It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Old Town Alexandria Waterfront in Alexandria, VA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Alexandria, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and the owner Rashid Farrell. We”
“If you're looking for care for a loved one and don't know who to trust,”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From our initial consultation through ongoing care, they”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers!”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia.”
“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”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and the owner Rashid Farrell. We were searching for in home care for our aging parents so that we could keep them in the home they love for as long as possible. We began our search with our parent's primary physician, and he provided us with the names of a couple of agencies...one being Always Best Care. We spoke with Rashid about the type of care we were looking for and the specific needs of our parents and he listened carefully and provided wonderful insight and advice to us. He explained how and why he got into this particular business and it was mostly because of his own experience wanting the best care for his parents as they aged. He approaches his business from a caring and compassionate place and provided a care plan specific to our needs. He even found us a night caregiver in just a few short hours in the evening after our mom fell and broke her scapula and the hospital needed to release her ... at that time, we only had care from 9 to 5. He follows up constantly...checking in to make sure we are happy with the service we are getting. He also helped us transition our parents to an assisted living facility when the time came. His caregivers are kind and responsible. Our parents became very fond of Ms. Almaz as she was their main caregiver, but they also enjoyed the company of Ms. Salay, Ms. Stacy, Ms. Millie and Ms. Renette. If I had to do this all over again, I would definitely use Always Best Care...The name is appropriate because Rashid does provide the absolute Best Care for our aging loved ones!”
“If you're looking for care for a loved one and don't know who to trust, look no further. Rashid and his team of caregivers at Always Best Care Senior Services provided top-notch care for my 88-year-old mother over the course of several weeks. I was impressed by Rashid's professionalism, responsiveness, and dependability. When I first contacted him, he took the time to meet with me and my mother at her residence to better understand our needs. He always managed to line up high-quality caregivers, often on short notice. My mother was not in a good place mentally and resisted receiving care from strangers, yet she told me she was pleased with each of the caregivers that Rashid sent her way. My thanks to Ms. Martine, Ms. Barbara, Ms. Gidy, and Ms. Anna. They drove my mother to various appointments, helped her communicate with her healthcare providers, and supported her emotionally. I should also mention that the billing process was straightforward and transparent, with no surprises. Finding care for a loved one can be daunting and scary. You won't be disappointed if you turn to Rashid and his team.”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From our initial consultation through ongoing care, they demonstrated true professionalism at every step. Rashid, in particular, provided a comprehensive view of the professional care and service, while always treating our family with genuine dignity and respect. The company also actively helped connect us with other vendors and resources we needed, making the whole experience seamless and a little less overwhelming. The care professionals they provided were top-notch - reliable, skilled, and compassionate, with many of them having years of professional and nursing care. Their team clearly understands that quality care extends beyond just the basics - it's about creating a comprehensive support network. If you're looking for a care provider that truly partners with you and delivers excellence, Always Best Care is the right choice.”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my mother transitioned from one memory care to another. She needed a little extra support during this big change and we were referred to Always Best. The owner Rashid, is one of the most professional, kind, knowledgable and detail oriented people I have ever worked with. We have used 2 other home care companies in the past, and the customer service Rashid provided was absolutely above and beyond. He was very communicative and updated me every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for my mom. He made sure we had the appropriate care professionals who could fit our specific needs as well. His care team was top notch and we were thrilled with the care my mom received during this time. Ms. Monse, Ms. Judy, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Ling and Ms. Esther were all wonderful and made a valiant effort to keep my mom on her routine throughout the day while also keeping her stimulated. We are so thankful we found Always Best Home care services and would 100% wholeheartedly recommend Rashid and his team.”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of Always Best Care Senior Services. For those individuals facing the challenge of taking care of an elder relative, Always Best Care is more than just a nursing / care service - they are a support network. I wanted to make a special call out to Ron, Shanti, and Mary for their hard work and dedicated care for my mother. I truly appreciate all your help during these challenging and stressful times. Sincerely, Todd”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the family feel safe and secure. Dr. T Talbert”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients and truly does all he can to make them and their loved ones happy. I highly recommend using Always Best Care to care for anyone in need of care.”