Home » Services » Senior Services » Virginia Wellness Center for Older Adults

Virginia Wellness Center for Older Adults

About the Program

ServiceSource’s Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA) includes a Day Program, Recreation Activities, Technology Access and Assistive Technology, Support Groups, and Health Screenings for Fairfax County community members.

There are a number of partners committed to offering programs, presentations, and services at the WCOA to assist in meeting the needs of the populations we serve.

Location
4027B Olley Lane
Fairfax, VA 22032
703-970-3601

Hours of Operation
Open Monday to Friday
9:00 – 3:30 PM

Informational Contact
Email: VAWellnessCenter@servicesource.org
Phone: 703-970-3601

To download the January 2024 Activities Calendar in PDF format, click here.

Join the Wellness Center for these free community events:

BingoCize – 1/23/2024 – 3/28/2024: This 10-week class meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays (starting 1/23, ends 3/28) and is facilitated by Elderlink. The program combines a bingo-like game with exercise, fall reduction and health education. Goals to improve mobility and independence, learn and use health information, and provide social engagement.
‘Brown Bag’ Medication & Workshop – 1/9/2024: NOVA Scripts Central will present a workshop at 10:30 for all to join. The topic for January is “The Sleep Cycle”. They also offer free confidential medication reviews and educational materials to people with concerns about their health. Appointments are in 30-minute increments. 11AM-2PM, reserve your appointment!
Creativity Leads to Wellness – 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31/2024: Join our creative art sessions led by local artist, Sharon Fishel from McLean Project for the Arts, every Wednesday. This class will focus on individuals discovering their own creativity and learning the elements of art. All materials will be provided.
Cupid Crew: Join the effort to offset the loneliness seniors may feel on the National Day of Love. ‘Cupid Crew’ volunteers spread love by making Valentine’s cards for adults in long-term care facilities. The group of volunteers, organized by Wish of a Lifetime from AARP, and our day program participants plan to make 500 cards and wrapped roses. We will meet at the WCOA February 1^st, 7^th and 13^th.

Dementia 101- 1/11/2024: Learn the basics of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While not everyone travels the same path, come and learn about the general stages to help you anticipate future changes. This program is presented by the Insight Memory Care Team at the Wellness Center for Older Adults.
Memory Screenings – 1/22/2024: Insight Memory Care Center offers free confidential memory screenings and educational materials to people with concerns about their memory or who want to check their memory now for future comparison. Call to reserve a 30-minute appointment at 703-970-3601.
Rhythm and Nature – 1/26/2024 -3/15/2024: Are you interested in joining a study that offers free holistic programming – involving your choice of drumming and/or garden-based activities for enjoyment, socialization, and self-expression? Join George Mason University faculty and students for this academic-led activity on Friday mornings. The drumming and nature-based activities will last up to 2 hours.

The Vision

The vision of the WCOA is to offer both virtual and in-person services for older adults and individuals with developmental disabilities from the community, engaging in meaningful activities together, supporting accessibility and full inclusion for ALL participants.  The WCOA serves to foster positive health choices among older adults through individual and group consultations, activities, and health education programs.

For a look inside the wellness center and resources available for adults with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers, click here to watch this episode of Mature Living.

Program Goals

Provide access to in-person and virtual therapeutic activities and achievement of therapeutic benefits
Facilitate social engagement to develop meaningful social connections and decrease social isolation
Empower older adults and adults with disabilities to engage in preventative health screenings, medical and clinical consultations, and education
Promote health, preventing injury, and managing chronic conditions
Support an inclusive environment for participants with disabilities and community members to engage in meaningful activities together

Types of Activities

Brain Games and Cognitive Activities
Exercise and access to fitness room equipment
Health and Wellness Education
Music, dance and art therapy
Preventative Health screenings
Volunteering in the community
And more!

Doctor measuring blood pressure for a patient.

Participants sitting at a round table creating arts

Community Partners and Services

AARP Virginia

Hybrid Programming and workshops

American HealthCare Professionals

Consultations by appointment
Education Presentations
Preventative Health Checks
Telehealth
Wellness programs

George Mason University – Center on Aging

Clinical Interventions such as health screenings
Practicums and Internships
Research on Aging
Workforce Training

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Courses for 50+ Community

INOVA Medical House Calls

Resource and referrals for ancillary services

Insight Memory Care

Caregiver Classes
Dementia Friendly Fairfax classes
Memory screenings

Marymount Univesity and the Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance

Fall Coalition and Fall Prevention Month activities
Monthly seminars
OTAGO exercise program

McLean Project for the Arts

Creative art sessions
Drawings, paintings and mixed media collage
All materials provided

NOVA Community College (NVCC)

Interact with participants interested in OT and PT services
Promote excellence in preventative health care
Utilize community resources

NOVA Scripts Central

Medication Safety education and Brown Bag events

Parkinson Social Network

Cafes (informal socials)
Support Groups
Webinars

Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke

Free transportation to and from medical appointments, including participation at the WCOA

Shenandoah University

Create occupational profiles
Develop person-centered activities
Interact with participants interested in OT services

Alzheimer’s Association

Monthly in-person education sessions

Words from Our Community Partners

"We are founded by medical clinicians whose “people first” approach remains true today and, as part of our partnership, will be accessible to older adults wishing to participate at the WCOA."

