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10 Honored at Old Colony Elder Services Staff Meeting

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, recognized 10 employees for their years of service in a ceremony held at OCES.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, thanked all staff and presented several staff with award certificates and gifts honoring their years of dedicated service. Staff recognized were: James Mileski for 35 years of service; Lorraine Wanat and Glenda L. DeVincentis for 25 years; Edna Gordon, Sharon A. Sheehan, Richard J. Alvarnaz and Sara M. Gassett for 15 years; and Jane F. Riley, Elizabeth A. Morrill and Juanita Timson-Brown for 10 years.

“Our staff members are deserving of recognition as their contributions help us to reach our goals each year. We appreciate their hard work, dedication and commitment,” said DiGiorgi.

Maureen Hennessy, OCES’ HR Manager also addressed employees during the event. The staff enjoyed refreshments, which included celebratory gourmet mini cupcakes from OCES’ small business neighbor, Mmm Licious Cupcakes of Brockton.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Family Caregivers During the Holiday Season

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance-National Center on Caregiving, 29 percent of the U.S. adult population cares for someone who is ill, disabled or aged.* The National Alliance for Caregiving reports that there are approximately 66 million unpaid caregivers providing chronic and long-term care to family members.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, shares essential tips with family caregivers to help them through the busy, and often stressful, holiday season:

Be kind to yourself.  Caregiving can be very hard work; take time to appreciate the loving care you provide.  Know that every day you are doing the best you can.

Take care of yourself.  Make and keep your own doctor’s appointments and other appointments that help to keep you well.

Remember to ask for help.  People will often be happy to assist if they know what is needed; Caregivers need a break too.

Reach out to others for professional support if needed.

Set limits for what you are able to do; no one can do everything.

The best decisions are joint decisions. When possible, include the person for whom you are caring in matters that will affect him or her.  This helps to reduce conflict and can lead to better outcomes.

Do your best to remain optimistic. This will help to lift everyone’s mood.  When difficulties arise, know that this too, shall pass.

“The majority of caregivers are family caregivers – spouses, daughters or sons caring for aging loved ones or those with chronic or disabling health conditions. The typical family caregiver often juggles caregiving with the responsibilities of a full-time job and a family,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Family caregivers are at significant risk for burnout, and that risk increases during the holiday season. It is imperative that they take care of themselves, so they remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”

Caregiver Appreciation Brunch

In recognition and appreciation of family caregivers, OCES held a Caregiver Brunch at OCES last month for caregivers who participated in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops. Each caregiver who participated in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support group was presented with a proclamation scroll signed by Governor Deval Patrick, as well as a $25 gift card and a cooking/caregiving book. Caregivers were also able to network with one another and share commonalities of their caregiver experiences.

OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist caregivers in locating resources to help them including local support groups.  In addition, the Healthy Living Department at OCES offers workshops on many aspects of self-care. For more information about these programs and others, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

*The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2009), Caregiving in the U.S. National Alliance for Caregiving. Washington, DC. – Updated: November 2012.

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New Supportive Housing Program Launched at Southfield in Plymouth

(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.
(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined Patrick Administration officials, local leaders, and Plymouth Housing Authority representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week at Southfield, located at 105 South Street, Plymouth, MA.

Southfield is part of the 10 new Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program sites funded by the Patrick Administration to help people “age in place”. The Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program, a collaboration of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is available in 41 senior public housing locations statewide, and serves 6,360 senior residents. OCES received funding from the EOEA to launch the Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth.

OCES and the Plymouth Housing Authority work collaboratively, providing an “assisted living” environment, with an on-site service coordinator as well as access to 24-hour/daily on-call assistance for residents who prefer to “age in place,” connected to family, friends, and community.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, and the ribbon cutting ceremony host, said, “We are thrilled with this opportunity to provide supportive services to the 60 Southfield residents and 250 others at the four additional Plymouth sites. This program is a high-quality, cost-effective approach to assisting residents who want to remain in their homes.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Special Seasonal Meals at Congregate Meal Sites

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, will offer special seasonal meals at partnering Council on Aging (COA) congregate meal sites in Brockton, East Bridgewater, Kingston and Wareham.

OCES’ congregate meal sites at these COAs provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age (60+) and individuals with disabilities. Seasonal meals will be offered as follows:

On Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at Kingston COA located at 30 Evergreen Street. RSVP to Kingston COA 781-585-0511.

On Monday, November 17, 2014 at 12 p.m., an Autumn Special featuring roast pork loin with apple glaze will be offered at Wareham COA located at 48 Marion Road. RSVP to Wareham COA 508-291-3130.

On Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at East Bridgewater COA located at 355 Plymouth Street. RSVP to East Bridgewater COA 508-378-1610.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at Brockton COA located at 10 Father Kenney Way. RSVP to Brockton COA 508-580-7811.

Reservations are required one week in advance and must be made by calling the COA directly.

“Anyone over the age of 60 or of any age with a disability is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and are prepared by professional chefs. Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 185 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services’ Congregate Meal Sites Offer Special Meals, Activities & Camaraderie

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, offers themed and holiday meals at their congregate meal sites.

Congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals, Monday through Friday. The meal sites are located at local Councils on Aging (COA) and sometimes at local housing authorities. Themed specialty meals are interspersed with the regular menu to enhance the dining experience. Group activities, along with the occasional “Traveling Chef” who prepares a meal in front of congregate meal participants, adds to the excitement.

The Wareham COA is offering a themed meal, deemed the “Labor Day Special”, on July 21, 2014 at 11 a.m. Mediterranean chicken breast, lemon olive rice, vegetable ratatouille, dinner roll and chocolate fudge cake (with alternate diet brownie) will be served. A “Funny Hat Party” competition will be held and there will be prizes for the most original hat and the funniest hat.

“For many older adults, sharing a meal and companionship at a congregate meal site may be their only interaction with peers,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Anyone age 60 or older is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities.”

Reservations for the Wareham COA’s Labor Day Special meal are required by Thursday, July 17th. Call 508 291-3100, extension 6514 to reserve a seat.

OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enrich older adults’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at the congregate meal sites and through home delivered meals (Meals On Wheels). Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided. Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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