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As America’s population of elderly grows, so, too, does the need for specialized care for adults with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. We recently visited a center in Fairfax, Virginia, that provides such care and also supports the family members who are the main caregivers for the patients.

Linda Roberts’ mother – like more than five million other Americans – has Alzheimer’s.

“I went to visit her five years ago, found out some stuff was going on. I packed her up that weekend and took her home.”

Linda Roberts joined more than 15 million American family members and friends caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. The brain disease causes problems including memory loss and personality changes. Over time, body functions fail, causing death.

Linda Roberts says it has been terrible to watch her mother struggle with the disease. Being her only caregiver has also been difficult.

“It’s extremely stressful. Keeping my patience, trying to over and over repeat things that I need to get done. I think that’s my frustration.”

Two years ago, Ms. Roberts found help at the Alzheimer’s Family Day Center. The Center provides a supervised, enriching environment where dementia patients can spend the day. The center is open ten hours a day, Monday through Friday. It operates similarly to children’s day care centers.