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Aging Services Access Point

Keeping Pets & their People Together – Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution Grant

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has recently received a Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust.

Low-income seniors are among America’s millions struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities receive nutritious daily meals through OCES’ Meals On Wheels program. In an effort to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished, OCES now also provides nutrition support for their pets.

For nearly a decade, Banfield Charitable Trust has been working to keep pets and their people together. The Banfield Grant enables OCES to purchase pet food and distribute to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home. Essentially, OCES’ Meals On Wheels recipients are assured nutritious daily meals AND now their pets can receive nutritional support.

“What we have found is that elders will often feed their pets before they feed themselves. We’re working to identify and meet the needs of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who have pets,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the program, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together. Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program. For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Glenda DeVincentis, LSW to MassHealth Community Programs Director

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) serving seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county areas, has promoted Glenda DeVincentis, a Licensed Social Worker, to MassHealth Community Programs Director.

In her new role, Ms. DeVincentis will be a part of the Senior Team and report directly to the Executive Director, Diana DiGiorgi.

Previously, Ms. DeVincentis was the Senior Care Options Program Director where she was responsible for overseeing staff who provide care management for 1350 individuals enrolled in three health plans: Senior Whole Health, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Fallon Community Health Plan. Ms. DeVincentis has worked for OCES since 1989 in various roles of increasing responsibility, from Care Manager in the Home Care Program to Coordinator in the Congregate Housing Program, Care Advisor in the Family Caregiver Support Program to Senior Care Options Director.

In her new role, Ms. DeVincentis will oversee the Senior Care Options Program, the Personal Care Attendant Program and the Adult Family Care Program in tandem with the supervisors and managers of these programs. These programs seek to ensure that participants can remain living safely in the community as long as possible.

Ms. DeVincentis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. She is a Licensed Social Worker and also volunteers for OCES delivering Meals On Wheels to local seniors. A native of Brockton, Ms. DeVincentis resides in Taunton, MA.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Businesses Supporting Emergency Fund in 2013

Krystal Brig, Branch Manager at AAA Southern New England in Plymouth presents Lucille Dallaire, Development Director at OCES, a donation towards OCES’ Emergency Fund Program.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) serving the greater Brockton and Plymouth county areas, has received a total of $8,385 in donations to their Emergency Fund from the business community.

OCES would like to thank the following companies for their generous donations to the Emergency Fund, which provides funds for food, fuel and medications to elders and individuals with disabilities who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation:

AAA Southern New England, Affinity Home Health Care, Inc., Anodyne Homemaker Services Corp., Apothecare South Shore, Attentive Home Care, Inc., BC Tent & Awning Co., Inc., Best of Care, Inc., Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Bridgewater Savings Bank, Brockton Visiting Nurse Association, Crescent Credit Union, Cushman Insurance, Duval’s Pharmacy Inc., Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Fitzgerald Appraisals, Geriatric Home Health Care, Inc., Greenlife, Inc., HarborOne Credit Union, Home Health Resources, Inc., HomeWatch Caregivers, K Cashman Group, Inc., Liberty Printing, Lindley Acquisition Corp. d/b/a Lindley Food Service, LiteControl, PMG Physician Associates, Right At Home, Robert Berks, Attorney at Law, Senior Whole Health, Shanahan Drywall & Plastering, LLC, South Coastal Bank, Tedeschi Food Shops, Trufant Real Estate, Inc., Walker Clay, Inc. and W.R.S. Painting.

Last year, OCES’ Emergency Fund helped 253 low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities remain in their homes, including a 60 year-old woman who couldn’t pay for heating oil who stated “This is the first time in my 60 years on earth I’ve needed help. OCES was like Angels from Heaven. There is no possible way I could have made it through the winter without OCES. Thank you so very, very much.” Historically, the number of elders and individuals with disabilities in need greatly increases during the winter months, when home heating costs rise as the temperature drops.

“Our Emergency Fund enables us to meet the needs of elders and individuals with disabilities who are in crisis or emergency situations that threaten their health or living status and cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource. These needs include fuel assistance, utility bill payments, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, air conditioners for individuals with breathing difficulties, hot water heaters, food and more. We are very grateful for the generosity of these businesses that have come to the aid of needy seniors and individuals with disabilities in our communities,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Paul Raia, PhD Speaks About “Alzheimer’s Perfect Storm” at Old Colony Elder Services

May is Older Americans Month and the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, has announced that this year’s theme is “Unleash the Power of Age”.

According to the AoA, “People across our nation are achieving remarkable things in later life. Many older adults are experts in their fields, have years of valuable experience, and are using that knowledge to improve the lives of others.”

In honor of Older Americans Month, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), hosted a talk by Paul Raia, PhD, an innovator and renowned expert in the field of dementia.

Dr. Raia spoke to OCES staff and board members about the “Alzheimer’s Perfect Storm”; he shared definitions and demographics, current research and Habilitation Therapy, an approach that he developed more than 20 years ago that is now accepted as the best standard of care.

Dr. Raia has been directing patient care and family support at the Alzheimer’s Association for over 22 years, and now serves as vice president of clinical programs at the MA/NH Chapter. He developed the Habilitation Therapy approach to dementia, which focuses on the patient’s emotions and their remaining capacities. As a frequent contributor to various publications and journals, Dr. Raia has written primarily on dementia as a treatable condition. He serves on the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and frequently appears as an expert on Alzheimer’s for television, radio and print news media. Dr. Raia has been recognized by several organizations for his distinguished service receiving awards from The Massachusetts Gerontology Association, the Massachusetts State Legislature, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Homecare Association.

