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Aging Services Access Point

OCES encourages folks to “Be a Santa to a Senior”

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that serves Plymouth county as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, is encouraging the general public to participate in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program by providing a gift to a senior in need.

Old Colony Elder Services, working in conjunction with the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program sponsor Home Instead Senior Care, has identified approximately 170 isolated elders who otherwise would not receive a gift this holiday season.


Each senior in need is represented by an ornament with their “wish list” written on it.   The wish lists may include items such as postage stamps, clothing, a gift card to a grocery store, candy or other item. The ornaments adorn Christmas trees located at Duval’s Pharmacy at 571 Washington Street in Whitman. The program is running now through December 11th.

To be a “Santa to a Senior”, simply select an ornament from the Christmas tree at Duval’s and purchase a gift that is on that senior’s “wish list”.  Then, place the gift (unwrapped) with the ornament attached into the collection box at the pharmacy.


All the gifts will be collected by Home Instead Senior Care and a wrapping party will be held on December 15th.  Representatives from Home Instead Senior Care and OCES will help wrap and distribute the gifts to the seniors.
Last year, the program delivered more than 350 gifts to seniors. According to Rich and Cherie Sasso, owners of the Home Instead Senior Care Plymouth County, “This program is a way that we can give back to our community by providing gifts to some of our most treasured residents. Our hope is that the presents also can help these seniors recapture some of the excitement of their childhood.”

For questions about “Be a Santa to a Senior”, contact Susan Willis, Home Care Program Director at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About Home Instead Senior Care
The Plymouth County office of Home Instead Senior Care in East Bridgewater is the world’s most trusted source of non-medical care and companionship for seniors. For more information about the agency, contact 508-378-3102.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  OCES touches the lives of approximately 16,000 people a year. They have 140 employees and operate 20 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

OCES encourages folks to “Be a Santa to a Senior”Read More

Aging and Disability Resource Consortium Hosts Conference

BROCKTON, DEDHAM, FALL RIVER AND NEW BEDFORD…

The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern Massachusetts (ADRCSE) recently hosted a conference titled A Community Together: Disabled and Elders. The ADRCSE is a local collaboration between the Southeast Center for Independent Living and Bristol Elder Services of Fall River, Coastline Elderly Services of New Bedford, and Old Colony Elder Services of Brockton that provides a coordinated system of information and access to long term services and supports for individuals, family members and providers, regardless of age, disability, or income.

Approximately 85 participants, including elders, people with disabilities, social workers, nurses, staff from councils on aging, hospitals, long term care facilities, home care agencies, and other human service organizations, attended the half-day program.

Presenter Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq., partner in the law firm of Surprenant and Beneski, P.C. of New Bedford spoke about elder law and planning for those with special needs. He reviewed estate and long term care planning, including protection of the home.

Mark Whitehouse, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and President of Adaptive Driving Program, Inc. of Dedham spoke on the topic of Driving Your Way to Independence. According to Mr. Whitehouse, his goal is to, “help people keep driving as long as possible and to get people driving who never thought they could do so.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  OCES touches the lives of approximately 16,000 people a year. They have 140 employees and operate 20 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

Aging and Disability Resource Consortium Hosts ConferenceRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair Towers

More than 30 residents of Belair Towers attended a Senior Wellness Fair to learn more about maintaining their good health. The event was hosted by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The event, which offered free screening services and advice for residents of the senior housing complex, was sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts (www.aptofma.org) and participants included the Sears Hearing Aid Center of Brockton (www.searshearing.com/).

Residents were able to have their balance checked and tested by a physical therapist and learn what they could do to improve their balance. Postural Screens taught the residents about ways to improve their posture and reduce postural back pain. Blood Pressure Checks were conducted and residents learned how staying active could prolong their healthy years. Electronic Hearing Tests and Video Otoscope Ear Inspections were conducted on-site by the Sears Hearing Aid Center.

To better inform the residents about balance and fall reduction, a presentation entitled “Don’t Let the Fall Get to You” was presented by Peter Crimmins, PT of the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout for our Senior Wellness Fair. Residents were able to obtain valuable information about their current health while also gaining a better knowledge of how to stay well,” explained Nicole Welch, LCSW, Program Development Manager at OCES.

About Belair Towers

Belair Towers, with 269 apartments, is located at 105 Belair Street in Brockton. Belair, which is managed by the Brockton Housing Authority, is one of Old Colony Elder Services’ nutrition and congregate meal sites that is open to the public.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair TowersRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Concerned Over Governor’s Veto of Home Care Funding

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Mass Home Care are both surprised and disappointed in Governor Deval Patrick’s decision on June 29th to cut another $1.5 million from the state’s ASAPs’ operating budgets.

                                  

Collectively, the state’s ASAPs are responsible for managing the daily care of more than 50,000 seniors just in the home care programs.

 

OCES provides 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. 

 

“Originally, our appropriation for care management was $40.7 million.  With the 9c cuts and now the additional cuts by the Governor, we’ve lost $4.7 million in funding which is going to directly affect the very frail and disabled who need our services in order to remain in their own homes.  Essentially, these cuts will force an increased number of elders into nursing homes.”

 

According to Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care, the announcement was unexpected because on June 5th, when the Governor released his revised House 1 budget for FY 2010, he did not reduce funding for care management. This means that as of the Governor’s revised budget, this was not a line item that was being targeted. Neither the House nor the Senate chose to cut this line item in their budget versions. The Governor lowered the funding for care managers on his own. 

 

“In a ‘community first’ state, it is somewhat puzzling why services, like care management, would be cut, said Norman.   He continued, “Nursing homes, by contrast, did not see a cut in revenues, only a cutback in their rate of increase.  It appears that community first means community programs get cut first.”

 

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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. 

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

Old Colony Elder Services Concerned Over Governor’s Veto of Home Care FundingRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Shawn C. Smith as Nutrition Director

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Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, recently appointed Shawn C. Smith, a resident of Stoughton, as Nutrition Director.

Ms. Smith, a Registered Dietician, will oversee all aspects of the program including the nutrition staff, case managers, menu development, nutrition education, the Meals on Wheels Program and the congregate sites. Additionally, Ms. Smith will serve as dietician for Old Colony and the region it serves.

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, Ms. Smith holds a BS in Culinary Nutrition. She completed her dietetic residency at State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Previous to OCES, Ms. Smith was a Dietician at Coastline Elderly Service in New Bedford. Prior to that, she was an Executive Chef at Eatin’ Healthy Restaurant located in Quincy.

Ms. Smith is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA).

She is a native of Southampton, New York.

“Shawn is truly dedicated and her wealth of knowledge and understanding of the comprehensive needs of seniors make her an ideal fit for our organization,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

In addition to the Nutrition Program, OCES offers a number of programs to better serve seniors, families and caregivers residing in Brockton and throughout the Plymouth county area. The programs include Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Family Caregiver Support; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

About Old Colony Elder Services

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Shawn C. Smith as Nutrition DirectorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Fundraising Calendars Support Those Most in Need

In an effort to raise money for special services, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is now offering Fundraising Calendars.

OCES Fundraising Calendars are available throughout December and January. They cost $5 each.  A total of $1,300 in cash prizes will be awarded beginning in February.  One winner will be selected per day. Cash prize values vary.  Winners will be notified by phone and posted
online at www.OldColonyElderServices.org.

All proceeds from the calendars go towards services that provide support for people in emergency crisis situations.  To obtain a Fundraising Calendar, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

“We hope to raise at least $6,000 or more which we have earmarked specifically for those who are in crisis,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Fundraising Calendars Support Those Most in NeedRead More