The Gift That Actually Changes Outcomes
During the holidays, gifting tends to focus on objects — things you can wrap, purchase, or hand to someone else. But if you are an older adult, a caregiver, or someone beginning to notice changes in aging parents, one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself right now is different — the gift of education and insight.
When you understand aging, dementia, caregiver burnout, fall risk, and long-term care planning, you make better decisions. Better decisions lead to greater safety, reduced crises, stronger family communication, and more control over your future. This is exactly why educational programs throughout the DMV can be one of the most meaningful investments you make during the holiday season.
Fairfax County’s Exploring Dimensions of Aging is one of the most impactful programs available (and one virtual class is available today, December 9, 2025, at noon). But similar opportunities exist across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
Exploring Dimensions of Aging (Fairfax County, Virginia)
This virtual, scenario-based program helps you understand:
• Safety and well-being concerns in older adults
• Caregiver stress and realistic coping strategies
• Trauma-informed communication
• How to identify risk in vulnerable adults
• How to respond with clarity and compassion
• Exploring Dimensions of Aging
Virginia Programs Offering Similar Education and Support
Virginia Area Agencies on Aging (Statewide)
Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging offer excellent programs such as:
• Fall-prevention workshops
• Chronic disease management
• Dementia-focused education
• Caregiver support and training
Virginia Area Agencies on Aging Map
Insight Memory Care Center (Fairfax and Sterling)
Insight Memory Care Center is one of the region’s leading dementia-education providers. Programs include:
• Dementia-communication training
• Caregiver boot camps
• Skills-based behavioral workshops
• Support groups and professional education
Insight Memory Care Center – Education
Maryland Programs for Older Adults and Caregivers
Montgomery County Caregiver Support Program
Montgomery County offers education and services for caregivers, including:
• Dementia-care workshops
• Caregiver training
• Resource navigation assistance
• Ongoing support programming
Montgomery County Family Caregiver Program
Holy Cross Health – Classes and Support Groups
Holy Cross Health offers wellness and aging education programs, including:
• Balance and mobility classes
• Chronic disease self-management
• Senior wellness education
• Healthy-aging workshops
Holy Cross Health – Classes and Support Groups
Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)
JCA provides:
• Caregiver education
• Dementia-friendly programs
• Aging and wellness courses for adults 50-plus
Washington, DC Programs Supporting Aging, Dementia, and Caregiving
DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
DACL offers:
• Caregiver training
• Dementia-related education
• Senior Wellness Center programming
• Support for aging in place
Iona Senior Services – Caregiver University
Iona provides:
• Dementia-communication workshops
• Behavioral and safety training
• Stress-management support for caregivers
• Practical education for families and professionals
Iona Senior Services – For Caregivers
Capitol Hill Village – Aging-in-Place Educational Series
Programs include:
• Home safety and fall-prevention workshops
• Brain and memory health sessions
• Aging-in-place strategies
• Community-based support models
Region-Wide Virtual Programs Accessible Anywhere in the DMV
AARP Webinars on Aging, Dementia, and Caregiving
AARP offers a substantial number of free online programs covering:
• Understanding dementia
• Brain health
• Caregiving skills
• Senior fraud prevention
• Driving safety
AARP DC, AARP Virginia, AARP Maryland
Alzheimer’s Association – National Capital Area
This organization offers:
• Alzheimer’s and dementia education
• Caregiver training modules
• Early-stage programs
• Support groups
Alzheimer’s Association – National Capital Area
Why This Gift Matters More Than Anything You Can Wrap
During the holidays, families often see each other more closely and more honestly. It becomes clear when an aging parent is:
• More confused
• Less steady on their feet
• Struggling with daily tasks
• Showing signs of caregiver strain
• Becoming unsafe on the road
• Increasingly isolated
Education helps you recognize these patterns early and understand what they mean. This gives you time to plan, adjust, and protect your loved ones before a crisis forces your hand.
You may also find these related articles helpful:
• When It Is Time to Take the Car Keys Away: The Advance Driving Directive
• Wine, Women, and Dementia Offers a Window into the Lives of Dementia Caregivers
• Can Caring for a Loved One Be Harmful?
• Approaching Dementia with Understanding, Acceptance, and Compassion
Pairing education with planning is the strongest protection you can give your family.
A Simple Holiday Challenge
Before the year ends:
• Enroll in one educational program from this list.
• Forward this newsletter to someone who may benefit.
• Consider reaching out to the Farr Law Firm to discuss Medicaid Asset Protection, dementia planning, or long-term care strategies for the coming year.
This season, give yourself something more meaningful than a traditional gift — give yourself clarity, preparation, and peace of mind.
Don’t wait for a crisis. Educate yourself, talk with those you trust, and work with a knowledgeable attorney here at the Farr Law Firm to make your decisions official.