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Safe and Sound. Old Colony Elder Services hosts training on Social Worker Safety.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, held a two-day social worker safety training at their office that involved all the organization’s staff including Care Managers and Protective Services Workers.

The extensive training was facilitated by Sara McCabe who works with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and is the current Residential Director with the Wayside Youth & Family Support Network in Framingham, MA. Ms. McCabe is certified by NASW as a trainer and has been teaching the topic for seven years.

Topics for the Safety Training For Social Workers program included working with violent consumers; assessing and predicting risk factors; verbal de-escalation; developing a safety plan of action; setting boundaries; developing safety protocols; and tracking safety incidents.  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were given to participants.

“Safety for social workers is an essential concern in our workplace,” noted Terri Kourtz, Protective Service and Money Management Director of OCES.  “This training program is a catalyst for thinking and taking proactive steps towards maintaining safety for all of our staff and consumers.”

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 173 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.

 

Safe and Sound. Old Colony Elder Services hosts training on Social Worker Safety.Read More

$110 Million Federal Grant Will Increase Community First Options For Older Adults and People with Disabilities

A $110.6 million grant has been awarded from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help the Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) expand and enhance the Commonwealth’s community-based long term services and supports system for elders and individuals with disabilities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, is pleased with this news because the much needed funding will help ensure long-term home care needs will be addressed.

The grant award comes from CMS’s Balancing Incentive Program (BIP), a part of the Affordable Care Act, which provides enhanced federal funds to states that enrich their long-term care system. States participating in BIP are required to spend at least 50 percent of their federal funding on non-institutional community-based, Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) by September 2015.

According to Mass Home Care, the Community First/Olmstead Plan of 2007 established a road map that has been guiding the development of increased access to person-centered information and self-directed services for people in need of LTSS. BIP provides another major opportunity toward full access for all populations in need of LTSS.

“We applaud the Administration for expanding its Community First effort, while at the same time, increasing federal matching funds to the state,” said Mass Home Care Executive Director Al Norman. “Elders want a chance to live out their days at home. BIP will provide more funding to honor that desire.”

“This funding is of great significance as it will support the dignity and independence of elders and people with disabilities by helping them receive essential services to maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Per Mass Home Care, the Governor’s FY’15 budget proposal also includes a $16.9 million expansion of the Commonwealth’s Home Care Program and $1.3 million to expand the Supportive Housing Program from 31 to 41 sites, to allow public housing residents to age in place in an “assisted-living” environment. Over the last decade, Massachusetts has demonstrated a 62 percent increase in length of stay in Elder Affairs Community First programs, helping eliminate or delay long-term facility placement for thousands of residents.

“This funding is an affirmation of our commitment to making community-based services a reality for our most vulnerable residents. I thank the Obama Administration for their partnership in providing our seniors and individuals with disabilities the support they need to live comfortably,” said Governor Deval Patrick in a Mass Home Care press release.

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 173 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

$110 Million Federal Grant Will Increase Community First Options For Older Adults and People with DisabilitiesRead More

Keeping Pets & their People Together – Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution Grant

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has recently received a Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust.

Low-income seniors are among America’s millions struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities receive nutritious daily meals through OCES’ Meals On Wheels program. In an effort to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished, OCES now also provides nutrition support for their pets.

For nearly a decade, Banfield Charitable Trust has been working to keep pets and their people together. The Banfield Grant enables OCES to purchase pet food and distribute to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home. Essentially, OCES’ Meals On Wheels recipients are assured nutritious daily meals AND now their pets can receive nutritional support.

“What we have found is that elders will often feed their pets before they feed themselves. We’re working to identify and meet the needs of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who have pets,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the program, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together. Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program. For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns 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. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Keeping Pets & their People Together – Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution GrantRead More

Paul Raia, PhD Speaks About “Alzheimer’s Perfect Storm” at Old Colony Elder Services

May is Older Americans Month and the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, has announced that this year’s theme is “Unleash the Power of Age”.

According to the AoA, “People across our nation are achieving remarkable things in later life. Many older adults are experts in their fields, have years of valuable experience, and are using that knowledge to improve the lives of others.”

In honor of Older Americans Month, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), hosted a talk by Paul Raia, PhD, an innovator and renowned expert in the field of dementia.

Dr. Raia spoke to OCES staff and board members about the “Alzheimer’s Perfect Storm”; he shared definitions and demographics, current research and Habilitation Therapy, an approach that he developed more than 20 years ago that is now accepted as the best standard of care.

Dr. Raia has been directing patient care and family support at the Alzheimer’s Association for over 22 years, and now serves as vice president of clinical programs at the MA/NH Chapter. He developed the Habilitation Therapy approach to dementia, which focuses on the patient’s emotions and their remaining capacities. As a frequent contributor to various publications and journals, Dr. Raia has written primarily on dementia as a treatable condition. He serves on the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and frequently appears as an expert on Alzheimer’s for television, radio and print news media. Dr. Raia has been recognized by several organizations for his distinguished service receiving awards from The Massachusetts Gerontology Association, the Massachusetts State Legislature, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Homecare Association.