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home care for my father following a recent surgery. Rashid and his team were responsive, caring, extremely communicative, and super flexible with our evolving needs and schedule changes, helping us navigate a challenging time with grace and support. We are really grateful and would highly recommend them to others in the area.”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her insurance to provide me time to do things I needed to do. We have had the same caregivers for the past 3 years and we love them!! Brenda C. is absolutely terrific!! Jeanine is fabulous!! From the start, they have worked with and around our schedules, especially when we have had changes. Working with Scott M. the original manager/owner, and now with Rashid F., the new manager/owner has been really easy and enjoyable. Everyone as been easy-going and helpful.”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological condition that affects my movement and balance. My caregiver has helped me make doctor appointments and attend weekly yoga. My caregiver is always punctual. I highly recommend the company.”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was so worried about how he would manage, especially since I couldn’t always be there due to work, but he was in amazing hands. The caregivers were compassionate, attentive, and made his recovery process so much easier. Knowing he was well cared for gave me peace of mind. I highly recommend their services!”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful with taking me to doctor's appointments, to the pharmacy, and entertaining my free time by playing cards. Rashid, the owner, has been so helpful, so understanding, and so kind and has helped me tremendously in my caring. I would recommend Always Best Care of Fairfax!”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses Medicaid, but they were very kind and helpful in connecting us with another agency who accepts Medicaid, and followed up with us to make sure we had reached the other agency.”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers! From the first day the emphasis was always on our father and how they could meet his needs and keep him comfortable. They took care of our dad as if he was a member of their family. The caring starts at the top with Rashid, who is amazing. He knew my father well and visited him often, always keeping us informed. He would be at the house to orient new care team members and introduce them to our father including weekends and shift change at 8 pm. When we could not be with our father, we knew he was in great hands. We were so fortunate to have found Rashid and his wonderful team of caring and empathetic caregivers, they were a blessing to us during a very difficult time.”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia. She has received in-home services from Always Best Care for several years. Her home care aide, Brenda, helped my friend with things like organizing her files, paying bills, finding and keeping track of her things, canceling subscription items bought online and then not remembered, medication management, etc. She was kind, patient, and highly flexible. The company owner has also been wonderful to work with; kind, patient, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend ABC Senior Services!”
“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.”
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 Windmill Hill Park in Alexandria, VA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ada's on the River or visit Carlyle House Historic Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Alexandria, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Alexandria, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Alexandria, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The question of the day was thus: Could a two-mile sewage tunnel, 12-feet wide, running 115-160 feet underneath Alexandria, be a thing of, well, beauty? Oh, yes, it can be; just ask Alexandria’s Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley.“When you think about what it’s going to accomplish, absolutely,” she said proudly, under azure-blue skies on Sunday, as an endless stream of traffic from Reagan National Airport flew overhead.“It’s going to keep sewage off of our streets, out of people&r...
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The question of the day was thus: Could a two-mile sewage tunnel, 12-feet wide, running 115-160 feet underneath Alexandria, be a thing of, well, beauty? Oh, yes, it can be; just ask Alexandria’s Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley.
“When you think about what it’s going to accomplish, absolutely,” she said proudly, under azure-blue skies on Sunday, as an endless stream of traffic from Reagan National Airport flew overhead.
“It’s going to keep sewage off of our streets, out of people’s homes, and out of the Potomac River.” Among the small but enthusiastic crowd of project supporters at the celebration, which took place at Oronoco Bay Park, one woman sported a “Hazel” T-shirt, in homage to the massive tunnel boring machine that carved out the tunnel.
The tunnel, in turn, is named in honor of Hazel M. Johnston, “a passionate environmental justice advocate from the 1970s until her death in 2011,” according to the Roy + Patricia Disney Family Foundation, which bestows an annual environmental justice award in her name.
