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Old Colony Elder Services, an agency that serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in the Brockton and South Shore area including Middleboro and Lakeville, shares insight on the impact of the proposed budget cuts which were recently announced by the Patrick Administration.
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Appearing in South Coast Today: Elder care service warns of impacts if state cuts budgetRead More
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Old Colony Elder Services, working in conjunction with the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program sponsor Home Instead Senior Care, has identified approximately 170 isolated elders who otherwise would not receive a gift this holiday season.
To be a “Santa to a Senior”, simply select an ornament from the Christmas tree at Duval’s and purchase a gift that is on that senior’s “wish list”. Then, place the gift (unwrapped) with the ornament attached into the collection box at the pharmacy.
For questions about “Be a Santa to a Senior”, contact Susan Willis, Home Care Program Director 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
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.// by admin
The state has cut $6.4 million of funding from home care programs, which forced agencies such as Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), to put many applicants on a waiting list for home care services.
According to Al Norman, executive director of the Massachusetts Home Care Association, home care programs serve approximately 30,000 elders; this year, $16 million has been cut from the approximate $280 million used to fund home care programs. As of early September, OCES and the 26 other ASAPs began putting elders on a waiting list as mandated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs due to state budget issues.
But, despite this, OCES urges elders who need home care to apply for it and keep checking back with the agency.
“We have begun to put elders on a waiting list, but that does not mean that home care will not be available to them at all. It may just take a little longer before they receive services. Home care services are meant for elders who are critically ill. We are allowed to make exceptions for those elders most in need. An elder who has a MassHealth waiver; who is in hospice or has been discharged from a nursing home or hospital will not be put on the waiting list. An elder who is involved in an elder abuse case will not put on the waiting list. We strongly urge elders to apply for home care and contact us to discuss their unique situations,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, executive director of OCES.
For more information about Home Care, contact 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 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.
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Old Colony Elder Services Urges Elders Needing Home Care to ApplyRead More
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Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, recently kicked off a “Healthy Living at Home” program for senior residents at Campello High Rise in Brockton.
In an event held on December 18th that included refreshments and raffles, Old Colony Elder Services in conjunction with Senior Whole Health of Cambridge, Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) of Boston and the Brockton Housing Authority officially launched the “Healthy Living at Home” program at the Campello building.
Residents were able to learn more about OCES, Senior Whole Health and JFCS and the various resources and programs that are available to them through these organizations.
Alison Books of JFCS brought healthy cookies to the event to create awareness about the “Healthy Eating” nutrition program that JFCS offers. Nicole DaSilva, who is the Supportive Housing Specialist at OCES and who works on-site at Campello from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays each week, advised residents of the various educational and social programs available.
Each of the agencies will offer specific educational programs to all residents of the housing complex. One of the programs, a chronic disease self management program, will focus on diabetes. Other programs include fall prevention and the benefits of fitness.
“We had a terrific turnout at the event. Our goal was to create a better awareness among the residents at Campello of all the programs and resources that are available to them – from nutritional to educational and social programs,” explained Nicole Welch, Program Development Manager at OCES.
OCES offers a number of programs to better serve seniors, families and caregivers residing in Brockton and throughout the surrounding area. The programs include Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Family Caregiver Support; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.
To learn more about the Healthy Living at Home program, contact Nicole Welch at OCES (508) 584-1561. To learn more about Senior Whole Health, visit their website at seniorwholehealth.com. For more information about JFCS, visit JFCSBoston.org.
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 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 Launches New Program at Campello Building in BrocktonRead More
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In response to a large number of inquiries about how Question 1 on the Massachusetts November 4th ballot could affect services to elders, caregivers and their families, Old Colony Elderly Services, Inc. (OCES) has compiled valuable information to help voters make an educated decision. OCES is a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that provides valuable programs and services to seniors, their families and caregivers in the Plymouth county, Avon, Easton and Stoughton area.
Question 1 proposes a law to reduce the state personal income tax rate to 2.65% as of January 1, 2009 and to eliminate the tax beginning January 1, 2010. A “yes” vote will enact these reductions; a “no” vote will make no change to the state’s income tax laws.
OCES employs 130 staff and provides services to more than 4,600 elders, caregivers and families each month. These services include home health aide, personal care and medical transportation that are vital to many home-bound, frail elders in our communities. In addition, every month we respond to more than 600 inquiries for information and referral, perform 150 long-term care screenings and deliver approximately 23,000 lunches through the meals-on-wheels program.
According to most reports, the income tax produces $12.5 billion, or 40%, of the entire state budget. If OCES’ budget is reduced by 40%, we will be forced to decrease services to some of our most vulnerable citizens and eliminate jobs. This could mean that 1,800 elders will lose home care services, 9,000 meals will not be delivered and at least 50 employees will lose their jobs.
Elders already impacted by the high costs of fuel and food are wondering how they will manage on fixed incomes. The workforce is trying to balance these costs too while watching their commuting costs increase and their savings and home values decrease. With state funding to cities and towns reduced, localities may raise property taxes and impose other fees, thereby placing another burden on homeowners – including elders and others on fixed incomes.
According to analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the estimated 40% budget reduction is too low. They contend that “after accounting for five legally mandated programs, the rest of state government would bear across-the-board cuts of 71.1% with the loss of $12.5 billion in state income tax revenue”. Private, non-profit agencies like OCES will be unable to continue providing needed human services after that level of funding cut.
“I urge registered voters to learn all they can about the impacts of Question 1 so they may make informed decisions before casting their votes on November 4th,” said Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.
To read the full version of this proposed law and the other 2 ballot questions, visit www.mass.gov and click on the Secretary of State’s page, select Elections Division and then 2008 Statewide Ballot Questions.
About Old Colony Elderly Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly 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 oc-elderly.org
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Old Colony Elderly Services, Inc. (OCES) alerts retirees and disabled veterans who don’t normally file a federal income tax return that they may be eligible to receive an Economic Stimulus payment of between $300 and $600 depending on their circumstances.
According to the IRS, there are an estimated 117,000 retirees and disabled veterans in Massachusetts who normally don’t file a federal income tax return but may be eligible for the stimulus payment.
OCES is a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that provides valuable programs and services to seniors, their families and caregivers. The agency can provide guidance to seniors and disabled veterans who need assistance filing a federal tax return prior to the Economic Stimulus deadline of October 15th.
According to the IRS, older Americans and disabled veterans who have no tax liability and who have no requirement to file a tax return because their income is too low or nontaxable, may receive a stimulus payment of up to $300 ($600 for married couples) plus a $300 payment for each qualifying child.
According to Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director, “It’s imperative that seniors and disabled veterans file before October 15th in order to receive payment. We can assist seniors and disabled veterans in determining if they meet eligibility requirements to qualify. By law, the IRS cannot disperse any payments after December 31st, so we strongly urge anyone who believes they are eligible to file a return; contact a tax professional; or contact us for more information.”
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.
To inquire about Economic Stimulus Payments, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.
About Old Colony Elderly Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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.oc-elderly.org
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