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Governor Takes Bite Out of Elder Meals Program – Nearly 250,000 meals cut

Elder advocates reacted with surprise this week in response to Governor Deval Patrick’s proposed 24% cut in the state’s meals program for elders.

“This is literally taking food off the table for older people,” explained Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care. “This is one of the most visible and popular senior programs in the state. We never would have predicted a cut in such a key service.”

The Governor’s budget slashes the elder nutrition program line item (account 9110-1900) by $1.5 million – from the FY 2012 level of $6.325 million to $4.81 million in FY 2013. This would leave elder nutrition funding for 2013 lower than it was 7 years ago in 2006 under Governor Mitt Romney ( at $5.237 million).

According to Mass Home Care, the loss of funding will cut nearly a quarter of a million meals in 2013. Total meals served under this line item to seniors will plummet from 996,000 meals in 2012 to 754,000 meals in 2013 – a loss of 242,000 fewer meals.

“Old Colony Elder Services estimates its share of the impact would be $75,000 that will cause a reduction of more than 12,000 meals across its service area of 23 communities in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county areas” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

The elder nutrition program is one of several meals programs available for seniors in the state, funded by federal and state monies. A total of 8.8 million meals will be served in FY 2012 counting all senior meals programs. Norman said elder nutrition groups have begun assessing how to best get the lost meals funding restored on Beacon Hill; “I am certain the Governor’s people did not expect us to walk away from the table knowing a quarter of a million meals were being cut.”

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.
The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Governor Takes Bite Out of Elder Meals Program – Nearly 250,000 meals cutRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Kathleen Ward as Caregiver Advisor

Kathleen Ward, LPN has recently been appointed as Caregiver Advisor at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county.

In her new position as Caregiver Advisor in the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES, Ms. Ward will conduct home visits with elders and their caregivers to assess caregivers’ support needs. She will provide one-on-one counseling and offer guidance should any additional resources be required, thereby ensuring that caregivers are taking care of themselves as well as elders.

Ms. Ward is a Licensed Practical Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Counseling Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She has more than 20 years of nursing experience. Most recently, she worked as a per diem nurse at The Cedars, an assisted living community in North Dartmouth. She has also served as a private hospice nurse. Prior to that, she was an operating room and surgical nurse at Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA for 15 years.

Ms. Ward is a past recipient of the “Tutor of the Year” award presented by the Taunton Literacy Council, where she was recognized for her volunteer work in the literacy program. She is a resident of Taunton.

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.

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 Kathleen Ward as Caregiver AdvisorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Staff Gives Back to Area’s Youth through Angel Tree

This holiday season, the staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, is reaching out to the younger generation. They are “giving back” to the community’s youth by participating in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.

Staff members from the Brockton based elder services agency select gift tags which list the first name and age of each child, and then they fulfill children’s holiday wishes by purchasing the suggested gifts.

Last year OCES provided more than 50 gifts to the area’s children. For more information about the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program visit www.salvationarmyusa.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, 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. OCES 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 Staff Gives Back to Area’s Youth through Angel TreeRead More

OCES Receives Donation from Rockland Trust for Money Management Program but also Needs Volunteers

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, has recently received a generous donation to their Money Management Program from the Rockland Trust Company. Money Management volunteers who can help seniors manage their household finances are needed to keep this essential program operating.

Rockland Trust recently donated $1,000 to OCES specifically for the Money Management Program. Yet, Money Management volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves, particularly in the towns of Plymouth, Carver, Abington, Whitman and Brockton. Money Management volunteers help seniors balance their checkbooks, develop budgets and pay bills. They also make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of an elder’s income and expenses.

According to Amy Diman, Money Management Program Coordinator at OCES, “We are very grateful for the donation from Rockland Trust. We have a number of seniors who have been waiting for financial management assistance for a while now. We are in desperate need of Money Management volunteers.”

Ms. Diman trains all the money management volunteers in how to assist elders with personalized money management services and provides on-going support to volunteers.

For more information or to become a Massachusetts Money Management Program volunteer, contact Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at (508) 584-1561 extension 252.

OCES sponsors the Massachusetts Money Management Program to the local service area. The program is jointly sponsored by AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Mass Home Care.

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

OCES Receives Donation from Rockland Trust for Money Management Program but also Needs VolunteersRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Fund Caregiver Program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, has recently been awarded a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The $3,869 grant will be applied to OCES Family Caregiver Support Program’s “It’s About Time” free workshops for caregivers.

“We are fortunate to have been awarded this significant grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. Old Colony Elder Services and the Tufts Health Plan Foundation have a very similar mission – to provide programs and services that support healthy aging and promote the physical, mental and emotional well-being of seniors,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops for which we have received this grant, provide support and assistance to caregivers who are caring for seniors at home. The workshops are designed to help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while providing essential caregiving services.”

Three “It’s About Time” workshops will be offered in partnership with Councils on Aging in Marshfield, Plymouth and Brockton. The workshops will teach caregivers techniques and strategies to manage their time and reduce stress.

The first workshop will be held on November 3, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marshfield Council on Aging, located at 230 Webster Street in Marshfield. There will be three speakers: Shawn Smith, RD, Nutrition Director at OCES will discuss meal preparation; Sharon Fisher of Come to Order Professional Organizing Services will discuss time management and Dee Lyon, RYT of Real Life Yoga will share relaxation techniques. (Dates for the second and third workshop TBA.)