This very project will solve an incredibly, forgive us—but if you know you know—stinky problem, as we have been reporting since its inception in The Zebra.
That’s because Alexandria, at present, is one of more than 800 towns and cities across the United States that have a combined rainwater and sewage system. And when it rains as little as a quarter inch, according to RiverRenew, the torrent of water overwhelms the city’s inadequate waste-water treatment system, causing it to release raw sewage into the river and local waterways, and even sometimes—yes—onto the streets. But that will soon be a thing of the past, as the new infrastructure project is projected to reduce sewer overflows by 98 percent when it comes online next year.
“I just wanted to get some residents together, and we are really excited to talk about just how cool we think this project is, and honestly, just get together and look at the progress on a beautiful day,” Bagley continued.
Little did she know, but Bagley was talking with a sympatico reporter who spent nearly 20 previous years writing about infrastructure, and also about the fact that few Americans truly understand the need or the price tag of infrastructure. Or appreciate the fact that in virtually any town or city in America, you can turn on a water spigot and drinkable water flows out.
Or that you can just as reliably flush a commode, and if you’re not tied into a septic system, you’re probably tied into a rather sophisticated “machine” for treating that dirty water—and such machines don’t come cheap.
So yes, there is plenty to nerd out over when it comes to the RiverRenew Tunnel, which is owned by AlexRenew, the infrastructure authority managing construction of the new system.
For one thing, the tunnel system, when operational, will capture combined sewer overflows from four existing locations, known as outfalls, which were built in the 1860s. It will then direct that flow into the AlexRenew wastewater treatment plant, instead of allowing it to spill into the Potomac River, Hunting Creek, and Hooffs Run, as it currently does.
On average, in fact, Alexandria spews some 140 million gallons of untreated water into these waterways every year, as a result of some 70 combined sewer overflow events, according to AlexRenew. The RiverRenew project, however, is projected to reduce that to less than four combined overflow events each year, with less than 17 million gallons of untreated water entering the Potomac River and local waterways.
The best place to visually capture the massive size of the RiverRenew project is to look southward from Oronoco Bay Park, which affords a look at the massive crane and concrete works seemingly jutting out into the Potomac. On the other hand, however, most people rounding the bend from Pendleton Street in Old Town as it curves onto North Union Street have little idea that the rather generic-looking, fenced-off construction site houses one key component of the largest infrastructure project in Alexandria’s history, with a price tag of $615 million.
Located just south of Oronoco Bay, that component is the enormous, 100-foot-deep shaft (see photo), that will connect the four historic outfalls and collect the combined sewage overflows via the new tunnel.
On August 10, AlexRenew proudly announced that the RiverRenew Tunnel System had been awarded the 2025 Tunnel Achievement Award, which recognizes “projects that demonstrate innovation and teamwork and provide benefits to the community,” according to the magazine.
The coveted national award, granted to one project each year since 2012, comes from Tunnel Business Magazine in partnership with the “Breakthroughs in Tunneling” Short Course at the University of Denver.
In addition, the “RiverRenew Tunnel System” is examined in lengthy detail as the cover story in the August 2025 issue of the magazine. The project was recognized for “the project team’s innovative planning and design, the successful navigation of complex urban and geological challenges, and the far-reaching clean water benefits that will result,” according to the magazine.
“We’re building this system for a brighter future for Alexandria and the region,” AlexRenew CEO Justin Carl said in the Tunnel Business Magazine article. “We’re helping to achieve the vision of a fishable, swimmable Potomac River in the future.”
The Waterfront Tunnel completed its underground journey in March 2024, with the entire project on track for completion by the revised July 2026 deadline. The project also includes the installation of 2,500 feet of new pipeline near Hooffs Run and a pumping station that will keep the tunnel dry.
