Serving Alzheimer’s Patients for 30 Years
Insight Memory Care Center offers respite care, support groups and education classes.
The Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax has come a long way in the past three decades. Thirty years ago this month, the day program for Alzheimer’s patients was launched in the basement of a local church. What started as a support group for families of Alzheimer’s patients has evolved into a full-fledged day program for 40 patients per day. Insight, a non-profit organization that also provides free Alzheimer’s support groups and education classes, will be celebrating its landmark birthday at its Merrifield location on July 24. "We were started in 1984 in the basement of a church out of an Alzheimer's support group," Robin McGlothin, director of donor development, said. "It was family members of Alzheimer's patients that that thought it would be really great to have respite during the day." Since Day One in that church basement, IMCC has added much to its offering. Not only is it a day health care program, but there are also programs for those in early stages of the disease as well as community education and support classes. Executive Director Joel Bednoski said in his two years at Insight, he has seen some of these changes. “I have been with IMCC for over two years,” Bednoski said. “We have added to our programming. This includes a Music and Memory program, a multi-sensory environment and a new early stage program called Reconnections. We have also increased the number of education and support services we provide.” The more things change for Insight, the more things stay the same. Although the staff is planning for a move to a larger location next year, the goals and heart of the organization remain the same. “The core values and basis of the organization are still true today,” McGlothin said. "We are still serving the families that need the support that they are not getting. We are enhancing lives. Even though it is an awful disease, people are just trying to find the best quality of life that they can. “We are open from 7:30 in the morning until 5 at night, with therapeutic activity throughout the day, two meals and snacks,” McGlothin said. “There is a recreational therapist on staff who provides all of our programming. We do cognitive stimulation, redirecting different behaviors.” Bednoski said IMCC is unique among the 17 adult day health centers in the D.C. metropolitan area. “IMCC is the only center in the area to provide a minimum of 1-to-4 ratio of staff to participants, improving on the state licensure requirement of 1 to 6,” Bednoski said. “IMCC’s adult day health center provides a safe, engaging, and therapeutic environment for individuals with memory impairment. Without meaningful activity, individuals with dementia become bored, restless, and often exhibit behavior challenges that lead to impossible caregiving situations. Our adult day health care center allows individuals with memory impairment to remain in the earlier stages of the disease for a longer period of time through mentally stimulating activity, physical exercise, and socialization.” Nights and weekends are also busy at center. “We provide education classes and support groups for the families as well as community training,” McGlothin said. “We provide boot camp on Saturday for our caregivers. We also provide free consultations to our families or any individual that calls and wants information about newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s patients with referrals. “As one of our family members shared, ‘the fact that this center has been taking such wonderful care of my mother, I am able to take care of my own needs at work, et cetera,’” Bednoski said. “IMCC provides care to support the whole family affected by memory impairment.” Both McGlothin said Bednoski said IMCC would not be where it is today without the support of its community. McGlothin said the 30th anniversary party is not only to celebrate Insight but also for its community whose support has been vital to its growth and success. “We really want to celebrate and thank all of the families and the community that has supported us,” McGlothin said. “This is a free event at our center. We are going to provide a barbecue meal and we will also be able to provide a tour through the organization.” Bednoski said he foresees IMCC playing an increasing role in the Alzheimer’s Northern Virginia community in the next 30 years. “With the rate of Alzheimer’s disease expected to increase by 22 percent in Northern Virginia by 2025, the demand for our programs and services is dramatically increasing,” Bednoski said. Regardless of the growth that IMCC will experience in the upcoming years, Bednoski said it will always stay true to its founding principles that have guided its founders and staff over the first 30 years. “IMCC remains dedicated to our founding principles: enhancing the lives of individuals and families living with memory impairment, providing holistic and collaborative care for our participants and families, anniversary party is not only to celebrate Insight but also for its community and caring for individuals who are not being served by existing community services,” Bednoski said. “IMCC’s programs allow individuals and families affected by memory impairments to achieve the highest quality of life, in all stages of the disease. As each disease progresses in its own unique way, IMCC staff is trained in all forms of dementia care.”
