Unleash the Power of The Press

Council on Aging

It’s About Time – Fun Workshop Teaches Caregivers How to Relax and More

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 is sponsoring “It’s About Time”, a special workshop for family caregivers of older adults and grandparents raising grandchildren. This workshop is being offered in partnership with the Duxbury Council on Aging (COA). Funding is provided through a generous grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.

The “It’s About Time” workshop is a free event where family caregivers are taught techniques and strategies for managing their time, making meals and reducing stress.  This workshop will be held on Monday, July 14, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Duxbury COA, 10 Mayflower St, Duxbury.  There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required.

“This is a fun and informative workshop for family caregivers that provides tips on making time for themselves. It’s a supportive atmosphere of camaraderie where experts share techniques for time management and efficient cooking. The event is rounded out with engaging tips for relaxation from a yoga instructor,” noted Diana DiGiorgi Executive Director of OCES. “Our goal is to help family members avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”

A complimentary chef-prepared lunch, free companion book and raffles are all included. Pre-registration is required. Contact Rochelle Sugarman, (508) 584-1561 extension 312.

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.

 

It’s About Time – Fun Workshop Teaches Caregivers How to Relax and MoreRead More

Multi-Town March for Meals a Success

State Representative Keiko Orrall delivers a meal to Elin Young
State Representative Keiko Orrall delivers a meal to Elin Young

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, recently organized a “March For Meals” in Middleboro, Plymouth and Stoughton.

March for Meals is part of Meals On Wheels Association of America’s national campaign.  Elected officials from the three communities along with OCES and Council on Aging representatives delivered meals to 25 recipients in their respective communities to show support for this vital program.

In Middleboro, State Representative Keiko Orrall and Tim Valentine, Assistant Executive Director of OCES, delivered meals to local seniors.

In Plymouth, Selectman Mathew Muratore, Conni DiLego, Director of Plymouth Council on Aging and Tim Valentine, Assistant Executive Director of OCES, delivered meals to seniors.

In Stoughton, Selectmen John Anzivino and Cynthia Walsh joined Christine McLaren, Community Programs Manager of OCES and Karen Hall, Director of Stoughton Council on Aging, delivering meals to Stoughton seniors.

“It’s an honor to have local officials participate in our March for Meals event. Throughout the area, many seniors are homebound and unable to manage their grocery shopping or attend one of our congregate meal sites.  The Meals On Wheels program is 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 seniors living alone,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over who are unable to prepare their own meals.  Both the Home Delivered (Meals On Wheels) program and the Congregate Meal sites rely on the assistance of our many volunteers.

Meals On Wheels volunteers and donations are needed. For more information about volunteering, contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator at (508) 584-1561. Donations to support OCES’ Nutrition Program may be sent to: Old Colony Elder Services, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America
The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the only national association and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. MOWAA is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states as well as the U.S. territories. MOWAA’s vision is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.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.

Multi-Town March for Meals a SuccessRead More

Congresswoman Katherine Clark and Health Care Leaders Highlight the Mass Home Care Annual Event

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, recently announced that Mass Home Care will hold its 31st Annual Meeting on Monday, June 16th at 11:30 am at the Burlington Marriott, One Burlington Mall Road. Health care reform affecting the state’s 1.3 million elderly residents is on the agenda.

The group’s event will feature: Congresswoman Katherine Clark; David Seltz, Executive Director of the state’s Health Policy Commission; Lois Simon, President of the managed care provider Commonwealth Care Alliance; Senator Patricia Jehlen of Somerville, Elder Affairs Senate Chair; and Representative James O’Day of West Boylston, Elder Affairs House Chair.

“This gathering brings together a freshman Member of Congress, the head of the state’s newest health care regulator, the President of a prominent managed care company serving older adults and disabled people, and the two chairs of the legislature’s Elderly Affairs Committee,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care.

“We are looking forward to Mass Home Care’s annual event which will highlight health care reform, particularly the accomplishments made and the issues that still need to be addressed,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Mass Home Care will also present its annual Community Care Linkages award to four health care practitioners who have helped bridge the gulf between health care and long term support services for older adults: Andrey Ostrovsky, M.D, CEO of Care At Hand, Pediatric Resident, Boston Medical Center;  Cheryl A. Warren, R.N., of Hallmark Health; Richard Balaban, M.D., Cambridge Health Alliance; and Marilyn Wright, R.N., Beth Israel Deaconess Care Organization.

About Mass Home Care

Founded in 1983, Mass Home Care has helped shift the focus of elder care from institutions to the community. A network of 30 independent care coordination agencies, Mass Home Care wrote the state law that says seniors have the right to receive care in the “least restrictive setting”. Family members can be paid as personal care attendants because of the advocacy of Mass Home Care. The group has expanded the range and scope of home care services in the Commonwealth, adding care options and funding to ensure that even people needing 24/7 supports can live at home. Mass Home Care member agencies manage the daily care for more than 75,000 elders and individuals with disabilities, and investigate reports of elder abuse on behalf of the Commonwealth.

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.

 

Congresswoman Katherine Clark and Health Care Leaders Highlight the Mass Home Care Annual EventRead More

Old Colony Elder Services, Brockton COA and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Friday, June 13th – Community Invited

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, has joined forces with Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 12 p.m. at Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton.

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations has designated June 15th of each year as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, OCES, Brockton COA and HarborOne Bank have organized the march down Main Street.

Community members are invited to join the “March Against Elder Abuse”. Participants will walk down Main Street to OCES, 144 Main Street, before returning to Brockton COA. Following the walk, participants will enjoy a free lunch. Guest speakers will share information on how to assist elders in need and answer questions.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. We can make a difference and encourage the community to join our ‘March Against Elder Abuse’ in Brockton on Friday, June 13th,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES.

To join the march, RSVP by June 6th to Jessie Almeida at 508-584-1561 extension 330 or jalmeida@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.

 

Old Colony Elder Services, Brockton COA and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Friday, June 13th – Community InvitedRead More

Christine McLaren named Community Programs Manager for Old Colony Elder Services

C McLarenChristine McLaren has been named Community Programs Manager for Old Colony Elder Services (OCES).  In her new capacity, Mrs. McLaren will now manage both the organization’s Nutrition and Healthy Living Programs.

OCES’ Nutrition program provides over 34,000 nutritionally sound and satisfying meals per month to older adults (60 plus) and individuals with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts. The program includes 23 congregate meal sites at Councils on Aging and public housing communities plus the delivery of meals for those who cannot attend the sites.

OCES’ Healthy Living program provides evidence-based workshops in both English and Spanish to teach individuals about the prevention and management of chronic diseases and other health concerns. These workshops are held throughout OCES’ service area.

With five years of tenure with OCES, Mrs. McLaren had previously worked 20 years in the property and casualty insurance industry in operations and marketing.  “I wanted to segue into the helping profession,” noted Mrs. McLaren who started as a volunteer long-term care ombudsman.  She added, “My expanded position at OCES allows me to have a positive impact on many older adults and to enjoy a fast paced environment.”

Mrs. McLaren concluded, “Providing tasty and nutritious food to older adults is an on-going challenge and we work closely with older adults, nutritionists and registered dieticians to obtain feedback, try new recipes and keep our menus interesting and appealing.”

A Canton, MA resident, Mrs. McLaren earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Middlebury College and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts/Boston.

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 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 the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Christine McLaren named Community Programs Manager for Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More