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Old Colony Elder Services appoints Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) which serves residents in 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas, has recently appointed Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator.

In her new role as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator, Ms. Walsh will assist elders in gaining and retaining their ability to live independently in their own homes. She will conduct home visits and assessments as well as coordinate the necessary long term support services that will help ensure that elders remain living safely and independently at home in the community. Ms. Walsh will also be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the services provided and maintaining communication between nurses and the community resource coordinators.

Ms. Walsh recently graduated from Bridgewater State College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Her experience includes six years serving as a Sales Representative for Jordan’s Furniture in Avon.

Ms. Walsh is a native and resident of Brockton.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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, 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 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services appoints Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services CoordinatorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund Appeal – Read more in The Patriot Ledger

Old Colony Elder Services, which provides home care services to people age 60 and older in many South Shore towns, needs help to keep its emergency fund going strong this year. Requests from elders for crisis assistance have increased.

Continue reading Sue Scheible’s article – http://bit.ly/f9JmAG

Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund Appeal – Read more in The Patriot LedgerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Needs Emergency Fund Sponsors

Last year, through its Emergency Fund, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) helped 202 low–income seniors remain in their homes. These seniors ranged from 60 to 93 years old and most of their needs were fuel, medical transportation and utility bills. The number of elders needing emergency assistance has increased greatly this year and OCES is seeking sponsors.

OCES’ Emergency Fund provides assistance to meet the needs of elders in crisis or emergency situations that threaten their health or living status and cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource. In other words, there is no other funding source or agency available to address the need identified. These needs include fuel assistance; new stoves/oil burners; utility bill payments; short-term emergency shelter; medical transport; medications; air conditioners for individuals with breathing difficulties; hot water heaters; plumbing, food and more.

According to Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, “It is through the generous donations of individuals and businesses that OCES is able to continue to provide critical services to elders in the community who are most at risk. As we begin a new year on the heels of ‘Blizzard 2010’ with a growing number of elders in crisis situations, please consider sponsoring our Emergency Fund.”

Examples of elders who have received assistance from OCES include:

  • A 75–year–old single female living alone in her own home on a fixed income whose hot water heater was leaking and needed to be replaced. She could not afford to pay for the entire replacement. The cost to replace the hot water heater was $900. She was only able to pay $300 towards the new heater. OCES’ Emergency Funds assisted her with the balance.
  • A 63–year–old female, living alone in her own home and suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, anxiety and depression and who has a history of stroke. She lives on fixed income and was in need of fuel. OCES’ Emergency Funds helped provide her with oil delivery.
  • An 80–year-old woman living with her spouse in their own home on a fixed income. They were in need of a furnace replacement, but did not have the funds to pay for it. They received funding assistance from two other resources to help cover the cost, but not the total amount. OCES’ Emergency Funds were used to help pay for the balance on a new furnace.

Historically, almost half of all the Emergency Funds dispersed have assisted elders with fuel/heating and plumbing.

Donations may be made to:

Old Colony Elder Services

144 Main Street

Brockton, MA 02301

Attn: Emergency Fund

Old Colony Elder Services provides a number of programs to assist seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. Although these programs are partially supported by government funding, the agency’s Emergency Fund, a fund specifically established to meet the needs of elders in crisis or emergency situations, is funded by individual and corporate sponsors.

For questions about the Emergency Fund, please contact Lucille Dallaire at

OCES (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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.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. In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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

Old Colony Elder Services Needs Emergency Fund SponsorsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Congregate Meal Site at The Woodlands in Plympton

From left to right- Josselyn Holmes (resident at complex), Sandra Henry, Plympton Director of Council on Aging, and Joe Freitas, Plympton Selectman at the recent opening of Old Colony Elder Services' new congregate meal site at The Woodlands in Plympton.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has announced the opening of a new congregate meal site at The Woodlands elderly complex located at 165 Country Road in Plympton.

The new meal site will provide meals to elders who reside within the complex, which is made up of 40 apartments. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, meals will be served in the congregate. Since OCES does not yet have a Meal Site Manager for Fridays, meals will temporarily be delivered to each apartment.

“This is a start. Our long-term goal for The Woodlands congregate meal site is to be open five days a week and invite all Plympton seniors to participate,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The number of seniors throughout the area in need of meals is growing. OCES supports these seniors by providing healthy meals to them through the Nutrition Program’s congregate meal sites and Meals on Wheels. OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Congregate Meal Site at The Woodlands in PlymptonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Six-Week Program for Family Caregivers

Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program is offering a complimentary six-week educational course for family caregivers entitled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers course is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while taking care of a relative or friend. Caregivers who are caring for a parent, spouse or friend at home, in a nursing home or even across the country, will benefit from this special class which will teach them ways to reduce stress, communicate more effectively and take care of themselves. Caregivers will also learn how to relax as well as cope with any feelings of guilt, anger and depression. Goal setting and problem-solving will also be covered during the course.

Rochelle Sugarman, who is the Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES will be leading the classes along with Chris McLaren, Care Advisor of the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES.

The class meets once a week, from 10 a.m. to noon, on Tuesdays, from April 20th to May 25th at Old Colony Elder Services located at 144 Main Street in Brockton.

“We are very much looking forward to bringing this exciting beneficial course to caregivers in our area,” noted Sugarman.

