Arlington, Virginia, which is home to over 200,000 people, has a senior community that makes up nearly 10 percent of the total population. It is situated along the Potomac River in the northern region of Virginia, a state where it's estimated that 140,000 people are living with Alzheimer's disease. To support this population, Arlington offers a variety of programs and services, along with four memory care facilities. Families who are seeking further options will find more than two dozen additional facilities outside the city limits.
In Arlington, memory care facilities may also be called "Special Care Units," or SCUs. An entire facility may be an SCU, or an assisted living facility may have one or more SCUs. These facilities must meet specific requirements regarding staffing, staff training, safety and security features and admission processes. All SCUs are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services.