Classie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and lived in New York City with her brother who was also her caregiver.
When Classie’s brother died, her daughter Marie, moved her mother into her home in Washington, D.C. Like other caregivers, Marie struggled with the many challenges of being a caregiver to someone with memory loss.
But then she found Iona Senior Services—and enrolled her mom in our adult day health program at Iona’s Washington Home Center in D.C.’s Congress Heights neighborhood. Not only was Classie receiving support from Iona, but Marie was able to join the Center’s caregiver support group.
“When they come in, it’s on their faces that they are tired and weary. They have a lot going on because they have their own lives and issues they are dealing with,” says Phyllis Barge, the Iona social worker who facilitates the support group. But at the end of the support group meetings, it’s a different story. “Sometimes the group doesn’t end for an hour after I stop the conversation because they are still talking and engaging with each other.”
Marie says she looks forward to every support group meeting. “I learn something valuable at each meeting, and I never miss them.”
“I can’t say enough about what Iona has done and what they are doing for our population,” Marie says.
Can you help us reach our $20,000 goal for #GivingTuesday to sustain Iona’s essential caregiver programs? A gift of $100 can help cover the costs of a caregiver support group session. And, great news! Thanks to a group of generous donors, all donations up to $8,500 made towards #GivingTuesday will be matched!