The $615 million project was mandated by a 2017 Virginia law requiring the remediation of combined sewer outfalls by July 1, 2025—a deadline that was eventually extended by one year. The design/build team of Traylor-Shea was awarded the $454.4 million project five and a half years ago.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The permanent pedestrian zone near Alexandria's waterfront is expanding.On Saturday, Alexandria City Council approved the 200 block of King Street as a permanent pedestrian-only block closed to vehicles. The only exception to the vehicle closure is a 22-foot-wide space allowing for emergency vehicle access.The block has been part of a pilot program that would have expired at the end of September without City Council action. The first phase of the pilot ran from Nov. 22, 2024 to Jan. 3, 2025 to coincide wi...
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The permanent pedestrian zone near Alexandria's waterfront is expanding.
On Saturday, Alexandria City Council approved the 200 block of King Street as a permanent pedestrian-only block closed to vehicles. The only exception to the vehicle closure is a 22-foot-wide space allowing for emergency vehicle access.
The block has been part of a pilot program that would have expired at the end of September without City Council action. The first phase of the pilot ran from Nov. 22, 2024 to Jan. 3, 2025 to coincide with the holiday season. The permanent closure will start on Oct. 1.
There are already permanent pedestrian zones in the 100 block of King Street, the unit block and the Strand.
A survey with 1,842 responses found 87 percent support for the pedestrian block. In addition, 12 of 16 business owners on the block support the proposal.
According to WUSA9, City Council members acknowledged resident concerns about parking, busier weekends, noise and more. The city could look to install more permanent fixtures to improve the pedestrian use, such as platforms.
According to a memo from the city's Transportation and Environmental Services, the 200 block is a two-way street with retail and restaurant uses as well as two upper-floor residences and the Alexandria Visitor Center. The closure of the block to pedestrian use would permanently remove 17 parking spaces, including two-hour metered parking and one 15-minute space for the visitor center. City staff noted there are 13 public parking garages within a six-minute walk of the pedestrian block.
Councilmembers shared suggestions for how to address parking by removing some on-street spaces.
Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley called for encouraging public transit use and signage to better redirect people to the parking garages.
Councilmember Canek Aguirre said the city should promote locations of accessible parking for people who may have difficulty getting to the pedestrian zone from the garages.
Councilmember John Taylor Chapman encouraged discussion on a parking incentive program involving retail and restaurants.
"What we're all saying is it's had a lot of success we want it to continue to have success and thinking through the investments that are needed," said Mayor Alyia Gaskins at Saturday's meeting.
The head of an Alexandria, Virginia, public housing agency was fired after being on probation for living in one of the agency’s units.Chief Executive Officer for the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Erik Johnson was fired Thursday, according to a statement from the ARHA Board of Commissioners.Johnson was placed on probation last month after the housing authority learned he was living in one of its units. He was told to immediately leave the unit, a previous statement said.Johnson told local news site ...
The head of an Alexandria, Virginia, public housing agency was fired after being on probation for living in one of the agency’s units.
Chief Executive Officer for the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Erik Johnson was fired Thursday, according to a statement from the ARHA Board of Commissioners.
Johnson was placed on probation last month after the housing authority learned he was living in one of its units. He was told to immediately leave the unit, a previous statement said.
Johnson told local news site ALXNow that he temporarily moved into a public housing unit in the Old Town neighborhood in July while transitioning residences. The Washington Post also reported the news of Johnson being placed on probation.
“There is a huge waiting list for these units, for people who qualify by virtue of income,” said Carter Flemming, a former board member. “So for somebody who’s the CEO of ARHA to take one of those units offline, that could have been given to somebody who really deserves and needs the housing, it’s just not right.”
In a multipage letter to the board, shared on behalf of the Alexandria City Council, Mayor Alyia Gaskins called for an investigation into Johnson’s actions and ARHA’s finances.
Flemming said in the early 2000s, there were allegations of housing staff moving friends up the line for affordable housing units. But, actions such as those “got cleaned up or stopped, if it ever happened,” she said.
