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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Stretching Food Dollars

Many families are concerned about the rising costs of food.

Shawn Smith, Registered Dietician and Nutrition Program Director at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) serving 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas, shares tips from the USDA: Food and Nutrition Service on stretching your food dollars through budgeting and food selection.

According to Smith, “You have to know your food budget. Make a shopping list based on how much you have to spend and buy only the amounts of fresh foods you can use before they spoil. Consider frozen or shelf stable items that last longer and try to plan meals around what’s on sale”.

Smith offers insight on a few of the best buys for cost and nutrition:

Breads and Grains. Look for bargains on day old bread. It costs less but is still nutritious. Buy regular rice, oatmeal and grits instead of instant to save money, sugar and calories.

Vegetables and Salad. Buy large bags of frozen vegetables. Seal tightly in the freezer between uses. Avoid pre-bagged salad mixes. They are usually more expensive and spoil faster.

Fruits. Buy fresh fruits in season, when they generally cost less. Frozen and canned fruits are a smart choice all year round.

Low-Fat Milk Products. Buy fresh, low-fat milk in the largest size that can be used before spoiling. Larger containers cost less than smaller sizes. Ultra-pasteurized milk has a longer expiration date and won’t spoil as fast

Meat and Beans. Chuck or bottom round roast has less fat and is cheaper than sirloin.

Dried beans and peas are a good source of protein and fiber. They last a long time without spoiling.

Look for specials at the meat counter. Buy meat on sale for big savings. Buy meat in large bulk packages to save money. Freeze portions you won’t use right away to prevent spoiling.

If you are struggling to put food on the table, the USDA’s nutrition assistance programs may help. You may qualify for more than Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

OCES can help. Contact the Nutrition Department 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; 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 Offers Tips for Stretching Food DollarsRead More

Elder Care Expo to be Held on April 13th in Brockton

Older adults and caregivers are invited to attend an Elder Care Expo which will be held on April 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Brockton Council on Aging, located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

The Elder Care Expo, which is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Family Caregiver Support Program and Elder Education Community Outreach (EECO) is a free event that is open to the public. OCES and EECO’s goal is to broaden community awareness of the resources available to seniors and caregivers while promoting good health & well-being.

The event will feature resource exhibits and free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose and hearing. There will be give-aways and raffles. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Rochelle Sugarman, who is the Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES will speak to attendees about “Finding the Balance in Caregiving”. Shawn Smith, OCES’ Nutrition Program Director will also speak on the topic of how to “Enjoy a Balanced Diet on a Balanced Budget”.

Every guest will receive an EECO Resource Guide for Older Adults. For more information, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

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.

Elder Care Expo to be Held on April 13th in BrocktonRead 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 Appoints Katie Bolinder Sandford as Congregate Housing Coordinator

Katie Bolinder Sandford, MACD, has recently joined Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), as Congregate Housing Coordinator.

In her new position, Ms. Sandford will be responsible for ensuring that residents in OCES congregate housing sites receive needed support services.  Congregate Housing is a housing option that allows individuals to age in a homelike setting while enjoying the security, companionship, and emotional support that living with others provides.  The goal of congregate living is to help seniors and the disabled remain as independent as possible while living in affordable housing and most importantly to prevent premature institutionalization.  OCES coordinates services for sites in Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton.

Ms. Sandford received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Gordon College in Wenham, MA and a Master of Arts degree in Community Development from North Park University in Chicago. Previous to OCES, Ms. Sandford spent four years working with homeless individuals at a drop-in center that she had founded known as the New Community Warming Center. The center is part of the New Community Covenant Church located in Logan Square, Chicago. Ms. Sandford relocated to Brockton, MA and is currently involved with the Brockton Interfaith Community and working on housing issues.

A native of Hanson, MA, Ms. Sandford resides in Brockton with her husband Greg and 10 month old son, Axel.

“It is vital to have the right people in the Congregate Housing Coordinator positions. Katie has the knowledge and experience that is needed. We are delighted to have her on our team,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

For more information about Congregate Housing, please contact either Ms. Sandford at OCES (508) 584-1561 or the local housing authority for an application.

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.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Katie Bolinder Sandford as Congregate Housing CoordinatorRead More

$5 Fundraising Calendars Help Local Seniors in Crisis Situations – On sale now at Old Colony Elder Services

In an effort to raise money for seniors in crisis situations, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is now offering Fundraising Calendars for $5 each.

