Harrisonburg, which is nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, is home to over 54,000 people and a senior community that makes up nearly 10 percent of the population. It is situated in the western region of Virginia, a state where more than 140,000 people are living with Alzheimer's disease. To support the local population with dementia, the Harrisonburg area has five memory care facilities, including two in the city proper and an additional three nearby.
Harrisonburg memory care facilities may also be referred to as special care units, or SCUs. While some SCUs have their own dedicated building, others are located within assisted living facilities that meet staffing, training and structural requirements outlined by the Virginia Department of Social Services.