Counseling & Psychotherapy Services

Caregiver Support Groups

Support Groups and Self-Help for Seniors

Counseling  & Psychotherapy Services

For over 15 years, Iona Senior Services' staff of compassionate licensed clinical social workers has been helping older adults and their families cope with the emotional challenges of aging.

Are you an older adult who is:

• Feeling depressed or anxious?
• Having difficulty dealing with memory loss, a medical condition, or increased dependence on others?
• Experiencing grief or loss?
• Finding that retirement is not what you expected?
• Stressed by caregiving responsibilities?
• having difficulty with one or more relationships? 

Or are you a caregiver for your aging parents and seeking support to deal with the emotions and relationship changes that come with caregiving?

We have experience and expertise working with individuals, couples, and families dealing with these and other issues.  We use a variety of techniques that foster:

• Improved self-awareness
• Emotional healing
• Personal growth
• Better relationships

You will also gain skills you can use to effectively handle situations and feelings on your own.

How we're different from other therapists

All of our therapists have a background in senior services and care managmenet, as well as counseling and psychotherapy.  Emotional and practical issues related to aging are often intertwined, and we have expertise in both areas if you ever need.

We also complement our counseling services with the following Iona programs and services that are available if you need:

• Support groups for caregivers and people dealing with memory loss, Parkinson's and low vision
• Consults to identify resources and strategies to age independently
• Care management services
• Exercise classes and a senior day program

Who's eligible to receive services?

Services are available to individuals 50 and over and family members and caregivers of any age.

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.

What's the first step?

Call us today at (202) 895-9448 or click here to find out more and to make an appointment.  Additional information is also available by clicking here to reach our profile page on PsychologyToday.com.

 

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. A complete list of our caregiver support groups is available to print here.

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

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

Caregiver Support Groups

Lunch Time Caregiver Support Group at Springhouse of Westwood

Iona Senior Services and Springhouse of Westwood are partnering to offer a new support group for spouses, partners, adult children, and others who are coping with the emotional, physical, and other challenges of caregiving.  Group members will have an opportunity to share their challenges and successes, get input from the group's facilitator, Donna Tanner, LICSW, and other group members, and learn about helpful resources.

Second Thursday of each month

Complimentary lunch: 12:00-12:30 pm; Group: 12:30-1:30 pm

Location: Springhouse of Westwood, 5101 Ridgefield Road, Bethesda, Maryland, 20816

Pre-registration is required.  There is no fee for this group.

 

Early Evening Caregiver Support Group for Adult Children

Being a caregiver is a very difficult job - but it is one that you do not have to do alone. Adult children 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

 

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.

January - Community Resources for Caregivers
February - Coping with Medical Issues in the Person with Dementia
March - Mealtime with the Person who has Dementia
April - Preparing for the Later Stages of Dementia

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

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

 

Memory Loss Support Groups

For people diagnosed with early stage memory loss and the people who care about them.

Individuals diagnosed with memory loss and their family and friends are all affected by the diagnosis and the changes that come with memory loss, but the experience is different for the diagnosed individual and those who care about them. Recognozing this, Iona has developed two new groups that meet simultaneously and provide support, information, and resources specific to each one's needs.

Individuals with memory loss and their care partners will meet together for half an hour of coffee and conversation, then the group will split into separate support groups - one for individuals with memory loss and one for their caregivers. We strongly recommend that both the individual with memory loss and their care partner attend these meetings, but this is not required.

Pre-registration is required. Fee: $15 per person per session. Limited scholarships available.

 

Support Groups and Self-Help for Seniors

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

Co-sponsored 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 two 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.