Fundraising calendars are available throughout December and January. Proceeds from the calendars go towards food, fuel and medications for seniors who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation.

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.

To obtain a Fundraising Calendar, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

“Last year, proceeds from the fundraising calendars enabled us to assist a number of seniors including a 66 year old man who had lost his health insurance and could not pay for oxygen and a 90 year old woman who couldn’t pay for heating oil. We hope to raise at least $6,000 specifically for the growing number of seniors 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 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.

$5 Fundraising Calendars Help Local Seniors in Crisis Situations – On sale now at Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

November is National Family Caregivers Month – Old Colony Elder Services Holds “Caregiver Night Out”

According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 50 million people in the U.S. provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or an elderly family member or friend. November is National Family Caregivers Month and to thank and show their support for family caregivers, the Family Caregiver Support Program at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton recently held a “Caregiver Night Out” appreciation event.

Caregiver Night Out was held in the Great Hall at Halifax Town Hall last week and family caregivers were treated to a delicious dinner and pampered with relaxation techniques by the following providers:

· Joanne Salerno of Light Life Massage providing Kriya Massage, Reiki and Energy Bodywork

· Debra Bunszel of Touch The Sole, a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master

· Dee Davidson of Simply Soothing Sanctuary, a Massage Therapist and Shambala Reiki Master

· Melanie Cotti of Essential Touch Massage Therapy, a Massage Therapist, Shambala Practitioner and Reiki Master

According to the National Family Caregivers Association, in 2004, there were 650,636 caregivers in Massachusetts alone. That number has grown exponentially, and last year, OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program delivered services to over 1,250 caregivers, including 11 elders caring for grandchildren.

Those eligible for the caregiver program include caregivers of adults age 60 or older; grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for children up to age 18; grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for disabled adults age 19 to 59 and caregivers of adults of any age with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Our Caregiver Night Out gives family caregivers a well-deserved, relaxing evening where they can socialize and gain support from their caregiver peers and our agency. They are thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to each other because oftentimes they are so busy caregiving that they become isolated. The hallmark of our program is to make sure that family caregivers know they are not alone,” explained Rochelle Sugarman, OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor.

She continued, “Our Family Caregiver Support Program works diligently to provide one on one assistance to caregivers, guiding them to resources available in the community as well as helping them to plan for current and future caregiving needs.  We really offer an exploration of the caregiving journey and information, education and resources that may be helpful to make this process as smooth as possible.  We want caregivers to know help is available on an individual basis, through support groups and also through trainings on particular topics such as Caregiving 101.”

To learn more about the Family Caregiver Support Program, contact Rochelle Sugarman 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.  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.

November is National Family Caregivers Month – Old Colony Elder Services Holds “Caregiver Night Out”Read More

Bringing independence to many, Independence Home Care Launches in Greater Boston

In an effort to meet a rapidly growing need in the marketplace for home care services, Independence Home Care, Inc., providers of private duty non-medical home care to the elderly, has recently launched in Boston.

As a licensed, non-medical home care agency, Independence Home Care offers assistance to elderly, disabled, post-surgical and other clients throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Independence Home Care provides assistance with daily activities that are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid but, in certain situations, may be covered by long-term care insurance.

Services include:

· Specialized Services such as Alzheimer’s care, fall prevention, live-in care, hospital-sitting and 24/7 service.

· Companionship Services that includes socialization activities, reading, playing games, and solving puzzles, depending on what interests our clients.

· Home Helper Services that provide assistance with daily activities, meal planning and preparation as well as light housekeeping.

· Personal Care Services that support individual needs such as daily hygiene and dressing, transportation to medical appointments and medication reminders.

The company strives to maintain the highest level of quality care. Independence Home Care’s bonded and insured caregivers are all experienced and dedicated caregivers who have completed the company’s rigorous training program and undergone state and federal background checks. All caregivers are supervised and monitored.

According to Joan Farahmand, the company’s president, “We saw a strong need for professional home care services in the greater Boston area. As baby-boomers age, the number of seniors needing assistance is increasing significantly. Oftentimes, an elderly person just needs help with dressing, medication reminders, and meal preparation. They are certainly not in need of institutionalization. Independence Home Care provides seniors and their families with an appropriate and affordable alternative.”