“Dr. Raia is a pioneer in the field of dementia and we were very fortunate to have him as a guest speaker to share his vast knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease, research and Habilitation Therapy,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Multi-Community “Mayors for Meals ” A Huge Success

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti delivered a meal to Diane Damon

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), recently held Mayors For Meals in the communities of Brockton, East Bridgewater, Plymouth and Stoughton.

Mayors For Meals is part of the Meals On Wheels Association of America’s March For Meals national campaign. Elected officials, law enforcement officers, Council On Aging (COA) Directors and OCES representatives from the four communities participated in the event to show their support for their community’s homebound and hungry seniors.

OCES’ Mayors For Meals event was held on Wednesday, March 20th in Brockton and Stoughton. Mayor Linda M. Balzotti and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, delivered noon-time meals to Brockton area seniors. Selectman John Anzivino, Karen Hall, Director of Stoughton COA and Courtney Niebauer, Nutrition Program Manager at OCES, delivered the meals in Stoughton.

On March 21st, Mayors For Meals was held in East Bridgewater. Police Chief John Cowan, Sergeant Steve Brown and Officer Tallitha Connor of East Bridgewater Police along with Nancy Hill, Director of East Bridgewater COA; Timothy Valentine, Assistant Executive Director of OCES; and Courtney Niebauer, Nutrition Program Manager of OCES, delivered the noon time meals.

Mayors For Meals was held on March 26th in Plymouth. Chairman of Plymouth Selectman Matt Muratore along with Constance DiLego, Director of Plymouth COA and Timothy Valentine, Assistant Executive Director of OCES, delivered the meals to Plymouth seniors.

“We’re very fortunate that many of our elected officials, law enforcement and COA Directors were able to participate in our Mayors For Meals event, which encompassed four communities,” said DiGiorgi.

She continued, “We have seniors who are homebound and unable to manage their grocery shopping or attend one of our congregate meal sites. The Meals On Wheels program is absolutely essential to them, as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. Furthermore, the daily social contact is crucial to check on the safety of seniors living alone.”

The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over. Both the Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers. For more information contact the OCES Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the only national association and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. MOWAA is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states as well as the U.S. territories. MOWAA’s vision is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Amanda Frates, LCSW to Adult Family Care Program Manager

Amanda Frates, LCSW

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has promoted Amanda Frates, LCSW to the position of Adult Family Care (AFC) Program Manager.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Frates previously held the position of AFC Program Care Manager at OCES for three years. In her new role as AFC Program Manager, she will oversee the entire AFC Program including quality assurance, administration and outreach as well as care management. Ms. Frates will manage the program’s supervisory and administrative staff.

Ms. Frates has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a resident of East Taunton.

OCES’ AFC program is a sensitive and economical alternative for persons who are faced with the prospect of no longer being able to manage alone. Call OCES for more information.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. as Program Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has recently promoted Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. to Senior Care Options (SCO) Program Manager.

In her new position, Ms. Kosovske will oversee the OCES SCO Program (primarily Senior Whole Health, United Health Care and NaviCare plans) and manage the SCO supervisory staff. Barbara has extensive knowledge and experience with this program working as Care Manager and most recently as SCO Program Supervisor.

A former Registered Nurse, Ms. Kosovske has worked in the non-profit sector for many years. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Columbia College, South Carolina and a Master of Education from University of South Carolina. She is a resident of Canton.

Senior Care Options is a partnership between MassHealth and Medicare that provides an integrated and complete package of health care and social services for low-income seniors.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Workshop for Family Caregivers on March 21st

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), will hold a free seminar for family caregivers of elders on March 21, 2013 at the Hanson Council on Aging, 132 Maquan Street in Hanson. (Snow date March 28, 2013.)

The “It’s About Time” workshop will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will teach caregivers techniques and strategies for managing their time and reducing stress. Topics to be covered include:

Meal Preparation
Time Management
Relaxation Techniques
“The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops teach strategies which help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential care-giving services,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

This “It’s About Time” workshop is offered in partnership with the Hanson Council on Aging. OCES received a grant of $6,054 from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation which supports these program workshops.

Attendees will receive lunch and a companion book for the program. Class size is limited so pre-registration is required.

Caregivers must pre-register for the workshop by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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OCES receives grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation for caregiver workshop

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, has been awarded a generous grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, which will fund their upcoming “It’s About Time” free workshop for caregivers. The workshop will be held on November 8, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lakeville Council on Aging, located at 1 Dear Crossing in Lakeville.

The workshop will teach caregivers techniques and strategies for managing time and reducing stress. Topics to be covered include:

Meal preparation
Time Management
Relaxation Techniques
“The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops teach strategies which help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential care-giving services,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

The “It’s About Time” workshop is offered in partnership with the Lakeville Council on Aging. OCES received a grant of $6,054 from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation which funds this program.

Attendees will receive lunch and a companion book for the program. Class size is limited so pre-registration is required. Respite care is available upon request.

Caregivers must register for the workshop by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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