Many of us face the issue of caring for our parents or a loved one as they age. There are so many decisions that have to be made. Among these difficult decisions is whether the best care for your loved one will be provided at home or in a nursing home.
Joining us on this episode of Family Comes First is Nick Delillo. Nick shares his passion and mission to provide care for his mother at home rather than in a nursing home. He feels there is a certain level of comfort that is maintained by remaining at home, and that moving her elsewhere would be too overwhelming for her. The reality is, however, that there is a high cost of care in New York. Nick shares how his artwork supplement his mother’s income by painting to care for her.
Catholic Health Services of Long Island, as a ministry of the Catholic Church, continues Christ’s healing mission, promotes excellence in care, and commits itself to those in need. CHSLI affirms the sanctity of life, advocates for the poor and underserved, and serves the common good. It conducts its healthcare practice, business, education, and innovation with justice, integrity, and respect for the dignity of each person.
Carol Steger lost her husband, Gerald to Leukemia. Carol and her daughter, Tracy Ressa share their perspective on how Hospice helped their family by providing them with palliative and supportive care. Carol also shares that through Hospice, she was able to keep her promise to her husband that he would not pass in a hospital. Hospice was able to provide a homey place for Gerald and his family to spend time together. Hospice also provided psychologists and support groups to help the family deal with their grief. These support groups helped Carol to realize that she is not alone and many others are dealing with the same grief of losing a loved one.
When you think of Lego’s, who comes to mind? Likely, most of us would think of young children, but for 97 year old Manny Silberman, Lego’s are a part of his daily life.
In this episode, we meet Manny Silberman who shares his life story and where and why his joy of Lego’s emerged. He also shows us some of the things he has built over the last few years. Manny tells us how Lego’s have helped him pass his time rather than just watching television or falling asleep in an easy chair like other men his age. We will also talk with his daughter Lynda Levy, who tells us how Manny’s love of building with Lego’s has been beneficial to him.
Marta Waters and her husband, Martin live in Garden City. They have a son who lives in the home (high school) as well as two of their nieces, (also high school). Marta and Martin have custody of their nieces.
Marta’s parents, Pedro and Carmen live with them too, as well as Martin’s mother. Currently Marta’s father, Pedro Rojas is receiving Medicaid Home Care. He requires 24 hour care as he has severe dementia and requires assistance with all of his ADLs. Marta is his daughter, and is quite dedicated to keeping him and her mom, Carmen Rojas, as well as her mother-in-law at home.
It is a very busy household with three teenagers and three elderly grandparents. The young people are particularly devoted to their grandparents. Marta has found that taking care of everyone is a full time job. She is also very involved with her parish and a prayer group which started with a few of her friends and has grown to over 200 members. The family feels very blessed to be able to care for the grandparents in their home.
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Catholic Health Services of Long Island (CHS) is an integrated health care delivery system with some of the region’s finest health and human services agencies. CHS includes six hospitals, three skilled nursing facilities, a regional home nursing service, hospice and a multiservice, community-based agency for persons with special needs. Under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, CHS serves hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders each year, providing care that extends from the beginning of life to helping people live their final years in comfort, grace and dignity.
We met the Belmonte family in 2009 as they were one of our first episodes! This family had to make a tough decision to place their father in a nursing home. Join us now for an update!
According to recent estimates, as many as 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. It is the seventh leading cause of death for Americans. We know that Alzheimer’s disease affects seniors but what is most shocking is that it also affects people under the age of 65. This is very alarming. There are over 250,000 Americans with Alzheimer’s disease under age 65.
For more than 20 years, the Alzheimer’s Association has provided reliable information, created supportive programs and services for families, increased resources for dementia research, and influenced changes in public policy.
Gloria’s story about her husband, David, is heart-warming and heart-breaking, emotions not unknown to those who suffer silently through the effects of Alzheimer’s on a loved one. What are her emotions, experiences, support system? Ms. MaryAnn Malach-Ragona, Executive Director and CEO, Alzhiemer’s Association, Long Island shares information,resources and the latest news in research for treatment with viewers.
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For more than 20 years, the Alzheimer’s Association has provided reliable information, created supportive programs and services for families, increased resources for dementia research, and influenced changes in public policy.
Peter Belmonte, a baby-boomer, is juggling a job, his own family of four, his responsibilities to his Mom who lives in the community, and his Father, who after a painful family decision, is in a nursing home. How does this family cope? Our very own co-host, Vincent J. Russo speaks to viewers about the importance of planning.
“The time is always right for family. All of us can relate, in one way or another, to the real families in our series. You realize that if you change a name or a face, it could be YOU. Family Comes First® affirms that family and community are the answers. We need each other as we journey together through life.”
-Vincent J. Russo
