102

$35.00 Brunch | $25.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

Alta Strada Mosaic

2911 District Avenue | Fairfax, VA 22031

$40.00 Dinner

Outdoor Dining available

American Prime

1420 Spring Hill Road | McLean, VA 22102

$25.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

B Side

8298 Glass Alley | Fairfax, VA 22031

$40.00 Dinner

Bellissimo Restaurant

10403 Main Street | Fairfax, VA 22030

$25.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner | $65.00

The Capital Grille – Fairfax

12169 Fair Lakes Promenade | Fairfax, VA 22033

$65.00 Dinner

The Capital Grille – Tysons

1861 International Drive | McLean, VA 22102

$65.00 Dinner

Celebration by Rupa Vira

44260 Ice Rink Plaza, Unit 120 | Ashburn, VA 20147

$35.00 Brunch | $35.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner | $55.00 Dinner

Circa at The Boro

1675 Silver Hill Drive | Tysons, VA 22102

$35.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner | $65.00 Dinner

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

1902 Reston Metro Plaza | Reston, VA 20190

$55.00 Dinner

Earls Kitchen + Bar

7902 Tysons One Place | McLean, VA 22102

$35.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

Ellie Bird

125 Founder’s Ave | Falls Church, VA 22046

$65.00 Dinner

Founding Farmers – Reston

1904 Reston Metro Plaza Drive | Reston, VA 20190

$25.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner

Founding Farmers – Tysons

1800 Tysons Blvd at Galleria Drive | McLean, VA 22102

$25.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner

Hammrock’s

3950 Chain Bridge Road | Fairfax, VA 22030

$35.00 Brunch | $35.00 Lunch | $55 Dinner

Ingle Korean Steakhouse

8369 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120 | Vienna, VA 22182

$65.00 Dinner

Joon

8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite A | Vienna, VA 22182

$35.00 Brunch | $25.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

Kirby Club

2911 District Ave | Fairfax, VA 22031

$35.00 Brunch | $25.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner

La Côte d’Or Café

6876 Lee Highway| Arlington, VA 22213

$25.00 Brunch | $35.00 Brunch$25.00 Lunch | $35.00 Lunch$40.00 Dinner | $55.00 Dinner | $65.00 Dinner

Maker’s Union – Reston

1811 Library St Reston, VA 20190

$25.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner

Matchbox – McLean

1340 Chain Bridge Rd | McLean, VA 22101

$40.00 Dinner

Matchbox – Merrifield

2911 District Ave, Ste 120 | Fairfax, VA 22031

$40.00 Dinner

Matchbox – One Loudoun

44720 Thorndike Street | Ashburn, VA 20147

$40.00 Dinner

Matchbox – Reston Station

1900 Reston Metro Plaza, Suite 100 | Reston, VA 20190

$40.00 Dinner

The Melting Pot Reston

11730 Plaza America Drive | Reston, VA 20190

$55.00 Dinner

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Reston

11956 Market Street | Reston, VA 20190

$55.00 Dinner

North Italia – Reston

11898 Market St | Reston, VA 20190

$25.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

North Italia – The Boro Tysons

1651 Boro Pl. | McLean, VA 22102

$25.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

PassionFish

11960 Democracy Drive | Reston, VA 20190

$35.00 Brunch | $35.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

Pisco Y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar – Reston

1871 Explorer Street | Reston, VA 20190

$25.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner

TRIO Grill

8100 Lee Hwy | Falls Church, VA 22042

$55.00 Dinner | $65.00 Dinner

Tysons Social Tavern

1960 Chain Bridge Rd | McLean, VA 22102

$40.00 Dinner

Wildfire – Tysons Galleria

2001 International Dr. | McLean, VA 22102

$35.00 Lunch | $55.00 Dinner

The Wine Kitchen Leesburg

7 S King St | Leesburg, VA 20175

$25.00 Lunch | $40.00 Dinner

Wren

1825 Capital One Drive South | Tysons, VA 22102

$40.00 Dinner | $55.00 Dinner

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