MELVILLE, NY — More than 200 caregivers, family members and elder care professionals gathered in Melville on Thursday night as Cona Elder Law hosted its 10th Annual Cona Caregiver Conference, focusing on the mental health challenges facing aging Long Islanders and the people caring for them.
This year’s conference, titled “Facing the Stigma Head-On: Supporting the Mental Health of Your Aging Loved One,” centered on the emotional and psychological struggles that often accompany aging, while also providing practical guidance and resources for caregivers navigating those realities.
“We’re seeing more and more mental health issues in older adults and there is definitely a stigma around it,” Jennifer B. Cona, founder and managing partner of Cona Elder Law, said during the event. “They don’t want to talk about it, they don’t want to go to therapy, they don’t even want to go to support groups. And so, they’re not having that quality of life they could be having in their older years.”
The free conference featured educational presentations, panel discussions and an exhibitor expo designed to connect attendees with support services and elder care resources across Long Island.
Melissa Negrin-Wiener, senior partner at Cona Elder Law, led a presentation focused on navigating difficult conversations with aging loved ones. Topics included discussing financial planning, asset protection and helping families normalize conversations surrounding end-of-life care.
A multidisciplinary panel discussion served as the centerpiece of the evening and brought together experts from across the medical, mental health and elder care fields.
The panel, moderated by Cona, included Dr. Maria Benetos, an integrated adult and geriatric psychiatrist; Dr. Ani A. Bodoutchian, a family medicine physician affiliated with Stony Brook Medicine and vice president of the board of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians; Vito F. Grasso, executive vice president and CEO of the academy; Dr. Tobe Banc, medical director of the Northwell Institute for Healthy Aging; and Colleen Merlo, CEO of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness.
Panelists discussed the growing mental health needs among older adults, barriers preventing seniors from seeking care, and the importance of building stronger support systems for both aging individuals and caregivers.
The event also included an Exhibitor Expo featuring more than 40 elder care sponsors and exhibitors. Attendees had access to information and services related to home care, assisted living, reverse mortgages, long-term care insurance and caregiver support programs.
Cona Elder Law said the conference is part of the firm’s broader mission to support older adults and caregivers through a holistic approach to elder law and long-term planning.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Huntington, NY Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.