Great Falls Memory Care by Artis in Herndon, Virginia, serves people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia in a purpose-built, free-standing building designed for safety and comfort, and you'll find secure walking paths, two private gardens, and a view of the forest out back, so residents can walk outside or enjoy the air in secured courtyards, all protected from wandering. The place uses bracelets with alarms to help keep residents safe, and the staff understands memory challenges, with trained associates, many of whom have dementia-specific and CPR training, on site at all times and a licensed nurse in the building 24/7. The building's broken up into smaller "neighborhoods" to help reduce confusion and overstimulation, and the environment stays cozy, home-like, with private room options including wheelchair-accessible baths, cable TV, kitchenettes, phones, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and high-speed internet, plus spaces are furnished to feel comfortable.
Residents get help with all the basics-dressing, bathing, using the restroom, grooming, personal hygiene-and staff provide total incontinence care, complex medication management, mobility help including lift transfers and escorts to meals or activities, with extra care available for people with difficult behaviors or physical challenges. Wellness coordinators build customized care plans; the on-site medical director and visiting therapists like PT, OT, podiatrists, and others help cover medical needs; nurses monitor health around the clock, and families mention the commitment to communication and collaboration on care decisions, which is a real point of pride here, as is the focus on promoting independence and choice.
Meals are served family-style at set tables, and everyone can get meals that work for allergies, diabetes, or other medical diets, with snacks any time, and staff help those needing mealtime support. The community holds regular activities tailored for people with dementia, like music therapy, art classes, brain fitness exercises, stretching, Tai Chi, trivia, Wii bowling, gardening, karaoke, pet programs, outings, movie nights, devotional services, and more, with activity staff leading things throughout the week, so residents can stay busy and social. There are resident-run groups, community service projects, and even trips into town, since transportation-at cost-is available for outings or appointments, and there's parking for residents and guests.
Great Falls Memory Care provides laundry and housekeeping, help moving in, and concierge services, so people don't have to worry about those chores. There's a beauty salon/barber, a wellness room for spa services, a fitness space, a movie theater, an arts room, and a well-kept library. The property gives access to outside spaces-manicured gardens, walking paths, outdoor seating-and indoors there's more than 10,000 square feet for gathering, meals, games, or quiet time. The design and décor aim to be familiar and comforting, helping residents feel secure and less anxious about moving around.
This community is known for its high standard of memory care and has received praise for its dedicated, well-trained staff as well as recognition like the 2024 Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association. Families mention the leadership and the warm, homelike atmosphere, with many residents staying for years and reporting a sense of belonging. The care covers a wide range, from behavioral health support to help with mobility, incontinence, and even hospice when needed, and the approach here always tries to keep residents involved, empowered, and part of the daily routine.
Costs start at about $762 for studio rooms, with a published monthly range, and the average review rating stands at 4.5 stars, noted as "excellent," which matches what many families say about the place. The facility sits near Reston Town Center, Herndon Historic District, Tysons Corner Mall, and several parks and historical sites, so families visiting can easily stop by or take residents out for a change of scenery. Tours are available for people who want to visit and meet the staff or see daily life. The focus stays steady on safety, dignity, and quality of life for people with memory challenges, and every detail-inside and out-shows how the entire community centers around those goals.
