Help at Home

Iona is dedicated to helping seniors remain independent by providing help at home. In addition to the support offered through our care management, home delivered meals, medical transportation, and adult day care services, Iona provides volunteer companions and grocery shoppers to make aging-in-place easier. Iona’s medical equipment loan closet lends donated medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers. For more information on any of these programs, please call 202-895-9448 or contact us.

Volunteer Companions

Volunteers are an integral part of Iona’s programs and assist Iona by volunteering one-on-one with an isolated senior in the community. Iona provides full training and oversight by a social worker and the volunteer program manager. A volunteer companion may assist with reading, enjoy thoughtful conversation together, share an interest; organize paperwork or simply spend time sharing memories. The Volunteer Companions help to breakdown the isolation felt by many homebound seniors. Following training and matching, volunteers will visit a senior (living in Ward 3 or parts of Wards 2 and 4) approximately once per week.  We encourage daytime volunteers, though scheduling can be flexible.

Volunteer Grocery Shoppers

Iona’s volunteer grocery shoppers help homebound seniors with their grocery shopping. The senior either accompanies the volunteer to the store or provides a list and money. Volunteers generally require a car and shop for the senior weekly or biweekly (seniors live in Ward 3 or parts of Wards 2 and 4).  We encourage daytime volunteers, though scheduling can be flexible.

Medical Equipment Loan Closet

Iona loans durable medical equipment, including walkers, canes, wheelchairs, bed-side commodes, bath seats, and transfer benches. Iona accepts donations of durable medical equipment in good repair. Donations of exceptionally large equipment (i.e. hospital beds, chair lifts, hoyer lifts, etc.) are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Iona loans equipment to anyone in need regardless of age.