Fairfax is listed among the Dementia-Friendly Communities of America, indicating it has a range of services and resources for seniors and families impacted by Alzheimer's. Of its 24,000 residents, about 15% are aged 65 and over, the age group most likely to develop dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Alzheimer's-related deaths stayed about the same between 2016 and 2020, even as the total death rate increased by about 28%. The percentage of deaths caused by Alzheimer's dropped by one percentage point during this reporting period.
For families seeking a safe, nurturing environment for loved ones with Alzheimer's, residential dementia care facilities are a preferred option. These communities offer comfortable housing, nutritious meals and evidence-based programming to engage residents. They're often staffed with caregivers who've undergone extensive training for managing dementia, and they offer secured grounds to prevent unsafe wandering.
This guide covers topics related to memory care in Fairfax, including how much care costs, the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining care locally and where families can turn for help.