“Dr. Raia is a pioneer in the field of dementia and we were very fortunate to have him as a guest speaker to share his vast knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease, research and Habilitation Therapy,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns 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. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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First Annual Plymouth County Senior Spectacular Expo on June 20, 2013

The Plymouth Networking Group, an organization of business professionals committed to providing care to seniors and other individuals in the Greater Plymouth area, announces the First Annual Plymouth County Senior Spectacular Expo to be held on June 20, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plymouth Council on Aging, 44 Nook Road. The Senior Spectacular Steering Committee members include: 2 Sisters Senior Living Advisors; Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department; Old Colony Elder Services; North River Home Care; Age in Place New England; Life Care Center of Plymouth; EasCare Ambulance Service; Visiting Angels; Spaulding Rehabilitation Network; Cahoon Care; and Gentiva Home Health.

Seniors, their families and caregivers are invited to explore, connect and enjoy this free event which will showcase senior resource agencies and dozens of vendors offering services of interest to seniors such as organizing and relocation services, legal and financial resources, senior travel specialists, pet-sitting and other in-home service options. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department will be able to provide Senior ID’s as well as present information on Identity Theft and Scams. Reiki, vision and hearing screenings and other demonstrations will round out this exciting event.

Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in raffles and enjoy refreshments including a complimentary box lunch. For more information please visit: www.plymouthnetworking.com or contact Beth Hadfield at the Plymouth Council on Aging at (508) 830-4230.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns 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. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

First Annual Plymouth County Senior Spectacular Expo on June 20, 2013Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Amanda Frates, LCSW to Adult Family Care Program Manager

Amanda Frates, LCSW

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has promoted Amanda Frates, LCSW to the position of Adult Family Care (AFC) Program Manager.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Frates previously held the position of AFC Program Care Manager at OCES for three years. In her new role as AFC Program Manager, she will oversee the entire AFC Program including quality assurance, administration and outreach as well as care management. Ms. Frates will manage the program’s supervisory and administrative staff.

Ms. Frates has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a resident of East Taunton.

OCES’ AFC program is a sensitive and economical alternative for persons who are faced with the prospect of no longer being able to manage alone. Call OCES for more information.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Amanda Frates, LCSW to Adult Family Care Program ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. as Program Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has recently promoted Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. to Senior Care Options (SCO) Program Manager.

In her new position, Ms. Kosovske will oversee the OCES SCO Program (primarily Senior Whole Health, United Health Care and NaviCare plans) and manage the SCO supervisory staff. Barbara has extensive knowledge and experience with this program working as Care Manager and most recently as SCO Program Supervisor.

A former Registered Nurse, Ms. Kosovske has worked in the non-profit sector for many years. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Columbia College, South Carolina and a Master of Education from University of South Carolina. She is a resident of Canton.

Senior Care Options is a partnership between MassHealth and Medicare that provides an integrated and complete package of health care and social services for low-income seniors.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. as Program ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Workshop for Family Caregivers on March 21st

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), will hold a free seminar for family caregivers of elders on March 21, 2013 at the Hanson Council on Aging, 132 Maquan Street in Hanson. (Snow date March 28, 2013.)

The “It’s About Time” workshop will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will teach caregivers techniques and strategies for managing their time and reducing stress. Topics to be covered include:

Meal Preparation
Time Management
Relaxation Techniques
“The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops teach strategies which help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential care-giving services,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

This “It’s About Time” workshop is offered in partnership with the Hanson Council on Aging. OCES received a grant of $6,054 from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation which supports these program workshops.

Attendees will receive lunch and a companion book for the program. Class size is limited so pre-registration is required.

Caregivers must pre-register for the workshop by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns 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. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Workshop for Family Caregivers on March 21stRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Encourages Individuals & Businesses to Take The 2012 Giving Common Challenge October 10 & 11

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is pleased to announce that they are participating in the Giving Common Challenge, which will take place over 36 hours (beginning at 8:00 a.m. October 10th and extending to 8:00 p.m. October 11th). OCES will join more than 500 other nonprofits to raise money and compete for prizes ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. If OCES is one of the first 10 nonprofits to get 50 donors, they will win a $1,000 prize. If OCES raises more funds than other nonprofits, they have a chance to win a grand prize of $25,000.

Donors have an impact on the quality of services provided to elders and individuals with disabilities living in the local community who are most in need. With donations from our generous donors, OCES is able to provide needed services and assistance to thousands of elders and individuals with disabilities so they can remain living in their homes.

Organizations taking part in the Giving Common Challenge will raise funds and compete for a total of $150,000 in prizes during the 36-hour event.
Mark your calendars because OCES needs your help! OCES may be found under the “Human Services” category of Giving Common at www.givingcommon.org.
About Giving Common

The Giving Common, an initiative of the Boston Foundation, is an innovative web-based resource designed to provide comprehensive and current information about nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts, and to make informed, online charitable giving easy, quick and meaningful. To learn more about Giving Common and the Challenge, visit the website at www.givingcommon.org.

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.

Old Colony Elder Services Encourages Individuals & Businesses to Take The 2012 Giving Common Challenge October 10 & 11Read More