"We are dedicated to bringing students, practitioners, older adults, and family caregivers into the WCOA. Programs and services provided by our Center on Aging will include workforce training, clinical interventions, research, practicums and internships for students."

"We will offer monthly programming that includes a support group for those with Parkinson’s and a group for their carepartners. Our monthly Café is an informal social alternative to support those with Parkinson’s, their carepartners, caregivers, families and friends."

"We are excited to partner with the WCOA. The mission of our Occupational Therapy division is to produce occupational therapists who promote the health and well-being of individuals and communities to enable participation in meaningful life occupations."

"The WCOA is an amazing partnership and collaboration of nonprofits and service agencies in Fairfax County expanding inclusion opportunities for older adults and adults with different abilities. Our flagship transportation provides rides to older adults for medical appointments. We will also provide transportation to older adults wishing to visit the WCOA."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are hybrid programs?

Hybrid programs combines traditional face-to-face interaction with online interactions that the community and participants can do at home. In-person activities or educational events are hosted at the WCOA and streamed live to be viewed virtually from home.

What are your hours?

The Wellness Center for Older Adults is open week days 8:00-4:00. Our program hours are 9:00-3:30 Monday – Friday. Please click here for a look at our program calendar.

How do I make an appointment or reservation?

Each event/activity has a certain number of community seats for reserving. Health and Wellness screenings are available by appointment by calling our main line 703-970-3601. To make a reservation for a class or activity, call 703-970-3601 to sign up or schedule at the front desk. Walk-ins are welcome though appointments and reservations are honored first and preferred.

Where is the Wellness Center located?

The Wellness Center for Older Adults is in Fairfax, VA at 4027B Olley Lane. It’s on the Braddock Glen Campus off of the Little River Turnpike. Nearby is the Little River Glen Senior Center, Sunrise Braddock Glen Assisted Living, and Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke.

Directions

Coming from the Little River Turnpike, turn at the light onto Olley Lane. At the second driveway on your left, turn onto the campus and make an immediate right to go around the front entrance of the Wellness Center. Parking is available on the side of the facility and the back.

Are there volunteer opportunities at your center?

We are accepting in-person student internships and volunteers 18 years of age and older. To volunteer at this site, you must register as a volunteer with ServiceSource. All volunteers must complete orientation training and provide proof of eligibility. Please email VAWellnessCenter@servicesource.org for eligibility requirements and current volunteering opportunities.

Opportunities include but are not limited to:

Assist with an ongoing program
Computer help in the Resource Library
Demonstration and maintenance of equipment in the Fitness Room
Lead a new or one-time group program
Organization of materials and supplies
1:1 conversation and activities

Do I or my loved one qualify for the Wellness Center program?

We are delighted to welcome prospective participants, 50 years or older, to the WCOA.

Eligible applicants for the LTCIS program must have a documented disability (ID/DD).

Community members must, with or without a reasonable modification, be:

Able to orient correctly to person, place and time
Able to navigate to programs and through the facility safely
Able to receive and follow instructions
Able to recognize and respond appropriately to emergency warnings
Able to maintain personal care such as eating and restroom usage.

What is available to and for community members at the WCOA?

All recreation and services are inclusive and at no cost. Community members have the opportunity to engage in free health and wellness services and educational events. You, your loved one, or community center are welcome to visit the wellness center for a scheduled community activity as a community member if you are not a participant of the day program. Each activity has a certain number of community seats for reserving so you would need to call us at 703-970-3601 to reserve a spot for the event or email VAwellnesscenter@servicesource.org. Community members also have access to computers and a fitness room with exercise equipment.

How are services at the WCOA different than other LTCIS programs?

There are nine other LTCIS Programs that ServiceSource operates in Virginia. This program is unique in that inclusive services and community is integrated into the center. Inclusive services are offered alongside the day program so every participant is supported. The programs at the center are adapted and modified to support individual’s participation. The Wellness Center is open to ALL to engage in diversified programming and have access to resources. It is designed to enhance the lives of older adults and those with disabilities in the community. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will participate in day-to-day activities alongside older adult community members seeking recreation activities, support, exercise, and health screenings.

What is inclusion and integration?

Inclusion refers to the process of creating an environment in which every individual is welcomed, valued, respected and enabled to reach his or her full potential and so that they can participate in wellness center events and activities of their choice. Integration is the process in which individuals with disabilities or other special needs have access to adapted equipment and modified activities at the wellness center and other community venues.

What is a community partner?

A community partner is an organization working together with ServiceSource’s WCOA on a common goal: to support older adults and individuals with disabilities. It consists of a mutually beneficial relationship where all parties have shared responsibilities and privileges. A formal agreement is made between the two organizations who share the same clients, so the organizations work together productively. If your organization aligns with our mission and is interested in becoming a community partner, email VAwellnesscenter@servicesource.org.

Who is a community member?

Community members are at the heart of our campus. They include all adults age 50+ who live, learn, work, play, and pray in Fairfax County. Community members in Fairfax County may join a class or special event, socialize with peers, and support the wellness center’s programs. If you’re a community member in Fairfax County looking for opportunities to engage in offerings at the wellness center, stop by or email us at VAwellnesscenter@servicesource.org.