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Congregate Meal Site

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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Traveling Chef Whips Up Delicious Meals at Two Congregate Meal Sites

OCES logoOld 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 specialty meals prepared by the “Traveling Chef” at two congregate meal sites in August.

OCES’ congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age 60+. Congregate meal participants will enjoy several upcoming themed specialty meals.

“A Taste of Italy” will be held at Brockton Council on Aging (COA) at Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton on August 12, 2014 at noon. Reservations required.

“BBQ Chicken Lunch” will be held at the Commercial Club, 1 Neilson Ave, East Bridgewater on August 21, 2014 at noon. To reserve a seat, call the East Bridgewater COA at 508-378-1610 by August 14th.

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.

“Anyone age 60 or older 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.

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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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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Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Congregate Meal Site At the Brockton Haitian Tabernacle Church

OCES’ newest congregate meal site has opened at the Brockton Haitian Tabernacle Church located at 696 N. Main Street. (L to R) Meprilia Glaude, Lefete Charles (standing), Olive Gilbert and Olianne Gilbert enjoy the congregate meal which was catered by Jeano’s, a 4-star Haitian Creole Restaurant in Brockton.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, has recently opened a new congregate meal site at Brockton Haitian Tabernacle Church located at 696 North Main Street.

The Haitian community is one of the largest minority groups in Brockton. Historically, very few Haitian seniors have participated in congregate meal programs. Language and cultural barriers have been huge obstacles. This is one way OCES is expanding services to local cultural groups.

OCES’ new congregate meal site officially opened in March and currently serves church members. The congregate meal site is open three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to serve a noon time meal.

The meals are catered by Jeano’s a four-star Haitian Creole Restaurant, located at 759 Main Street in Brockton. The menu, planned by a Nutritionist in collaboration with Jeano’s, meets one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. High sodium foods are not used and there is no salt added in cooking.

Members of the Brockton Haitian Tabernacle Church age 60 or older and/or disabled persons of any age can make reservations to attend this congregate meal site. Members who would like to attend the congregate meal site may apply at the Brockton Haitian Tabernacle Church.

OCES has five additional congregate meals sites in Brockton. To learn about congregate meal sites within our service area, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

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.

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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“Mayors for Meals Day” a Success

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.

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

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Governor Takes Bite Out of Elder Meals Program – Nearly 250,000 meals cut

Elder advocates reacted with surprise this week in response to Governor Deval Patrick’s proposed 24% cut in the state’s meals program for elders.

“This is literally taking food off the table for older people,” explained Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care. “This is one of the most visible and popular senior programs in the state. We never would have predicted a cut in such a key service.”

The Governor’s budget slashes the elder nutrition program line item (account 9110-1900) by $1.5 million – from the FY 2012 level of $6.325 million to $4.81 million in FY 2013. This would leave elder nutrition funding for 2013 lower than it was 7 years ago in 2006 under Governor Mitt Romney ( at $5.237 million).

According to Mass Home Care, the loss of funding will cut nearly a quarter of a million meals in 2013. Total meals served under this line item to seniors will plummet from 996,000 meals in 2012 to 754,000 meals in 2013 – a loss of 242,000 fewer meals.

“Old Colony Elder Services estimates its share of the impact would be $75,000 that will cause a reduction of more than 12,000 meals across its service area of 23 communities in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county areas” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

The elder nutrition program is one of several meals programs available for seniors in the state, funded by federal and state monies. A total of 8.8 million meals will be served in FY 2012 counting all senior meals programs. Norman said elder nutrition groups have begun assessing how to best get the lost meals funding restored on Beacon Hill; “I am certain the Governor’s people did not expect us to walk away from the table knowing a quarter of a million meals were being cut.”

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, 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.
The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Governor Takes Bite Out of Elder Meals Program – Nearly 250,000 meals cutRead More

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.

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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