Below you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions and links with more information. If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Adult Day Health Center

How do I apply to the Day Center?
There are just 4 easy steps to get started, which include the initial application, an assessment at our center, physical & TB test from your doctor, and picking a start date! Learn more about the Admission Process.

What do participants do all day?
A variety of things! The Day Program provides an environment that focuses on people’s strengths rather than their memory limitations, addressing the needs of the total person: physical, mental, and emotional. Recreational Therapy activities are designed to restore motor, social and cognitive functioning, build confidence, develop coping skills, and integrate skills learned in treatment settings into community settings. Take a look at the current activity calendar.

Do you provide meals?
Participants receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and two snacks throughout the day. Meals are provided through Fairfax County, and they can accommodate many dietary restrictions or preferences. Check out the current menu.

Do you offer half-days or drop-in services?
Our center is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and participants may arrive and depart at times to best suit the family’s schedule. Unfortunately we do not offer "drop-in" or partial days. A consistent routine is a vital component of dementia care and facilitates better adjustment to the center.

My loved one refuses to attend a day center. What can I do?
It's common for an individual with dementia to refuse to try something unfamiliar. During your assessment, we can help identify and implement strategies to ease the transition into the center. This could include starting the person on a day with a certain activity they would especially enjoy, introducing them to a current participant with shared interests, or finding a way to help make the person feel useful and needed at the center. We typically find that once a person has attended for several days, they begin to adapt to and appreciate the routine of the center quickly!

Are you able to care for people who are incontinent?
Yes. Participants are provided full assistance if needed.

Are you able to care for people 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. We know that behaviors often have multiple causes, and in some cases can even be greatly reduced or eliminated through knowing the person’s triggers, treating underlying medical conditions, or adjusting medications. With our expertise in dementia care, individuals who have difficulty at centers frequently adjust and do well at our state-of-the-art facility. If, however, a person becomes a threat to him/herself and/or our staff and participants, we will work with the family to find a solution.

Are you able to care for people who wander?
Yes. Our center is specifically designed for people with dementia. Its secured exits and wandering path give active participants a safe place to wander.

Are you able to care for people who don't 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 IMCC.

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 approximately $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.
- Metro Access is another option for all DC area residents. Costs vary, but are usually minimal.
- 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.

Is there a cost associated with the Day Center?
Yes. Depending on your loved one's stage of dementia and how many days per week they attend our Day Center, the program fees vary. Take a look at our current fees.

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

Do you accept Medicare/Medicaid?
Medicare will not cover adult day care services, and currently we are not accepting any Medicaid spots. If you cannot afford the cost, please contact us for more information on our Financial Assistance Fund.

What if I cannot afford the cost?
We have a Financial Assistance Fund for which families in need may apply. Funds may cover all or a portion of the daily fee, based on need. Please contact us for more information or to obtain a financial assistance application.

Early Stage Program - Reconnections

Can I drop in to Reconnections?
Registration is required. There is a short application and assessment to begin the program to ensure a good fit.

Can I change my days at Reconnections?
Please contact us! Participants do have regularly scheduled days of attendance. However, we know there are times when you have to miss a day or your schedule changes, and we’re happy to work with you to schedule make-up days or change your regular attendance day(s) based on availability.

What do participants do during the program?
Since Reconnections is a small group program, the interests of the current members guide all of our activities. We aim to incorporate something for everyone! A variety of activities during each session promote cognition, creative expression, movement, sense of purpose, reflection or spirituality, social engagement, and new learning experiences. Take a look at the current activity calendar.

Do you provide meals?
Yes, a catered lunch is provided for all participants.

I’m not sure if my loved one is appropriate for Reconnections or the Day Center.
We want to work with you to find the best fit for your loved one. We can do an assessment for both Reconnections and the Day Center to ensure the best placement.

Caregiver Programs

Does my loved one need to be a participant for me to attend a class or support group?
No, all are welcome! Our caregiver programs are open to the community, and all caregivers are welcome to attend our education and support programs regardless of your participation in our day center or Reconnections program.

Can my loved one attend a class or support group with me?
Yes, if you feel it would be appropriate. However, for caregiver programs offered during regular business hours, your loved one can participate in our adult day health center while you are in the caregiver program. This is often a great way to have your loved one experience the day center setting, while you can fully participate in the caregiver program.

Do I need to register in advance?
Typically no, but it is appreciated. RSVPs help us ensure we have enough class materials and chairs available for each program. Occasionally popular programs, like our Virtual Dementia Tour, will have size limits so registering in advance will ensure your space! However, feel free to drop in for support groups, the Memory Café, or education programs even without a registration if you're interested in a program.

I am a professional caregiver, may I attend your classes for caregivers?
Yes. Just be aware that our classes are geared towards family caregivers who are caring for a loved one at home. You are welcome to come for the information! If you’re looking to set-up a training for your staff or organization, learn more about our professional training.

I’d like to learn more about my loved one’s diagnosis, but I don’t know where to start.
Contact us! We are happy to provide guidance, whether it be simply recommending a good first class to attend, or having a more in-depth consultation to help you get a plan in place. Our caregiver resources are free and open to anyone. Contact us for a consultation.

General

Are you open on weekends?
The majority of our programs operate during our regular business hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. We do offer occasional education programs and special events on evenings and weekends. Check our event calendar for upcoming programs.

Do you have any other locations?
This is currently our only center. To find an adult day care program in your area, contact the National Adult Day Services Association. They have a nationwide listing of Adult Day Associations and Agencies on Aging by state to aid you in your search.

Are you affiliated with any other organization?
We are a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a board of directors. We work collaboratively with local businesses, school groups, civic organizations and faith communities. Although we are not a county facility, we are supported by a number of Fairfax County departments and programs. Click here for a listing of our partners.