What Happens When Your Spouse or Parent has a Life-Changing Disease?

Hilary Topper On Air

In life, many of us may face the challenge of a loved one being diagnosed with a life-changing disease. Unfortunately, it happens all the time. How do you handle it?

My dad had Alzheimer's disease. It was a slow progression in the beginning, but when he needed to go into assisted living and eventually into a group home, I wasn't sure how we would pay for it. It was so expensive, and I thought he would run through his money fast before I had to dip it into my pocket.

What Happens When Your Spouse or Parent Has a Life-Changing Disease?

On today's show of Hilary Topper on Air, Diana Lattanzio, partner at The Russo Law Group, talks with us about how to deal with situations like the one above. Diana experienced this both with her grandfather and with her father, who currently has Parkinson's disease.

Diana discusses what the process is to apply for Medicaid to meet his ongoing needs. She also talks about how families can proactively plan for the legal aspects of long-term care, considering the potential impact of a life-changing diagnosis.

Diana Lattanzio also answers the following questions:

• What key advice do you have for individuals who find themselves suddenly responsible for making important legal decisions on behalf of a loved one with a serious medical condition?
• In your experience, what are common misconceptions about Elder Law, and how can individuals better understand the support it provides?
• Could you share a success story or case that highlights the positive impact of proper legal planning in the face of life-changing health challenges?

About Diana Lattazio

Diana Lattanzio is a Partner at Russo Law Group, P.C. of Garden City, Islandia, and Lido Beach, New York. She brings over 20 years of experience to Russo Law Group, P.C., where she focuses on elder law, Medicaid planning, estate planning, special needs planning, and real estate. Diana is available to assist Italian-speaking clients.

A compassionate person by nature, Diana’s interest in Elder Law was inspired by her close relationship with her maternal grandparents. She appreciated the sacrifices they made coming to America for a better life, together with their wisdom and the life lessons they imparted to the rest of the family. When Diana’s grandfather required home care, Diana’s mother provided it. Diana saw firsthand the challenges caregivers and elders face and vowed to dedicate her career to helping families during times of crisis. She is committed to minimizing the stress her clients are going through while providing sound legal advice to protect their assets against the high cost of long-term care.

Diana earned her B.S., Magna Cum Laude, from St. John’s University and her J.D. from the Hofstra University School of Law. She is licensed to practice in the states of New York and New Jersey and is also admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

How to Reach Diana Lattazio?

Diana can be reached at The Russo Law Group by going to the web here: https://vjrussolaw.com/staff-member/diana-lattanzio/ or calling 1-800-680-1717 and asking for Diana Lattanzio.

Special thanks to our sponsors for making this show and all the shows this season possible:

• The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Elder Law, Special Needs and Estate Planning law firm. For additional info visit vjrussolaw.com.
• Buddha Bath - a natural bath and body care company. For more info visit buddhabath.net.