Support Groups
Iona’s support groups offer a much-needed anchor by providing you with space to connect with others experiencing similar situations, learn coping strategies, and share stories.
Facilitated by Iona professionals, our support groups give participants the opportunity to:
- Share their experiences and concerns with one another
- Find emotional comfort and support
- Gain practical advice, helpful resources, and ways of coping
- Meet new people and build community
Please note
Due to high demand, many support groups have a waitlist. Pre-registration is required for all sessions by contacting a group facilitator through Iona's Helpline.
All support groups are currently offered virtually. Participation is only available to people who reside in the Washington, DC area.
Current Support Groups
Adult Child Thursday Evening Caregiver Support Group
Meets on the first and third Thursday of every month from 6:30-8 PMBeing a caregiver for an older adult in your family is a very difficult job. If you are caring for an older adult with a chronic or acute illness (including dementia), you might benefit from this group. You will have the chance to share what you’re experiencing, gain support from other adult children, and connect with resources, programs, and services.
Iona/Alzheimer’s Association Support Group for Adult Children Caring for Parents with Memory Loss
Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 6 – 7:30 PMWhether your parents are living in the area or are far away, and whether they are appreciative or resistant to your assistance, join us for mutual support, practical caregiving strategies, and ways of coping.
Lunchtime Support Group for Family Caregivers
Meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 12 – 1:30 PMThis support group is for spouses, partners, adult children, and others who are coping with the emotional and physical challenges of caring for an older adult.
First Thursday Support Group for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia
Section One: Meets on the first Thursday of each month from 10:30 -11:45 AMThis group provides an opportunity for individuals caring for someone with dementia to share their experiences, gain support, and learn about resources, programs, and services.
Fourth Thursday Support Group for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia
Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 10:30 - 11:45 AMThis group provides an opportunity for individuals caring for someone with dementia to share their experiences, gain support, and learn about resources, programs, and services.
Support Group for Caregivers of Spouses/Partners with Dementia
Meets on the second and the fourth Tuesday of each month from 12:30-2 PMThis 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.
Support Group for People Caring for Their Spouse or Partner
Meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 12:30-2:00 PMThis group is for people who provide care and support to their spouse or partner who is an older adult and has a chronic or acute illness. You’ll be able to share your experience, get support, learn caregiver tips, and connect with helpful resources.
Silver Circles Peer Support Groups for LGBTQ Older Adults
Women’s group: Meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 PM.Men’s group: Meets every Monday from 6:30-7:30 PM.Men’s group: Meets every Tuesday from 2:00-3:00 PM.Mixed gender group: Meets every Wednesday from 2:00-3:00 PM.To join a Silver Circle, contact Michael Mitchell at Whitman-Walker Health at mmitchell@whitman-walker.org or 202-939-7646.
Silver Circles, a partnership of Iona Senior Services and Whitman-Walker Health, are peer-led support groups for adults who are 60+ and identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+). Group members are able to connect with other LGBTQ+ peers, talk about issues that impact them in a safe space, and build support to help navigate challenges. Funding for Silver Circles is provided by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living.
Low Vision Support Group
Meets on every other Wednesday from 3:00 – 4:30 PM. Pre-registration required.Individuals with low vision – those who are not completely blind – are welcome.
Transitions in Aging
Meets on the first and third Thursday of each month from 12:30-2:00 PM.
Pre-registration is required.This group provides a confidential and welcoming setting for people ages 60+ to meet and share their experiences, get support from each other and Iona’s social workers, make connections with new people and build community, and discover coping strategies and helpful resources to live more fully.
I hemmed and hawed and said, ‘I don’t want to go.’ But the support group taught me that you’ve got to take care of yourself. It was a place of safety. It was a place of encouragement. It was a place of hope.
Learn more or pre-register for a support group.
Please contact Iona's Helpline with questions, to learn more, or to pre-register for a support group.
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