Questions and Answers Helpline

 

At Iona, we help. Our Questions and Answers specialists are available Monday through Friday (9am to 5pm) to help identify aging-related resources for you and your loved ones.

Call, email, or visit us to find names of:

• Care managers
• Health insurance counseling
• Meal delivery
• Adult day programs
• Medical equipment retailers
• Elderlaw attorneys
• Transportation services
• Home care agencies
• Government services
• Assisted living facilities
• Counseling programs
• And more….

Or schedule an appointment with a Social Worker to help:

• Select among agencies to find the service that best suits your needs
• Plan long-term care options
• Provide comprehensive assessment of current needs
• Coordinate and manage care from multiple providers
• Apply for government benefits

Call Iona’s Questions and Answers Helpline at: 202-895-9448

Or contact us.

4125 Albemarle Street, NW
Washington, DC 20016

 

 

 

Iona’s Most Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How do I find a physician (or other health professional) who takes Medicare?

Go to www.medicare.gov , and on search tools select “Find a Doctor or Other Healthcare Professional.”

2. My mother needs help with personal care at home, what can I do?

Hire a personal care aide through a home care agency (resource guide) or learn if you qualify for subsidized personal care (call I&R).

3. Is there any independent resource that compares the quality of home health agencies or nursing homes?

Yes. Medicare compares both home health agencies and nursing homes nationwide. Go to www.medicare.gov , and on search tools select “compare home health agencies in your area” or “compare nursing homes in your area”; or schedule an appointment with an Iona social worker for a consult.

4. I think my elderly neighbor is being abused, neglected, or exploited. What do I do?

Make an anonymous referral to Adult Protective Services. DC APS 202-541-3950. MD APS: 1-800-91-PREVENT. VA APS 1-888-832-3858.

5. How do I find an attorney specializing in elderlaw?

Go to www.naela.org (the website of the National Academy of Elderlaw Attorneys) and select “Locate an Elderlaw Attorney” or see Iona’s Resource Guide

6. How do I find subsidized legal help for seniors?

In DC, phone Legal Counsel for the Elderly (202-434-2170). Outside of DC, go to www.abanet.org (the American Bar Association), select “Public Resources,” then under “Get Legal Help,” select “Lawyer Referral Services.”

7. How do I find a contractor who can make senior-friendly home modifications?

Go to www.nahb.org (the National Association of Home Builders), select “education,” under “professional designations,” select “certified aging in place specialists,” then select “CAPS Directory” or see Iona Resource Guide.

8. Where can I go to get questions answered about Medicare or Medicaid?

In DC, seniors or their caregivers can receive free health insurance counseling from the Health Insurance Counseling Project (202-739-0668). Outside of DC, go to www.shipusa.org (federally funded state health insurance programs), and select “Find your SHIP.” Seniors or caregivers also may schedule a consult with an Iona social worker about some health insurance matters.

9. My grandmother needs help with her taxes but she can’t afford to hire a tax preparer. What can she do?

Find an AARP subsidized tax preparer at http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/ or phone the Internal Revenue Service (1-800-829-1040) and ask about volunteer tax preparers.

10. Is there someone who can professionally evaluate my father’s driving?

Yes. Professionals who do such work are called Driving Rehabilitation Specialists. To find one, go to the website of the American Occupational Therapy Association at http://www1.aota.org/driver_search/index.aspx.