Aging Services Access Point

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders About Fall Prevention

September 24, 2012 // by admin

OCES DiGiorgi — Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Saturday, September 22nd was “National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” which is observed annually on the first day of Fall. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, shares specific information about fall prevention.

“National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” increases public awareness of how to prevent and reduce falls in elders. This year’s theme, Standing Together to Prevent Falls, sought to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES explained, “According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2008, there were more than 20,000 older adults who died from injuries related to unintended falls. Falls are not normally a part of aging and are preventable, yet far too many elders are admitted into hospitals and nursing homes each year due to falls.”

According to the National Council on Aging:
-Falls are NOT a natural or normal part of aging.
-Anyone can fall. Staying home and limiting activities does not prevent falls.
-It’s never too late to regain muscle strength and start (a physician approved) exercise program, which will help you increase strength and develop better balance.
-Walkers and canes are helpful aids as long as they have been properly fitted.
-Vision loss can increase the risk of falls. Be sure to have your eyes examined annually.
-Elders should also have their medications reviewed periodically.
-Elders should consult with a health professional and have a fall risk assessment done.
“Reducing the number of trip hazards in the home and adopting a physician-approved exercise regimen to strengthen muscles and improve balance are two key ways that elders can reduce the incidence of falls. We need to stand together as a community and raise awareness of preventive measures that can keep elders safe in Massachusetts,” noted DiGiorgi.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org.

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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Patrick Administration Proposes $2.1 Million Cut In Elderly Home Care Rates

September 6, 2012 // by admin

A statewide elder advocacy group will testify this Friday that the Patrick Administration has proposed “unreasonable” rate cuts that will cut $2.1 million in support for home care for low-income seniors—at a time when more than 2,200 elders are on a wait list for care.

Al Norman, the Executive Director of Mass Home Care, will testify on Friday, September 7th before the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy in Boston, that its proposed rates are “unreasonable and inadequate.”

“We should be investing more money to keep elders at home,” Norman said, “not less.”

According to Mass Home Care, there are currently roughly 2,200 elders on home care waiting lists due to insufficient funding. This year, home care accounts are $15 million lower than in FY 2009. Old Colony Elder Services, the regional Aging Services Access Point covering Brockton and 22 surrounding communities, currently has 173 people on wait lists who cannot access needed services per Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

The rate hearing Friday is part of the implementation of Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008, which requires the Administration to pay human services agencies rates which are “reasonable and adequate to meet the costs which are incurred by efficiently and economically operated social service program providers.” Mass Home Care says the Administration’s proposal “undermines the purpose of upgrading rates for human services programs.”

“Chapter 257 was written by human services advocates,” Norman said. “The whole point of the law was to give programs the money needed to run an efficient program. These proposed rates are not based on any analysis of the true cost of providing care to the elderly.”

The cuts to home care are based on a DHCFP methodology that uses expenses from fiscal year 2010. But such expenditures are backed into based on an annual appropriation level—not on an actual build-up of what it costs to run a program.

According to Mass Home Care’s own calculations, the home care Case Management rates should be increased by 8.6 percent over current levels—not cut by 4.5 percent.

Norman said the Patrick Administration has presided over one of the largest cuts in home care appropriations in the history of the program.

“For a state that touts its ‘community first’ approach to senior care,” Norman concluded, “seniors have lost millions of dollars in state support—at a time the population in need is growing faster than the rest of the population. The Governor should commit to growing these community programs—not shrinking them.”

SEE ATTACHED TESTIMONY

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Lower Sodium Workshop on July 12th

July 3, 2012 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, is offering a Sodium and Its Effect on Blood Pressure workshop on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at the Plymouth Council on Aging (COA), 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite #108 in Plymouth.

This free workshop will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Plymouth COA.

Sodium and Its Effect on Blood Pressure workshops teach individuals:

· About sodium and its effects on blood pressure.

· About high blood pressure, what it is and its causes.

· Which food sources are high in sodium.

· How to understand food labels.

· 20 ways to lower sodium in their diet.

“We held a Sodium and Its Effect on Blood Pressure workshop at the East Bridgewater COA in June and it was very well attended. This is one of our most popular workshops,” noted Donna Forand at OCES.

To learn more about the program, contact Donna Forand at OCES (508) 584-1561. To RSVP for the program, contact the Plymouth COA at (508) 830-4230.

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Old Colony Elder Services Outlines New Health Reform Protection for the Elderly and People with Disabilities

May 29, 2012 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, outlines new health reform protection for the elders and people with disabilities.

Last week, the Massachusetts Senate adopted by voice vote an amendment to give elders and disabled individuals enrolled in managed care plans access to an independent long term supports and services (LTSS) coordinator.

The Senate version is slightly different from the House version, but both branches have endorsed the idea that seniors and people with disabilities should have someone on their care team who is not employed by or affiliated with the managed care company, and who can act as an independent “agent” for the managed care member.

This provision has been made part of the health reform legislation and will be part of a federal initiative known in Massachusetts as the ‘Integrated Care Organization’ plan. The ICO plan will affect as many as 115,000 low-income consumers in Massachusetts between ages 21 and 64 covered by Medicare and MassHealth. The ICO plan represents $2.5 billion worth of Medicare and Medicaid services in the Commonwealth.

According to the Senate amendment, the LTSS Coordinator’s responsibilities will include:

· Participating in initial and ongoing assessments of the health and functional status of the member, which includes determining appropriateness for long term care support and services.

· Arranging and coordinating the provision of appropriate institutional and community long term supports and services such as housing, home-delivered meals, transportation.

