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Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor Support

 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) is in need of volunteers as well as donor support to keep the Massachusetts Money Management Program (MMMP) running.

The MMMP helps vulnerable, low-income elders who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills. Money Management volunteers help these elders by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

Money Management volunteers must be capable of basic financial tasks and have a willingness to commit their time once or twice a month. Volunteers are not reimbursed for mileage, so they are generally matched with elders who live in the same town.

Due to underfunding, the MMMP relies on the generosity of donors. Donations in support of the local MMMP may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. Be sure to state that your donation is specifically for the MMMP.

“The MMMP is a free service for qualified elder clients. We are always seeking funds to keep the program up and running, train volunteers and work with clients. The need is significant in all 23 towns we cover, but especially so in Brockton,” explained Brenda Carrens of OCES.

 

To request an application to volunteer for the Money Management program or for more information about making a donation, contact Brenda Carrens, OCES’ program coordinator, at (508) 584-1561 extension 252.

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; 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.  In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. 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.


Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor SupportRead More

“Home for the Holidays” Brochure Helps Older Adults Manage their Medicines

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) has recently announced the availability of a “Home for the Holidays” brochure that is designed to help older adults manage their medicines.

The brochure was developed by Eldercare Locator in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and Consumers Union (the nonprofit publisher of Consumers Reports) and is the organization’s seventh annual “Home for the Holidays” campaign for older adults. This year’s brochure is entitled “Prescription Drug Options:  Managing Your Medicines.”

The brochure outlines simple steps older adults can take to help manage chronic conditions and reduce the chance of harmful drug interactions. The brochure also provides instruction on how to get the best value for medicine purchases by creating a medicine record, keeping health care professionals informed about all medicines, and taking cost-saving steps such as purchasing generic drugs and taking advantage of competitive pharmacy pricing.

To request the brochure, contact Korin Tracy in the Information and Referral Department at Old Colony Elder Services at (508) 584-1561.

About n4a

n4a administers the Eldercare Locator which is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. To learn more about n4a resources and programs, visit www.n4a.org. To download a PDF of the “Home for the Holidays” brochure, visit www.n4a.org/programs/elresources/.

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.

“Home for the Holidays” Brochure Helps Older Adults Manage their MedicinesRead 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

OCES encourages folks to “Be a Santa to a Senior”

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that serves Plymouth county as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, is encouraging the general public to participate in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program by providing a gift to a senior in need.

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.


Each senior in need is represented by an ornament with their “wish list” written on it.   The wish lists may include items such as postage stamps, clothing, a gift card to a grocery store, candy or other item. The ornaments adorn Christmas trees located at Duval’s Pharmacy at 571 Washington Street in Whitman. The program is running now through December 11th.

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.


All the gifts will be collected by Home Instead Senior Care and a wrapping party will be held on December 15th.  Representatives from Home Instead Senior Care and OCES will help wrap and distribute the gifts to the seniors.
Last year, the program delivered more than 350 gifts to seniors. According to Rich and Cherie Sasso, owners of the Home Instead Senior Care Plymouth County, “This program is a way that we can give back to our community by providing gifts to some of our most treasured residents. Our hope is that the presents also can help these seniors recapture some of the excitement of their childhood.”

For questions about “Be a Santa to a Senior”, contact Susan Willis, Home Care Program Director at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About Home Instead Senior Care
The Plymouth County office of Home Instead Senior Care in East Bridgewater is the world’s most trusted source of non-medical care and companionship for seniors. For more information about the agency, contact 508-378-3102.

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 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.

OCES encourages folks to “Be a Santa to a Senior”Read More

Aging and Disability Resource Consortium Hosts Conference

BROCKTON, DEDHAM, FALL RIVER AND NEW BEDFORD…

The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern Massachusetts (ADRCSE) recently hosted a conference titled A Community Together: Disabled and Elders. The ADRCSE is a local collaboration between the Southeast Center for Independent Living and Bristol Elder Services of Fall River, Coastline Elderly Services of New Bedford, and Old Colony Elder Services of Brockton that provides a coordinated system of information and access to long term services and supports for individuals, family members and providers, regardless of age, disability, or income.

Approximately 85 participants, including elders, people with disabilities, social workers, nurses, staff from councils on aging, hospitals, long term care facilities, home care agencies, and other human service organizations, attended the half-day program.

Presenter Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq., partner in the law firm of Surprenant and Beneski, P.C. of New Bedford spoke about elder law and planning for those with special needs. He reviewed estate and long term care planning, including protection of the home.

Mark Whitehouse, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and President of Adaptive Driving Program, Inc. of Dedham spoke on the topic of Driving Your Way to Independence. According to Mr. Whitehouse, his goal is to, “help people keep driving as long as possible and to get people driving who never thought they could do so.”

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 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.