Registration is required by April 13. To register for the program, contact Rochelle Sugarman at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 312.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Six-Week Program for Family CaregiversRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Teams with Bridgewater State to Offer Intern Program

Toni Aiduk, a senior studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Bridgewater State College (BSC) knows that an internship at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) provides the critical hands-on experience needed to set her up for success upon graduation. Aiduk gains experience while helping elders get the care they need by interning with the Senior Care Options (SCO) team at OCES two days a week. But, there are many students who are still not aware that the OCES internship program exists.

OCES, a private, non-profit corporation, and designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), first started the internship program with BSC in 2006. Any student enrolled in a social work degree program is eligible. Students must work at least two full days per week and serve as an intern for at least three months. That’s how Elizabeth Semedo DosSantos, who is now on staff at OCES, got her start. DosSantos was OCES’ first intern and upon her graduation from BSC in 2007, she was offered a full time position with OCES.

“The program is good for our organization as well as for Bridgewater State College. We’ve been able to give back to the college and the profession,” noted Glenda DeVincentis, LSW, SCO Program Director who has worked at OCES for over 20 years.

With the help of Aiduk as an intern, DeVincentis is able to reduce her team’s workload. The SCO team assists a diverse elderly population of Senior Whole Health and Evercare members. Often there are language and cultural barriers that must be addressed. Doing so broadens the knowledge of both OCES and the intern and both benefit from it.

DeVincentis continued, “Interns at OCES can get a taste of what it is like to work in care management. The program allows them to gain firsthand experience and provides us with better knowledge of whether they might be a good candidate for full time employment at OCES. It is ideal for everyone involved.”

To learn more about the intern program, contact Human Resources at OCES (508) 584-1561.

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. 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.

OCES offers a number of programs such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

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 agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Teams with Bridgewater State to Offer Intern ProgramRead More

Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning Now

Did you know that approximately 70 percent of people over the age of 65 need some form of long term support services? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is supporting the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ (EOEA) campaign “Embrace Your Future” to raise awareness about the importance of long term care planning.

Anyone between 45 and 60 years old who is interested in more information about planning for retirement and long term care should contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request a brochure.

The “Embrace Your Future” campaign is targeting the people born between 1946 and 1964 and encouraging them to take steps now to plan for their future needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, planning for future long term care needs is important for a number of reasons:

  • Expense – Long term care services are often much more expensive than people think. Care often exceeds what the average person can pay using their income and other resources. You may not meet the eligibility requirements for federal or state assistance. Medicare, disability insurance and health insurance do not pay for long term care services.

  • Financial and emotional stress – The financial and emotional burden of your care will rest solely on your family members unless you plan ahead. Remember, your assets may not be enough to cover the costs of your care.

  • More care choices – By planning ahead, you will have more choices as to how your long term support needs will be met as well as where you wish to receive that care – for many, the desire is to remain at home for as long as possible.

“When you are healthy and active, there is often no sense of urgency with regard to planning for long term care because the potential needs seem so far into the future. But, planning ahead is the best way to ensure that your future needs will be met and that you will have the resources to pay for those needs. Long term care costs are rising and the government will not have the funds to support them. We strongly encourage anyone between 45 and 60 to contact us for more information,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The best way to begin planning is by taking the first step to obtain more information. Contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request that an “Embrace Your Future” brochure be mailed to you at no charge. Or, visit www.800ageinfo.com or www.longtermcare.gov/campaign/ma for more information.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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. 

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.



Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning NowRead More

Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor Support

 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) is in need of volunteers as well as donor support to keep the Massachusetts Money Management Program (MMMP) running.

The MMMP helps vulnerable, low-income elders who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills. Money Management volunteers help these elders by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

Money Management volunteers must be capable of basic financial tasks and have a willingness to commit their time once or twice a month. Volunteers are not reimbursed for mileage, so they are generally matched with elders who live in the same town.

Due to underfunding, the MMMP relies on the generosity of donors. Donations in support of the local MMMP may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. Be sure to state that your donation is specifically for the MMMP.

“The MMMP is a free service for qualified elder clients. We are always seeking funds to keep the program up and running, train volunteers and work with clients. The need is significant in all 23 towns we cover, but especially so in Brockton,” explained Brenda Carrens of OCES.

 

To request an application to volunteer for the Money Management program or for more information about making a donation, contact Brenda Carrens, OCES’ program coordinator, at (508) 584-1561 extension 252.

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 offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.  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.  In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. 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.


Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor SupportRead More

“Home for the Holidays” Brochure Helps Older Adults Manage their Medicines

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) has recently announced the availability of a “Home for the Holidays” brochure that is designed to help older adults manage their medicines.

The brochure was developed by Eldercare Locator in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and Consumers Union (the nonprofit publisher of Consumers Reports) and is the organization’s seventh annual “Home for the Holidays” campaign for older adults. This year’s brochure is entitled “Prescription Drug Options:  Managing Your Medicines.”

The brochure outlines simple steps older adults can take to help manage chronic conditions and reduce the chance of harmful drug interactions. The brochure also provides instruction on how to get the best value for medicine purchases by creating a medicine record, keeping health care professionals informed about all medicines, and taking cost-saving steps such as purchasing generic drugs and taking advantage of competitive pharmacy pricing.

To request the brochure, contact Korin Tracy in the Information and Referral Department at Old Colony Elder Services at (508) 584-1561.

About n4a

n4a administers the Eldercare Locator which is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. To learn more about n4a resources and programs, visit www.n4a.org. To download a PDF of the “Home for the Holidays” brochure, visit www.n4a.org/programs/elresources/.

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 offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

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.

“Home for the Holidays” Brochure Helps Older Adults Manage their MedicinesRead More