"I truly appreciate the attention and affection my family member receives at AFDC."

FAQs

Day Center
How do I apply?
Are you able to care for people who are incontinent?
Are you able to care for people with difficult behaviors or who are aggressive?
Are you able to care for people who wander?
Are you able to care for people who don't have Alzheimer's?
How long does the application process take?
Is there a waiting list?

Transportation
How does transportation work?

Program Fees and Overall Cost
How much will it cost for my loved one to attend?
Do you accept Medicare/Medicaid?
Will Health Insurance cover the cost of your program?
What if I cannot afford the cost?

Hours and Services
What are your hours of operation?
What services does the Center offer?
What do your participants do all day?

Other Questions
Do you have any other locations?
Are you affiliated with any other organization?
Are you hiring?

Day Center

How do I apply?
Contact us with your name, address and phone number and we will mail you an application packet and walk you through the process.
Forms: Application packet (Word doc) (Adobe PDF), Health & TB forms for admission (Word doc) (Adobe PDF)
You are also welcome to make an appointment to take a tour of the center.

Are you able to care for people...
who are incontinent? - Yes. Participants are provided full assistance if needed.
with difficult behaviors or who are aggressive? - In most cases, yes. In our experience, we have found that appropriate activities, atmosphere and approach can minimize aggressive behaviors in people with dementia. If, however, a person becomes a threat to him/herself and/or our staff and participants, we will work with the family to find another situation.
who wander? - Yes. Our new building is specifically designed for people with dementia. Its secured exits wandering path give active participants a safe place to wander.
who do not have Alzheimer's? - Yes and No. In addition to people with Alzheimer's disease, we also serve people with a variety of related illnesses. We are a dementia-specific program, trained to care for this population. Contact us if you are unsure whether your family member would be right for AFDC.

How long does the application process take?
Once we have all parts of the application packet, including a recent physical and tuberculosis screening or waiver (both signed by a physician within the last 30 days), your family member can start participating within 48 hours.

Is there a waiting list?
Our availability changes from time to time; currently there is no waiting list. Please check with us for current availability.

Transportation

How does transportation work?
Fairfax County residents can take advantage of Fastran to get their family member to and from our Center safely. Cost is $2.50 each way ($5 round-trip) from anywhere within the county and we can help coordinate your route and pick-up times during the application process.
Arlington County residents should contact the Arlington Agency on Aging directly to arrange door-to-door transportation through S.T.A.R. Costs vary, but are usually minimal.
City of Alexandria residents should contact the Alexandria Office of Aging and Adult Services directly to arrange door-to-door transportation through Metro Access. Costs vary, but are usually minimal.

Program Fees and Overall Cost

How much will it cost for my loved one to attend?
Middle Stage - Friends Club - $766 to $1,610 per month
(varies depending on days per week attended)
Late Stage - Sunshine Club - $871 to $1,830 per month
(varies depending on days per week attended)

Do you accept Medicare/Medicaid?
Medicare will not cover adult day care services; however, if you participate in the Medicaid program, some or all of your daily rate is often covered by Medicaid. Contact your local department of human services for details.

Will Health Insurance cover the cost of your program?
Most health insurance programs will NOT cover adult day care expenses; however, some long-term care insurance companies will.

What if I cannot afford the cost?
We have a scholarship fund which families in need may apply for. Funds may cover all or a portion of the daily fee, based on need. Please contact us for more information on obtaining a scholarship application.

Hours and Services

What are your hours of operation?
AFDC is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

What services does the Center offer?
Nursing supervision and care, including medication administration, health monitoring, and response to medical emergencies.
Assistance with personal care needs such as: walking, transferring, eating, and personal hygiene.
A licensed physical therapist is on-site two days per week.

What do your participants do all day?
Regularly scheduled activities include: physical and mental exercises, music, creative arts, outings, intergenerational programs, physical therapy and Tai Chi movements. Outside entertainers - such as musicians, dancers, storytellers and choral groups - encourage audience participation.