Goodwin brain health

Thrive is a social day program designed for individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. Participants enjoy therapeutic activities, meaningful connection and structured daily engagement. We create a space rooted in dignity, purpose and joy.

Thrive Social Day Program

Living Fully with Dementia

We created Thrive for individuals who may be experiencing cognitive changes yet are not ready for a traditional memory care setting. Hosted at The View Alexandria, this weekday program offers four hours of purposeful programming in a safe, welcoming and uplifting environment.

Available Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with flexible attendance options, Thrive provides participants with engaging activities:

  • Brain health exercises
  • Interactive group discussions
  • Exercise classes with physical therapists
  • Music therapy
  • Art and creative expression
  • Gardening
  • Community outings and local experiences

Every experience is designed to encourage social connection, emotional well-being and continued independence through person-centered, strengths-based support.

The program also incorporates the StrongerMemory℠ curriculum to help support positive brain health and cognitive engagement.

Fill out our contact form and we’ll be happy to provide you with more information about the program.

Session Availability and Quick Facts

Monday through Friday*
*Attend two to five days per week. You choose!

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Supports positive brain health and cognitive engagement

The program incorporates the StrongerMemory℠ curriculum

  • “Being here feels so easy! It is just so easy to be yourself here, and it doesn’t matter if you mess up or if you fail; we’re all here together, and it’s easy. We work on things together, it’s just so easy to be here.”

  • “The Thrive program and its wonderful, caring, encouraging, and delightful staff have truly revitalized our mother. The program has been positive and impactful for us all.”

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Key Elements of Thrive

Focused on abilities

We focus on what individuals can do.

Daily cognitive support

Routines promote brain health & emotional well-being.

Trained team members

Support from a staff experienced in dementia care.

Support for families

Care partners receive respite & peace of mind.

Thrive Social Day Program
Celebrates One Year!

What a joy to celebrate this milestone with participants, families and friends! Since we opened, Thrive has become a cherished space. We’re just getting started!

Ready to spend the day with Thrive?

The best way to understand Thrive is to experience it. Reach out to Samantha Murray, our Day Program Manager, to ask questions, schedule a tour or set up a trial day for your loved one.

Leadership

Meet the Thrive Social Day Program Team

Jessica Fredericksen

MSW, CADDCT, CMDP

Senior Director of Brain Health

Michelle Wanzer

Communications & Operations Coordinator

Sam Murray

Thrive Day Program Manager

Frequently asked questions

What is a social day program, and how is Thrive different from medical day programs or adult day health care?

Thrive is a social day program centered on brain health, connection and meaningful daily engagement for individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. It offers a warm and welcoming space where participants take part in purposeful, socially engaging activities led by experienced dementia-care professionals.

Unlike medical day programs or adult day health care, Thrive is not a clinical or nursing-focused environment. The focus is on helping individuals stay mentally active, socially connected and supported in a positive, uplifting setting.

Who can benefit from Thrive’s social day program for adults with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia?

Thrive is designed for individuals in the early stages of cognitive change, including those with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Participants must meet eligibility requirements, such as not needing medication assistance during programming times and being independent in restroom use.

Thrive is a strong fit for people who benefit from routine and can safely participate in group activities. Many participants enjoy coming to Thrive because it gives them a sense of purpose, connection and engagement in a supportive environment.

What types of activities and services are offered during the day?

Each day at Thrive includes four hours of thoughtfully planned programming designed to support brain health and overall well-being.

Each day is built around interactive discussions, brain health exercises, music or art therapy and light physical activity guided by professionals. Participants may also enjoy hands-on experiences, such as gardening and baking, as well as outings to local museums, restaurants and community events.

How does Thrive’s social day program support independence and quality of life?

At Thrive, we help individuals continue to live with purpose, dignity and connection during the early stages of cognitive impairment.

Through engaging activities in a supportive setting, participants are encouraged to stay active, express themselves and maintain a sense of identity. Families often find comfort knowing their loved one is spending the day in a place where they are safe, engaged and genuinely enjoying themselves.

What are Thrive’s program hours, and how often can someone attend?

Thrive runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing a consistent, structured four-hour day.

Participants can attend anywhere from two to five days per week, depending on what works best for them and their families. This flexibility allows each person to find the right balance of support and routine.

How do you ensure the safety and well-being of participants?

We make the safety and well-being of participants a top priority. Thrive is staffed by experienced dementia-care professionals who understand how to support individuals with early cognitive impairment.

The program is intentionally designed to provide structure, supervision and activities that are appropriate and engaging for each participant. We want each person to feel comfortable, respected and supported throughout the day.

What is included in the pricing?

Thrive is offered at an approximate cost of $100 per day, with participants typically attending between two and five days per week. Billing is completed monthly.

The daily rate includes a full four-hour program designed to support brain health and engagement, along with lunch, community outings, and therapeutic activities such as music and art therapy. Each day is thoughtfully structured to provide a meaningful and enriching experience for participants.

What areas do you serve, and is transportation available?

Thrive is located at The View Alexandria, and we primarily serve individuals and families in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church and Fairfax.

At this time, Thrive does not provide transportation. However, our team is happy to help families explore local transportation resources and community options that may be available. We’re always glad to work with you to identify solutions that make attending the program as easy and accessible as possible.

How do I get started or refer someone to Thrive?

Getting started with Thrive is simple, and our team is here to guide families and care managers through each step. We take time to understand each person’s needs, answer questions and help determine whether Thrive is the right fit. Families may also schedule a free trial day so their loved one can experience the program’s supportive environment, engaging activities and sense of connection before making a commitment.

To learn more or begin the next steps, contact Thrive by phone at 703-328-8859 or by email at Thrive@GoodwinLiving.org. The program is located at The View Alexandria on the Goodwin Living campus, offering a convenient and welcoming setting for local families.