Scholarship Winners
The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. awarded 42 scholarships to students in the region. More than 500 applications were received and reviewed by a panel of judges that included Greater Washington, D.C. McDonald’s owners and operators.
Update on Local Road Projects
Reviewing Stringfellow, Route 50 and two bridges.
When Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) addressed the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations on June 25, he also provided an update on local road projects. A Fairfax County transportation bond was discussed, as well. “There will be a transportation bond this year, probably for $100 million,” he said. “About 15 or 16 million will be for roadway projects and 84 or 85 million will be for pedestrian and walkway projects. That includes bike lanes and bike-way improvements, and that’s a huge shift. We used to do these bonds for roads and Metro.”
Tiny Dancers Honored
With studios in Fairfax, Alexandria and Gainesville, the company features a performance-based ballet, tap, jazz and musical theater curriculum. Visit www.tinydancers.com.
CVHS Grad Green Chooses Basketball Over Soccer
Standout point guard to play at College of William & Mary.
Jenna Green faced the tough decision of whether to pursue basketball or soccer in college. Before she left Centreville High School, however, she found success in both. On the basketball court, Green, a standout point guard, led the Wildcats to the 2013 Concorde District championship, the program’s first since 1993. “She’s definitely the best player in the region, point guard especially,” Centreville girls’ basketball coach Tom Watson said. “Everyone knows that. Jenna has earned it. Nothing was given to her. She’s in the gym before anybody, she’s in the gym after everybody, she goes to a trainer three, four, five times a week. If you’re putting that work in, then it should come back to you.”
Swimming
The Sully Station II Piranhas had an eventful week of fast swims and family fun. The thrills began on Wednesday, July 9, with the Divisional Relay Carnival, where the team’s cheerfulness and camaraderie was once again on display. The atmosphere was electric, resulting in the first team record of the season.
Talking Transportation, County Revenue
Frey addresses Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
Transportation and Fairfax County revenue ideas were the top topics when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) spoke recently before the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations. “It’s an interesting time to be in the county,” he said during the group’s June 25 meeting. “It’s undergoing a tremendous transformation.”
Roundups: Week of July 17
Fairfax County police are looking for the person who robbed someone last weekend in the 14200 block of St. Germain Drive in Centreville. Police say the victim was walking Saturday, July 12, at 5:57 p.m., when he was approached by a teenager. The teen grabbed cash and property from the victim and fled on foot; no one was injured. The suspect was described as black, 16-17, and wearing a striped shirt with khaki shorts.
Centreville Grad Green Chooses Basketball Over Soccer
Q and A: Standout point guard to play at College of William & Mary.
Centreville graduate Jenna Green will play basketball at William & Mary.
Swimming Roundup
On Saturday, July 5, the Poplar Tree Pirates came out on top of what was the closest match of the 2014 season. The first victories of the meet came in the 8-and-under freestyle events, with Adrian Coray and Nick Chernisky finishing first and second for the boys, and Lauren Radcliffe and Marissa Erickson placing first and third for the girls. Analiese de Leon went on to take third place in the girls’ 9-10 freestyle.
Westfield Summer Stage Presents Hit Musical
New show is ‘How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.’
Featuring a cast and crew of 85, the musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” is ready to burst upon the stage. A production of Westfield Summer Stage, all performances are at Westfield High. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, July 18-19 and July 25-26, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15, at the door. Seating is reserved; buy tickets at www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.
Roundups: Week of July 9
Roundups
Brother’s Brother Celebrates One Year in Fairfax
Charity uses local resources, volunteers to reach overseas.
With a mission to serve overseas, Brother’s Brother Foundation is utilizing Fairfax and the D.C. area as a second home-base for its operations.
Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage
Local students acting in musical “Pippi Longstocking.”
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.” It’ll be held at Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road in Fairfax.
Hurst, Mitchell Engaged
Dr. and Mrs. James Marshall Hurst of Chantilly announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Elizabeth Hurst, to Thomas Barrick Mitchell, son of Dr. and Mrs. John David Mitchell of Centreville.