The National Family Caregivers Association and Family Caregiver Alliance’s 2004 study estimated the prevalence of caregiving in the U.S. Their findings indicated that in 2004, there were 28,827,766 caregivers in the country providing 30,880 (million) of caregiving hours per year. In 2006, it was estimated that there were between 30-38 million adults providing unpaid care to a relative or friend, averaging 21 hours per week of care.

Farahmand continued, “November is National Family Caregiver’s month where every year family caregivers are recognized. It’s important to note that family caregivers also benefit from our services, since home care provides peace of mind and often much needed respite care for family members, as well.”

Non-Medical Home Care in Greater Boston Area

Independence Home Care, Inc. provides non-medical home care services to seniors and others in need throughout the metropolitan Boston area and eastern Massachusetts. Independence Home Care offers a wide range of individually tailored personal care, home helper, and companionship services. From personal care needs and light housekeeping chores to companionship, Independence Home Care provides a wide array of non-medical services on a temporary or permanent basis.

All of the company’s caregivers are bonded and insured. They have undergone a rigorous training program as well as full background and reference checks. Whether someone needs as little as four hours of home care twice a week or they require full-time daily assistance, Independence Home Care offers an affordable alternative that enables an individual to maintain their independence and remain in their home.

Independence Home Care main office is located at 21 Custom House Street, Suite 910 in Boston. For more information, contact 877-805-9090 or visit www.IndependenceHomeCare.com.

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Old Colony Elder Services Launches Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) with main offices in Brockton has launched a Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth that provides supportive services to senior residents enabling them to live longer in the community and preventing premature institutionalization.

OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) has a longstanding relationship with the Plymouth Housing Authority (PHA) which manages five different housing sites: Northfield, Cherry Hill, Southfield, High Cliffs and Castle Court. OCES has incorporated the Supportive Housing Program at each site and currently serves over 100 elders in these buildings. Each building offers community rooms and a kitchen. Northfield is also a congregate meal site and serves meals at noon Monday through Friday (except on holidays). Every resident is eligible for the Supportive Housing Program.

Maura Shepard is the Supportive Housing Specialist (SHS) for all Plymouth locations and is on-site at Northfield. Shepard is responsible for overseeing the Supportive Housing program which includes organizing and implementing various structured social, educational and recreational programs as indicated through a resident needs assessment and through the provision of care management. These services are meant to encourage and build a community atmosphere among the residents. A “Falls Prevention” class has already been offered and there are plans for other programs including nutrition, money management, caregiving and chronic disease management throughout the summer and fall.

Shepard also serves as a liaison between the senior residents and the PHA, home care agencies providing care, OCES’ Care Managers and resident families; this helps ensure that seniors are linked to the specific supportive services that are needed in order for them to remain safe and independent in their homes and maintain their dignity.

“The Supportive Housing program is a win-win. We’re very fortunate to have the support of the Plymouth Housing Authority and partnerships with a variety of community based resources. We’ve had a good response from residents and they are very comfortable with the program,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the Plymouth Supportive Housing Program, contact Maura Shepard at OCES at 508-746-9750.

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 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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Launches Supportive Housing Program in PlymouthRead More

Old Colony Elder Services, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in September

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point at Centerville (a Benchmark Assisted Living Community for the Memory Impaired) will offer a four-week course in September entitled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”, which will teach caregivers how to take care of themselves.

As part of the national Caregiver Education Series, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course is designed for individuals caring for older adults who are living at home or in a facility, or who are managing caregiver services from a distance. The four-week class will be held at JordanHospital in Plymouth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.

Harbor Point will provide lunch and if needed, respite can be arranged ahead of time through Cozy Corner Adult Day Program in Plymouth.

The classes will be led by Saran Craig, who has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and is a trained and experienced Master Trainer. She has led 15 Powerful Tools classes for more than 200 caregivers. Rochelle Sugarman of the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES who holds a Certificate in Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW) at BostonUniversity, will co-lead the classes.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes are three hours long and designed to help caregivers build communication skills, lower stress, set goals, make tough decisions, and better communicate with family members and medical providers. Caregivers who attend will utilize relaxation and planning tools; learn to cope with feelings of anger or guilt and learn how to access community resources and solve problems.

To register for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, call Jordan Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Center at 508-732-8711. For more information about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class, contact Rochelle Sugarman of OCES at (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.

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, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in SeptemberRead More