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

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

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

The First Friday Club at Springhouse Silver Spring

This group takes place at Springhouse and lunch is served at no charge after each session. To register, please call Hannah Philpott at (301) 495-7366.

Each session is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the following dates:

January 8, 2010: Take Charge of Your Health

February 5, 2010: Creating an Ethical Will

March 5, 2010: Take Charge of Your Stress

April 2, 2010: Creating a Social Portfolio

 

Take Charge/Age Well

This group meets at Iona on Thursdays. All sessions are led by qualified social workers. For more information, please call 202-895-9448.

Each session is held from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on the following dates:

January 21, 2010: Take Charge of Your Health

February 18, 2010: Creating an Ethical Will

March 18, 2010: Take Charge of Your Stress

April 15, 2010: Creating a Social Portfolio

 

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.