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elder care

Growth spurt continues. Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. adds key staff at regional offices in western and central Massachusetts

Victor Boadu of Nonotuck Resource Associates.
Victor Boadu of Nonotuck Resource Associates.

FLORENCE, LEOMINSTER, and GREENFIELD, MA…

For more than 40 years Nonotuck Resource Associates has helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by offering the personalized service of shared living and Adult Family Care. To meet the ever increasing demand from families for these non-traditional, value based services, Nonotuck has added staff at several of its regional offices.

Victor Boadu, RN, a Worcester, MA resident, recently began in Nonotuck’s Leominster office. Boadue received his associate’s degree in nursing from Quinsigamond Community College in 2012. In addition, he holds an LPN degree and has many years of experience in the areas of disability nursing and as a rehab support staff.

Piedad Chaparro, also from Worcester, was recently hired as an AFC Care Manager for Nonotuck’s Leominster office. Chaparro holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Vicente Rocafuerte Laica University in Guayaquil, Ecuador and has more than 10 years’ experience working as a social services coordinator and rehab specialist at Worcester Housing Authority and Community Health Link.

Carrie Coppolletti  was hired as an Assistant Program Director in Nonotuck’s Greenfield office. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a degree in communications, Coppolletti previously worked for many years as an Instructional Assistant in the Amherst Pelham School District.

“Smart growth is not just a term for constructing cities and town one that’s very applicable to building an organization like Nonotuck. Victor, Piedad and Carrie are all seasoned professionals who have demonstrated the commitment and compassion in previous work experiences to excel as members of the Nonotuck family,” said George Fleischner, executive director of Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc.

Nonotuck offers Shared Living, Adult Family Care and Day Services for families who choose to care for their loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s, autism, brain injuries, cancer, muscular dystrophy and other intellectual and physical disabilities at home. Based in Florence, Nonotuck has offices in Central and Western Massachusetts as well as on Boston’s South Shore and on Cape Cod. An office in the Boston area will open later in 2013.

For complete information on Nonotuck Resource Associates, including office locations, you can visit www.nonotuck.com or call Nonotuck’s main office at 413-586-5266 x104.

Caregiving with Love –  Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc.

Founded in 1972 by a group of parents who had the courage and foresight to seek community care for their loved ones, Nonotuck has since helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by providing the personalized service of Shared Living and Adult Family Care.  Each day Nonotuck addresses the ever increasing demand from families for these non-traditional, value based, in home services with love and care.  If you are interested in finding out more about this unique service and our locations please visit www.nonotuck.com or call 413-586-5256 x 104.

Growth spurt continues. Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. adds key staff at regional offices in western and central MassachusettsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Class for Family Caregivers Beginning May 2nd

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, is offering a “Powerful Tools For Caregivers” six-week educational program for family caregivers.

Designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend, the class meets on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Stoughton Council on Aging located at 110 Rockland Street. The class begins May 2, 2012 and concludes on June 6, 2012.

There is no fee to attend.

Family caregivers who are caring for a parent, spouse, friend or someone who lives at home, in assisted living/nursing home or across the country can benefit from this class.

Attendees will learn how to reduce stress; communicate more effectively; take care of themselves; reduce guilt, anger and depression; set goals and problem-solve. They will also receive a complimentary copy of the Caregiver Helpbook.

Class size is limited and registration is required. Call Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor and Class Leader, to register (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

This educational program is presented by OCES Family Caregiver Support Program and is sponsored by Stoughton Council on Aging.

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

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Class for Family Caregivers Beginning May 2ndRead More

A Second Home Care Wait List Starts Today – 1,100 seniors already waiting

As if 1,100 elders on the Enhanced Community Options Program (ECOP) wait list were not bad enough, Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) were officially notified that a second wait list will be imposed beginning today.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and 26 other ASAPs (non-profit agencies designated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts to coordinate and provide the home care programs for elders) have been notified by the state that another home care wait list for basic services will begin March 1st. The cutback had been anticipated for some time.

This home care basic wait list comes on top of an existing wait list of 1,100 elders who need a higher level of support through the ECOP, which is a program for elders who are eligible for nursing home care, but can be helped to live at home. The new wait list is also on the heels of the FY13 budget proposed by Governor Deval Patrick which will cut 242,000 meals for elders.

According to an instruction released today by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, elders with limited formal/informal supports and a critical unmet need of grocery shopping, along with elders who have a critical unmet need of meal preparation will not get into the home care program.

For OCES, the Brockton-based regional elder services agency serving seniors their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, this latest cutback means an estimated 60 more elders will not receive services this year.

According to Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ executive director, “OCES already has 47 elders on its ECOP wait list. In addition, the loss of funding in the meals program would mean that 12,000 fewer meals are delivered across our 23 communities next year.”

In January, the state estimated that it would cost $3.8 million additional in FY2012 to end the ECOP wait list. The basic home care program is currently $1.4 million in deficiency. By June of 2012, it is estimated that almost 1,200 elders will be on the basic home care wait list. That means 2,500 seniors could be waiting for home care and ECOP services by the close of this fiscal year.

Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care, said “Community based services like home care are saving state and federal taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Compared to 2001, the state has saved 3.6 million Medicaid-funded patient days in nursing homes, as more elders are diverted home instead.”

The Commonwealth has avoided an estimated $592 million this year through lowered institutional utilization. “This is the ‘home care dividend’ that should be invested back in community care,” Norman said.

There is no waiting list for nursing facility care in Massachusetts; in fact there is a 13% vacancy rate in nursing facilities. Adjusted for inflation, the state home care program has lost $23 million in funding since 2009, according to the Mass Budget & Policy Center.

