Old Colony Elder Services has launched an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and appointed a new Clinician

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has announced that an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) is now available to older adults and individuals with disabilities in communities throughout greater Plymouth County. 
 
OCES received funding in a recent grant award from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) which is funded through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. OCES now offers behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.  
 
According to an issue brief released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), it is estimated that 20% of adults aged 55 and older have some form of mental health concern. The brief also states that among older adults, depression (which is a mood disorder) is the most prevalent mental health problem. 
 
Social isolation, transportation issues or financial issues are some of the additional challenges older adults face when it comes to accessing behavioral health services.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. OCES’ team provides counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT program is led by Deana Andrade, LICSW, Behavioral Health Manager. Alexa Moniz, LCSW, has recently been hired as OCES’ EMHOT Clinician. Moniz holds a Master’s Degree in social work from Bridgewater State University and her clinical experience includes working in geriatric care for seven years, and four years as a licensed social worker. She has worked in long-term care, case management, housing, mobile crisis, and psychiatric services in nursing homes.  
 
Referrals to OCES’ EMHOT can be made by anyone including an individual in need. To make a referral or to gather additional information from OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
OCES provides vital information, resources, and coordination of services that promote healthy and safe living, and that helps older adults remain active and engaged in their lives and in their own communities for as long as possible. 
 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.