Aging and Disability Resource Consortium Hosts ConferenceRead More

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder Services

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…More than 1,000 seniors are on the Home Care wait list for services thanks to state budget cuts already incurred this year in the elderly home care program. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts explained that the waiting list was imposed on September 8th and forty one days later, more than 1,000 people are waiting. Mass Home Care says that cuts already implemented will push the waiting list up to as many as 6,000 people by the end of June 2010.

Cutbacks this year have already been made to the Home Care and Enhanced Community Options programs. These programs are essential because they help seniors maintain their independence and enable them to live in the least restrictive setting, usually their own home.

“We are very disappointed over the large number of seniors who need home care and cannot get it. The typical home care client is an elder who needs help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating and/or walking. With cuts to home care, often their only other choice is a nursing home,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. As of today, due to the waiting list criteria, OCES is unable to provide services to approximately 100 elders.

“It is ironic that the door to nursing home care is wide open, but the door to home care has been slammed shut for hundreds of seniors,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care.

Based on the 2006 “Equal Choice” law that Mass Home Care wrote, seniors and individuals with disabilities are supposed to be given a choice of where they wish to receive services – at home or in an institution; most people prefer their own home. Because of these budget cuts, many seniors now have the choice of nursing home care or a waiting list.

Norman added, “The hits we’ve already received have a taken a toll on very vulnerable seniors. It’s fiscally short-sighted to cut the programs that keep people out of the more expensive levels of care. In a budget crunch, this is precisely the time to keep home care open, and divert people away from institutions.”

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 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.

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Urges Elders Needing Home Care to Apply

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

Old Colony Elder Services Collaborates with The Charity Guild of Brockton to Offer New Program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) recently announced their collaboration with The Charity Guild of Brockton in the development of a new program known as “Special Foods for Special People”.

The goal of the “Special Foods for Special People” program is to distribute special dietary foods to homebound elders who suffer from diseases common to this age group. Many are unable to afford specialty items due limited income and increasing food costs.

OCES will assist with the program’s outreach and education initiatives and the Charity Guild will provide the food and the volunteers to deliver the special food to elders in their homes. The Charity Guild recently received a grant from the Howard Home Foundation which has enabled them to develop and run the “Special Foods for Special People” program.

“We’re very excited to be able to partner with Old Colony Elder Services on this project. It has been a very high priority for us. The ‘Special Foods for Special People’ program affords us the chance to reach out to individuals in the community. Now, we are able to go to those who cannot come to us,” said Nancy Gustafson, President of The Charity Guild’s Board of Directors.

How it Works

A Registered Nurse and Dietician from OCES conduct an assessment of an elder’s needs. Then, the nurse and dietician consult with the elder about disease and prevention and the vital role that proper nutrition plays in their overall health. OCES then educates and trains the elder (and their caregiver) in proper nutritional intake and dietary needs as it relates to his/her specific health problem. Once the assessment, education and training are completed, the Charity Guild provides and delivers the special diet foods to the homebound elder.

“Now, homebound elders are able to get the nutritional foods that are specific to their disease that they would not otherwise be able to obtain. This program is essential to the many elders who are suffering from illnesses which could benefit from a special diet,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About the Charity Guild of Brockton

Established in 1971, The Charity Guild of Brockton is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization providing assistance to greater Brockton area residents through their food pantry and thrift shop.  The Charity Guild’s mission is “to provide basic and necessary services to those unable to meet their primary needs of food, clothing and household goods.” The Charity Guild is located at 501 Main Street in Brockton. To learn more about them, visit the website at www.TheCharityGuild.org.

For more information about the “Special Foods for Special People” program, contact Lucille Dallaire of 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 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 Collaborates with The Charity Guild of Brockton to Offer New ProgramRead More

Old Colony Elder Services, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in September

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point at Centerville (a Benchmark Assisted Living Community for the Memory Impaired) will offer a four-week course in September entitled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”, which will teach caregivers how to take care of themselves.

As part of the national Caregiver Education Series, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course is designed for individuals caring for older adults who are living at home or in a facility, or who are managing caregiver services from a distance. The four-week class will be held at JordanHospital in Plymouth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.

Harbor Point will provide lunch and if needed, respite can be arranged ahead of time through Cozy Corner Adult Day Program in Plymouth.

The classes will be led by Saran Craig, who has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and is a trained and experienced Master Trainer. She has led 15 Powerful Tools classes for more than 200 caregivers. Rochelle Sugarman of the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES who holds a Certificate in Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW) at BostonUniversity, will co-lead the classes.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes are three hours long and designed to help caregivers build communication skills, lower stress, set goals, make tough decisions, and better communicate with family members and medical providers. Caregivers who attend will utilize relaxation and planning tools; learn to cope with feelings of anger or guilt and learn how to access community resources and solve problems.

To register for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, call Jordan Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Center at 508-732-8711. For more information about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class, contact Rochelle Sugarman of 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 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, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in SeptemberRead More