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Many seniors on Long Island with limited incomes are struggling to meet day to day expenses so that even a simple need or wish, which most of us take for granted, cannot be fulfilled.
As advocates for seniors, Cona Elder Law, a leading elder law firm in Melville, has granted many wishes over the past two years to those in need as part of their Senior Dreams Come True program through its subsidiary Cona Elder Law Charitable Events, a nonprofit organization. Senior Dreams benefits low income seniors by fulfilling wishes – from helping a senior meet basic needs to fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Jean, a Senior Dreams Come True winner was thrilled to get transportation to visit her mentally disabled daughter who resides in an upstate NY group home, about 4 ½ hours from LI, courtesy of Legend Limos in Islandia. Jean hadn’t seen her daughter in five years because she had no way to get there.
“Spending several hours with my daughter Janice was thrilling for me” said Jean. Her daughter shared the certificates she received for her participation in singing, yoga and other activities at the group home.
“We were truly honored to grant this special wish that, while relatively simple, is so big and important to someone like Jean,” said Jennifer Cona, managing partner, Cona Elder Law. “By reaching out to colleagues, we have been able to secure donations of goods and services, which has allowed us to stretch our charitable dollars to help more seniors in need and expand the Senior Dreams Come True program,” says Ms. Cona.
The organization grants wishes on a revolving basis throughout the year. Some examples of senior wishes that Cona Elder Law may grant include:
- plane fare to bring families together
- home improvements and repairs
- home modifications, such as wheelchair accessibility and chair lifts
- experimental medical treatment not covered by insurance
- prescription drug coverage, including Medicare doughnut hole coverage
- transportation to an event or to see a loved one
- formal attire for a special event
- dinner and a show
- tickets to a sporting event
- spa services
Applicants must be 65 or over with an income limit of no more than $1,500 per month for single individuals and $2,000 per month for a married couple. A letter or statement under 750 words describing the senior’s need must be submitted along with a Wish Request form. Applicants should also document how they have given to others and contributed to society in some way.
To obtain an application, go to the Cona Elder Law website: www.conaelderlaw.com. All applications must be submitted by regular mail or email.
Several events are in the works to raise money to grant wishes. Individuals can also make donations to the program by check payable to Cona Elder Law Charitable Events/Senior Dreams Come True, a 501(c)(3) charity.
Continuing its mission to help seniors and their families, Cona Elder Law recently opened the Susan C. Snowe Caregiver Resource Center where individuals can get information on nearly all aspects of elder care and elder law, such as senior housing, finance, health care and more. The center is open on Monday and Tuesday from 9 AM – 5 PM and summer Fridays from 9AM – 3 PM. On Tuesdays from 3 PM – 5 PM, visitors can speak with a Cona Elder Law elder law attorney at no charge.
Cona Elder Law is recognized as a leading elder law and estate planning firm on Long Island. The firm provides creative advocacy and cutting edge planning strategies and has been featured in many publications including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Newsday, L.I. Business News, Kiplinger’s, Reader's Digest and many others. Cona Elder Law attorneys are frequent contributors to Newsday’s Act II “Ask the Expert” column and have appeared as guests on WNBC-TV, CNN-fn, News 12, News 55, Channel 21 "Act II With Newsday" and many radio stations including WOR, WCBS AM and WFAN.
