Iona’s core programs are built around the needs of those who are facing difficult times, transitions or health issues. Through the Consultation, Care Management and Counseling programs, compassionate and highly trained social workers provide intensive, one-on-one support to seniors and families, helping them navigate challenges associated with aging. In addition, Iona offers mental health counseling and support groups to help people deal with grief, loss, depression, chronic illness such as Parkinson’s, low vision or other disabilities and major life transitions. Iona’s Adult Day Health Wellness & Arts Center offers engaging daily programming to those with cognitive or physical impairments, including art therapies, wellness programs and socialization in a medically supervised setting. Iona’s Adult Day Health, Wellness & Arts Center was named a “Center for Excellence in Dementia Care” by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the only day center on the east coast to receive such a distinction. Each year, more than 5,000 calls are logged into the Helpline, and countless people access information through our website and the bi-annual Resource Guide, now in its 19th edition. Community programming, targeted to people who are independent and looking to remain socially engaged and healthy, offers exercise programs and educational workshops, art-related events through the The Gallery at Iona, volunteer opportunities at the Breckinridge Center and a mid-day Wellness Program at St. Transportation to and from grocery stores, weekend meal and commodity food delivery helps those who are homebound remain at home for as long as possible. Through Advocacy, Iona has fully supported and housed the work of the DC Coalition for Long Term Care as it has worked to help the city develop home and community-based services as alternatives to nursing home care for low-income residents with chronic care needs.
