There are approximately 9,000 people in the District who are diagnosed with dementia each year. With those numbers on the rise, Iona offers citywide programs to support individuals and families navigating this diagnosis. These programs are funded by individual philanthropy and a generous grant from the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL).
Dementia Navigators
People living with dementia and their family members frequently have a hard time getting information about their diagnosis, accessing available services, and obtaining advice and support through their journey. That’s where Iona can come in.
Funded through a grant from DACL and individual philanthropy, Iona’s Dementia Navigators support older adults with dementia and their family care partners by linking them to community resources and educating them about dementia and how to manage symptoms.
Embedded within Sibley Memorial Hospital’s citywide Club Memory ® program, Iona’s expert dementia navigators help participants and families tap into the services and supports they need.
What is Club Memory ®?
Sibley Memorial Hospital’s citywide Club Memory ® program offers a stigma-free social and supportive environment for people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their care partners. Participants gain both practical and emotional support through thoughtfully selected and evidence-based activities such as trivia, puzzles, sing-a-longs, and sharing of resources and conversation.
The program also fosters important community connections, and facilitates support groups for people with a diagnosis of dementia and their family care partners. Please contact one of the community dementia program managers for more information about Club Memory and support groups. Visit Sibley Memorial Hospital’s website for more information about Club Memory and how to get started.
“[Our Dementia Navigator] put a system in place so that our dad is getting the care he needs and our mom is getting the support and respite she needs. As a result, we are all feeling less overwhelmed.”
– Thia Jackson, daughter to program participant
Other Iona Programs & Resources for Memory Loss and Dementia
- Adult Day Health Services
- Information & Referral Helpline
- Support Groups
- Testing for Memory Loss Fact Sheet
- Planning Now for Life Ahead: A Guide for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers (ebook)
You may also tap into Iona’s larger network of social workers, psychotherapists, and care managers who can provide even more information and resources if needed later in your caregiving or dementia journey. Additionally, we offer case management, money management, educational programs, one-on-one consultations, and a Memory Café (a special evening with planned activities for individuals with memory loss and their family or friends to spend time together).
Questions?
For more information about our full spectrum of services and other supports available for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related challenges, please call us at 202-895-9448, or use our contact form to send an email inquiry.