· Monitoring the appropriate provision and functional outcomes of community long term care services and tracking member satisfaction.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES explained, “Having a long term support services coordinating agency that is financially independent from the managed care company ensures that there is no conflict of interest. The coordinating agency is an independent entity that can best advocate for the elder or person with disability.”

“This is a critical protection for members of managed care plans,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care, a supporter of the measure. “Since people with disabilities enroll in these plans on a mandatory basis, they need assurance that someone is acting as their agent on their care team.”

The Senate LTSS amendment was sponsored by Senate Health Care Finance committee Vice Chairman, Senator Brian Joyce (D-Milton), with help from Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), and Senate Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

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.

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Old Colony Elder Services to Set Up Information Booths at Supermarkets and Pharmacies On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

May 17, 2012 // by admin

Elder abuse is on the rise. Last year, Old Colony Elder Services’ Protective Services department staff assisted over 800 abused or neglected elders within the service area. OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver; types of abuse include physical, verbal, psychological and financial. To keep elders living safely in their homes, Protective Service Workers provide assessments, advocacy and resources.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Friday, June 15, 2012. OCES will have information booths set up at local pharmacies and supermarkets in Brockton, Stoughton, Plymouth, Rockland and Wareham. OCES’ Protective Services staff will provide educational and outreach materials and be available to answer questions.

“We are taking a local outreach approach by setting up information booths in a few of our communities with the goals of increasing public awareness about what constitutes elder abuse, how to recognize it and how to assist elders in need,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Information booths will be set up from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following locations:

• Walmart, 700 Oak Street, Brockton MA

• Stop & Shop, 683 Belmont Street, Brockton MA

• Walmart, 300 Colony Place Road, Plymouth MA

• Walgreens, 413 Washington Street, Stoughton MA

• Walgreens, 75 Market Street, Rockland MA

• Stop & Shop, 2991 Cranberry Highway, Wareham MA

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, OCES staff will be wearing purple ribbons; everyone is encouraged to wear something purple to show their support to end elder abuse and neglect.

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES’ Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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.

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“Mayors for Meals Day” a Success

April 24, 2012 // by admin

Brockton Mayor Linda M. Balzotti (on right) delivers a meal to Meals On Wheels recipient Linda Brown on “Mayors for Meals Day”.

Each year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, participates in the National March for Meals Campaign, sponsored by the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) through their special program known as “Mayors for Meals Day”.

This year, Brockton Mayor Linda M. Balzotti and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES delivered noontime meals to Meals On Wheels recipients throughout the Brockton area.

The “Mayors for Meals Day” campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the Meals On Wheels program, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising by involving local mayors and other public officials.

“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 those living alone,” noted OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi.

The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over, as well as disabled persons under the age of 60. Both the Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers. For more information contact the Nutrition Department at Old Colony Elder Services (508) 584-1561.

OCES serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 towns 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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Kathleen Ward as Caregiver Advisor

January 2, 2012 // by admin

Kathleen Ward, LPN has recently been appointed as Caregiver Advisor at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county.

In her new position as Caregiver Advisor in the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES, Ms. Ward will conduct home visits with elders and their caregivers to assess caregivers’ support needs. She will provide one-on-one counseling and offer guidance should any additional resources be required, thereby ensuring that caregivers are taking care of themselves as well as elders.

Ms. Ward is a Licensed Practical Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Counseling Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She has more than 20 years of nursing experience. Most recently, she worked as a per diem nurse at The Cedars, an assisted living community in North Dartmouth. She has also served as a private hospice nurse. Prior to that, she was an operating room and surgical nurse at Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA for 15 years.

Ms. Ward is a past recipient of the “Tutor of the Year” award presented by the Taunton Literacy Council, where she was recognized for her volunteer work in the literacy program. She is a resident of Taunton.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns 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 agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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OCES Receives Donation from Rockland Trust for Money Management Program but also Needs Volunteers

November 30, 2011 // by admin

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 recently received a generous donation to their Money Management Program from the Rockland Trust Company. Money Management volunteers who can help seniors manage their household finances are needed to keep this essential program operating.

Rockland Trust recently donated $1,000 to OCES specifically for the Money Management Program. Yet, Money Management volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves, particularly in the towns of Plymouth, Carver, Abington, Whitman and Brockton. Money Management volunteers help seniors balance their checkbooks, develop budgets and pay bills. They also make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of an elder’s income and expenses.

According to Amy Diman, Money Management Program Coordinator at OCES, “We are very grateful for the donation from Rockland Trust. We have a number of seniors who have been waiting for financial management assistance for a while now. We are in desperate need of Money Management volunteers.”

Ms. Diman trains all the money management volunteers in how to assist elders with personalized money management services and provides on-going support to volunteers.

For more information or to become a Massachusetts Money Management Program volunteer, contact Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at (508) 584-1561 extension 252.

OCES sponsors the Massachusetts Money Management Program to the local service area. The program is jointly sponsored by AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Mass Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate Coordinator

October 11, 2011 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, has appointed Lou Avitabile to the position of Congregate Coordinator.

Mr. Avitabile held the position of Family Caregiver Support Program Care Adviser in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program for two years prior to his appointment to Congregate Coordinator. His new role will include overseeing the senior residents who reside in the Marshfield, Stoughton and Bridgewater congregate housing units and ensuring that their needs are supported in order to remain living independently in the community.

Mr. Avitabile holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College in Springfield, MA. He is a resident of Bridgewater.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns 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.

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