“We were on a better footing, doing large redevelopment projects and building a good reputation, and this just destroyed that, basically,” Flemming said. “Because now, justifiably, the city council and all is asking a lot of questions about how this could have happened.”
The housing authority’s board, in its newest statement, said an independent investigation into Johnson’s actions remains ongoing and will help determine the board’s next steps.
In the meantime, Rickie Maddox will be serving as the acting CEO. She served as interim CEO prior to Johnson being chosen last year.
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After a nearly yearlong trial, another section of King Street in Old Town Alexandria near the waterfront will now be permanently closed to vehicle traffic.The 100 block of King Street was already closed, and now the 200 block is open only to pedestrian traffic after a 7-0 vote over the weekend by the Alexandria City Council.Megan Bird, who works in the area, is happy about the decision.“I think it’s great, I know at my office we come out here a lot for lunch, out here with friends in the evening, on the weeke...
After a nearly yearlong trial, another section of King Street in Old Town Alexandria near the waterfront will now be permanently closed to vehicle traffic.
The 100 block of King Street was already closed, and now the 200 block is open only to pedestrian traffic after a 7-0 vote over the weekend by the Alexandria City Council.
Megan Bird, who works in the area, is happy about the decision.
“I think it’s great, I know at my office we come out here a lot for lunch, out here with friends in the evening, on the weekends. I like it. I think it’s nice for business,” she said.
“It’s also good to be able to walk through. We have a lot of traffic coming through, and it’s nice to be able to not have to worry about the cars,” Bird added.
Another man who works in the area and likes having the street closed to cars is Richard, who only gave WTOP his first name.
“The way they did it, it’s more safer,” he said. “They keep the inner traffic from coming through here, because you have a whole lot of pedestrians coming through here.”
Before the city council voted unanimously Saturday to close off the area, Claire Skarda, who lives on Prince Street, pleaded with the council to stay on top of some of the issues she says the closure has created.
“There are problems that have been created with parking, problems with access to people’s homes, problems with the carnival atmosphere that’s being created,” Skarda said.
According to a city survey of people who live in the area, 87% of locals approve of the car-free zone, and 12 of 16 businesses most directly affected are also in favor.
A city council report on traffic impacts also concluded that “dedicating more space for people walking, relative to vehicles along these three blocks of King Street, is an equitable allocation of public right-of-way.”
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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — A popular area of King Street in Alexandria, Virginia, is being closed to cars permanently.Over the weekend, the Alexandria City Council voted to close the 200 Block of King Street to vehicular traffic.“I believe this is a very good idea. A lot of people walk on the weekends. A lot of people," said Mario, who has been working at the Warehouse Bar and Grill for several years.Mario said opening up the street has allowed more people to walk around Old Town, and he said it has helpe...
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — A popular area of King Street in Alexandria, Virginia, is being closed to cars permanently.
Over the weekend, the Alexandria City Council voted to close the 200 Block of King Street to vehicular traffic.
“I believe this is a very good idea. A lot of people walk on the weekends. A lot of people," said Mario, who has been working at the Warehouse Bar and Grill for several years.
Mario said opening up the street has allowed more people to walk around Old Town, and he said it has helped local businesses.
“Oh yeah, very much. Yea. They bring a lot of people," he said.
“I think it’s easier to navigate families and strollers and stuff like that," said Scott Daley.
The Daley family from Arizona and the Miller family from Kansas tell us they like having this road closed off to cars.
"It is so beautiful and quiet, safe," said Patti Miller. "And it’s a very enjoyable afternoon without the dangers of cars. And I’ve really enjoyed it.”
"That’s actually why we came here today," said Kimberly Daley. "We’ve been in DC. We’ve been in the hustle and bustle of the big town. And we wanted to come somewhere a little quieter."
"It looks very inviting," said Mark Miller. "It’s nice to be able to see things that you like and walk back and forth across the road and enjoy the local architecture.”
On the weekends, you will often find live music here. And some residents who live nearby have raised concerns that it gets too loud.
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