Panel Discussion–“Caring for Your Loved One: Planning Strategies and Elder Care. Options for the Italian-American Family”

In light of population aging and high disability rates among the elderly, many Italian American families face difficult decisions concerning hospitalization and care arrangements for elderly, disabled relatives. Often times, adult children become deeply involved in the daily lives of their chronically ill or medically fragile parents.

How do Italian American families meet the needs of their elderly? Are there particular cultural expectations concerning custodial care functions? In the face of changes in homecare legislation, Medicaid funding, and the continuing pressure to do more with less, creative thinking is critical for family caregivers.

Members of the panel discussion will include: Alec Pruchnicki, M.D., St. Luke’s- Roosevelt Hospital; Anne B. Pagano, M.S., Fordham University; and Salvatore M. Di Costanzo, Esq., McMillan, Constabile, Maker and Perrone, LLP. Each participant has extensive experience providing medical, clinical, and/or legal services to Italian-American patients/clients and their extended family members.

Discussants will explore the challenges faced by Italian-American caregivers regarding hospitalization and home care options; strategies to support primary family caregivers as well as formal (hired) caregivers and the increased importance of financial planning, i.e., Medicaid and Community Needs Trusts.