“If we are squeezing down the home care program today, what are we going to say to the baby boomers when they need care in the future?” Norman asked. Today in Massachusetts, one in four households (653,103 households) has someone over the age of 65. 19% of the state’s population is over 60—and seniors are the fastest growing age group over the next twenty years.

“The Administration likes to say we are a ‘Community First’ state,” Norman concluded. “With these cuts, it looks like a ‘Wait First’ state.”

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

A Second Home Care Wait List Starts Today – 1,100 seniors already waitingRead More

Take Stock of Aging Parents’ Health – Right At Home Offers 5-Minute Online Assessment Tool

Libet Callahan, RN, BSN, president
The holiday visits are behind us and now it’s time to review and take stock. Those of us with aging parents should heed the signs that indicate that an aging loved one may be declining, jeopardizing their safety and well-being at home. With offices in Rockland and Plymouth, Right at Home of the South Shore has launched a free, 5-Minute Online Care Assessment tool.

“There are a number of visual clues indicating a decline in health or independence that you should pay attention to,” explained Libet Callahan, RN, BSN, president of the South Shore based office of Right at Home, providers of non-medical in-home care services to seniors and disabled adults.

Callahan lists the 10 signs to watch for in your aging loved one that are cause for concern:

1.Weight loss
2.Not maintaining his/her personal appearance and hygiene
3.Not remembering when to take medication and not knowing what condition each medication is treating
4.Not eating nutritious meals or not eating at all
5.Food in the refrigerator or on the shelves that is past its expiration date or molding
6.Not maintaining the home by doing chores such as cleaning bathrooms, washing floors or regular vacuuming
7.Not paying bills – unpaid or unopened piles of bills are a red flag
8.Not taking proper care of a pet
9.Avoiding or having difficulty ascending/descending steps
10.Limiting contact with or lacking an interest in the outside world

According to Callahan, “If you believe that your loved one may be having difficulty, you need to address it with your loved one and other close family members. Your aging loved one may be in need of a number of services – from companionship to personal care and homemaking.”

If your aging loved one is showing one or more of these signs, take the Right At Home 5-Minute Online Care Assessment. Visit http://www.rightathome.net/southshore/.

Single-service care options such as meals-on-wheels or an adult daycare may be enough. But, oftentimes a multi-service provider such as Right At Home is needed to provide the companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable seniors and those with disabilities to remain in the comfort of their home for as long as possible.

For questions or more information, contact Right At Home at 781-681-3545.

About Right At Home
Right at Home provides non-medical in-home care services to seniors and disabled adults throughout the South Shore. Right At Home is among the first in the state to earn Accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. As a private-pay home care agency, Right At Home can provide services in settings other than the home, such as in assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement facilities, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

Right at Home provides care services of companionship, homemaking, physical assistance, hygiene and wellness. In addition, Right At Home accommodates clients in special care situations providing home care for Alzheimer’s and other dementia, osteoarthritis, hypertension/stroke, diabetes, heart disease, neuromuscular diseases and disorders, cancer recovery, hospice/palliative care support, mental health, traumatic brain injury and paraplegia/quadriplegia. All Right At Home caregivers are fully insured and bonded, must pass a vigorous background check, complete a training program and pass a competency test before being placed with a client.

The company serves the following areas: Abington, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton (East Side), Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Middleboro, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Wareham, Weymouth and Whitman. Right at Home has offices located at 800 Hingham Street, in Rockland, MA and 38 Resnik Road in Plymouth, MA. For more information contact 866-681-3545 or visit the website at http://www.rightathome.net/southshore/.

Take Stock of Aging Parents’ Health – Right At Home Offers 5-Minute Online Assessment ToolRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate Coordinator

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, has appointed Lou Avitabile to the position of Congregate Coordinator.

Mr. Avitabile held the position of Family Caregiver Support Program Care Adviser in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program for two years prior to his appointment to Congregate Coordinator. His new role will include overseeing the senior residents who reside in the Marshfield, Stoughton and Bridgewater congregate housing units and ensuring that their needs are supported in order to remain living independently in the community.

Mr. Avitabile holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College in Springfield, MA. He is a resident of Bridgewater.

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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org
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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate CoordinatorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to hold Ethical and Risk Management Conference on October 28th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, recently announced that a “Documentation in Elder Services: Ethical and Risk Management Issues” Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at OCES, Donovan Centre, 144 Main Street in Brockton. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

This conference is intended for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Nurses, and other health and
human service professionals. 4.5 CEUs have been approved for this conference. A light lunch will be provided. Due to limited space, registration will be accepted on a first paid, first-served basis.

Professor Frederic G. Reamer, Ph.D. of the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Reamer is the author of a number of books and articles on social work ethics. He will provide conference participants with an overview of ethical, malpractice and risk-management issues pertaining to the documentation of services and critical incidents.

To register, download the registration form at www.oldcolonyeldervices.org and complete 1 form per registrant. Mail the forms and $50 payment per person to OCES by October 19, 2011. For more information, visit our website or call Phyllis Martin at 508-584-1561 extension 293.

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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services to hold Ethical and Risk Management Conference on October 28thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Caregiver 101 Program in Kingston on Sept. 30th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will hold a Caregiver 101 seminar on Thursday, September 30,2010 at 7 p.m. at the Kingston Public Library, 6 Green Street in Kingston. OCES is an Aging Services Access Point headquartered in Brockton and serves seniors and caregivers in 23 towns south of Boston.

OCES is offering a free “Caregiver 101” seminar which will be led by Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES. This seminar offers education and guidance to help caregivers broaden their awareness about resources, services, and programs; increase their knowledge on how to find and access services; and help them enhance their health and well being while managing caregiver responsibilities.

To RSVP or for questions, contact Rochelle Sugarman at 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 Announces Caregiver 101 Program in Kingston on Sept. 30thRead 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

$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