Counseling Services

Caregiver Support Groups

Support Groups and Self-Help for Seniors

Counseling Services

The aging process can bring emotional challenges. Iona’s counseling services are specially designed to address the psychological needs of older adults, such as:

• Anxiety
• Coping with illness
• Grief
• Feeling overwhelmed by care issues
• Depression
• Difficulty with relationships
• Emotional pressures of growing older

Who provides counseling services at Iona?

Our staff of experienced, caring licensed clinical social workers provides counseling services.

How are services paid for?

Counseling services are often reimbursed through Medicare and secondary insurance. Services may also be provided on a sliding scale basis.

Where are services provided?

Counseling services are provided at Iona’s Isabella Breckinridge Center in Northwest Washington, DC. Home visits are provided on a very limited basis depending on the individual’s location and the availability of staff.

Who is eligible to receive services?

Iona provides counseling on aging-related issues to individuals 50 and over. Caregivers of any age are also eligible for services.

What’s the First Step?

Call us today at (202) 895-9448 or click here.

 

Support Groups

You do not have to face difficult situations alone! Iona offers a variety of support groups for seniors and caregivers on a variety of topics. Each group is coordinated by a trained professional. Support groups allow people to share challenges and information with one another in a welcoming and confidential setting.

Unless otherwise noted, support groups are offered free of charge. Donations are appreciated.

For more information or to register for any group, please call us at (202) 895-9448 or click here.

 

Caregiver Support Groups

Early Evening Caregiver Support Group for Adult Children and Other Caregivers

Being a caregiver is a very difficult job - but it is one that you do not have to do alone. Adult children and other caregivers of a senior with a chronic or acute illness, including dementia, will benefit from the chance to share their experiences, gain support for themselves and their loved one, and connect with appropriate resources, programs and services.

1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:30 -8:00 pm

Location: Iona, 4125 Albemarle Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20016

Pre-registration is required

$10 fee per session; scholarships are available

 

Support Group for Caregivers of Spouses/Partners with Dementia

This support group for spouses/partners of individuals with dementia meets to share concerns, achievements, frustrations and losses involved in caring for partners who are coping with dementia.

2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 12:30 to 2:00 pm

Location: Iona, 4125 Albemarle Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20016

Pre-Registration is required

 

Alzheimer’s Association Caregivers Support Group

Caregivers of individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at any level are encouraged to join this support group where resources, experiences, fears and concerns are shared. This group is not limited to spouses or partners. Adult children and other caregivers are also welcome.

1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of the month,12:30-2:00 pm

Location: Iona, 4125 Albemarle Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20016

Pre-Registration is required.

 

Caregiver’s Support Group at Springhouse

This support group is offered through a partnership between Springhouse and Iona Senior Services. The group is led by Lisa Ridner, MSW, LGSW. Join our discussions and share your experiences, troubles and accomplishments with those who can truly understand and relate to all the ups and downs of caregiving.

One Saturday each month 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Location: Springhouse of Bethesda, 4925 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD

Please call 202-895-9558 to register. No fee.

 

Caregiver Support at Sunrise Senior Living

Adult children and other caregivers of a senior with an acute or chronic illness, including dementia, will benefit from the opportunity to share what they're experiencing, gain support for themselves and their loved one, and connect with resources, programs and services.

Meets the second Tuesday of each month 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Location: Sunrise Assisted Living, 5111 Connecticut Avenue, NW

 

Learning about Memory Decline at Sunrise at Fox Hill

Iona and Sunrise at Fox Hill are partnering to bring Iona's expertise to caregivers in the community. Each month, an Iona social worker will lead a discussion on a topic of interest to caregivers.

September - Wandering and Other Safety Issues
October - Planning for the Holidays
November - Brain Fitness
December - Staying Connected with Family and Friends

Meets the third Tuesday of each month 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

Location: Sunrise at Fox Hill, 8300 Burdette Road, Bethesda, MD

 

Support Groups and Self-Help for Seniors

Unless otherwise noted, support groups are offered free of charge. Donations are appreciated.

For more information or to register for any group, please call us at (202) 895-9448 or click here.

 

Memory Changes and You

For individuals dealing with memory loss and those who care for them.

This six week program is designed to give participants:

• Valuable knowledge about memory changes anf the process of memory loss.
• Ways to reduce stress associated with memory loss.
• Understanding of the condition so that they can plan for the future.

  When: Every Monday, October 18 - November 22, 2010, 10:00 - 11:30 am.

Where: Iona Senior Services, 4125 Albemarle St. N.W. Washingtn, DC 20016

Fee: $60 (Scholarships are available, please inquire when registering.)

Led by Lisa Rindner, MSW,  LGSW

Please click here for topics that will be discussed each week.

 

Parkinson’s Support Group

This support group is designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Cosponsored by Iona and the Parkinson’s Foundation of the National Capital Area. A screening interview with the facilitator is required before joining.

Fridays, 11:00 am to 12 noon

Location: Iona, 4125 Albemarle Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20016

Pre-Registration is required.

 

Low Vision Support Group

This support group is for individuals with low vision who are not completely blind.

Scheduled 2 Thursdays a month, 10:00 to 11:30 am

Please call at the first of the month to ascertain the two designated Thursday meeting dates.

Location: Iona, 4125 Albemarle Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20016

Pre-Registration is required

AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly (SHO)

Legal Counsel for the Elderly’s Self Help Office will be open at Iona every Friday to assist seniors with answers to legal questions, complete a claims report, write a consumer complaint letter, check for benefits and so much more! Paralegal Ebonee Avery is available by appointment only. Please call Iona at 202-895-9448 or contact us for more information. There is no fee for this service.

Health Insurance Counseling Project (HICP)

Takes place on the first Thursday of every month at Iona from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Michael Knipmeyer of George Washington University Health Insurance Counseling Project is available to answer questions about Medicare Prescription benefit, Long-Term insurance and paying medical bills of seniors. Please call Iona at 202-895-9448 or contact us for more information. There is no fee for this service.