Attendees will receive lunch and a quick-meal cookbook. There is no cost to attend, but class size is limited. Caregivers may register for the workshops by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES
(508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About the Tufts Foundation
The Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds over $2 million annually in grants to Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofit organizations that provide a range of programs and services that address healthy aging. For more information, visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.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, 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 Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Fund Caregiver ProgramRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Donation from Litecontrol

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has recently kicked off an Emergency Fund campaign and is in need of individual and business sponsors. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

OCES the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton and serving 23 towns in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas, has recently received a $500 donation from Litecontrol of Hanson and Plymouth.

The funds will be allocated to Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund, which helps low-income seniors remain in their homes by helping them pay for fuel, medical transportation or utilities.   The fund is maintained through donations from businesses and individuals.

“It is through the generous donation of companies like Litecontrol as well as individuals in the community that we can help elders who are struggling to pay for their home’s water, electricity and heat or for medical expenses. Last year we helped 202 low-income seniors and we anticipate that number will increase this winter,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Tax-deductable donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About Litecontrol
Founded in 1936, Litecontrol designs and produces quality innovative lighting fixtures that are used in public spaces, schools, offices, universities, healthcare, libraries, laboratories, retail and other industries around the globe. The company employes more than 200 at their facilities in Hanson and Plymouth. Litecontrol is focused on sustainability, protecting the environment and supporting the community. For more information, visit www.litecontrol.com.

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 Receives Donation from LitecontrolRead More

Amy Diman Joins Old Colony Elder Services as Money Management Program Coordinator

Amy Diman, a resident of West Bridgewater, MA has joined Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) as the new Money Management Program Coordinator. OCES is the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth County and Brockton areas.

In her new position as Money Management Program Coordinator, Mrs. Diman will assist elders in managing their household finances, which includes balancing their checkbook, developing a budget and paying bills. Mrs. Diman will also be responsible for training money management volunteers to work with elderly clients. Once the volunteers are trained, Mrs. Diman then becomes a liaison between the client, volunteer and OCES.

For three years previous to OCES, Mrs. Diman worked in Accounts Payable at a small construction company in West Bridgewater. Prior to that, she was employed at Putnam Investments for seven years. Mrs. Diman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science with a concentration in Finance from Bridgewater State College. In her free time, she volunteers as Treasurer for the Victoria E. Snelgrove Memorial Fund. She also volunteers at the Howard and Rose L. MacDonald Elementary Schools in West Bridgewater in the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program.

She is a native of East Bridgewater, MA.

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

Amy Diman Joins Old Colony Elder Services as Money Management Program CoordinatorRead More

Mass Association of REALTORS Awards Grant to Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services Check Presentation
Old Colony Elder Services, the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton and serving 23 towns in the South Shore and Brockton area, has recently been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS.

Old Colony Elder Services was nominated as a local non-profit to receive the grant by the Plymouth and South Shore Association of REALTORS. The grant, which was awarded by the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS Charitable Foundation, will be put toward Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund which helps low-income seniors remain in their homes by helping them pay for fuel, medical transportation or utilities.

“We’d like to express our gratitude to the Plymouth and South Shore Association of REALTORS for their nomination of our organization and to the Mass Association of REALTORS Charitable Foundation for awarding us with the $2,500 grant. It will go a long way towards helping seniors in crisis situations,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund provides assistance to meet the needs of elders in crisis or emergency situations that threaten their health or living status and cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource. In other words, there is no other funding source or agency available to address the need identified.

DiGiorgi continued, “Through the generous support of companies and individuals, we can continue to provide critical services to elders in the Brockton, Plymouth and South Shore communities who are most at risk. Historically, almost half of all the Emergency Funds dispersed have assisted elders with fuel. We had a rough winter last year and we anticipate an even greater number of elders in need this winter.”

Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About the Plymouth and South Shore Association of REALTORS®
The Plymouth and South Shore Association of REALTORS (PASS) is a local chapter of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and is the second largest Association under the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS (MAR). Their membership consists of over 2,000 REALTOR members and over 70 Affiliate members and they serve 18 communities south of Boston. For more information, visit www.passrealtors.com.

About the Mass Association of REALTORS®
The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade association for licensed real estate practitioners and serves as the parent organization to the state’s 16 local REALTOR® associations. Since 1992, the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS Charitable Foundation has provided assistance to needy individuals and the community – awarding more than $250,000 in grants to victims of natural disasters, financial assistance to Massachusetts-based non-profit organizations, home buyer counseling and shelter services. The association is headquartered in Waltham, MA. For more information, visit the website at www.marealtor.com.

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 Announces “My Life, My Health” Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs in English and Spanish

Arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and asthma are illnesses and chronic conditions that affect seniors at a much higher rate than younger adults.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is helping seniors and others dealing with chronic diseases take charge of their own health by offering FREE My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMP) in English and Spanish. The programs are designed to give people with chronic conditions and/or their caregivers the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active role in their health care.

The first Spanish speaking session will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Health Center, 63 Main Street in Brockton.

The first English speaking session will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Abington Council on Aging, 441 Summer Street in Abington.

Each program runs for six consecutive weeks.

My Life, My Health CDSMP programs teach individuals:

How to deal with issues such as frustration, pain, isolation and fatigue.
How to exercise to improve strength and endurance.
How to improve nutrition by healthier eating.
How to set goals and speak effectively with doctors or other health care professionals.
How to use medications properly.

Partial funding for the OCES My Life, My Health CDSMP was provided by a grant from Greater Brockton Community Health Network Area (CHNA). These programs are offered to seniors residing in the Greater Brockton CHNA service area including Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

OCES’ My Life, My Health program is FREE and lunch will be provided each week. Seating is limited. To sign up for the program, contact Dottie Slack at (508) 584-1561.

Old Colony Elder Services is seeking Spanish and English speaking volunteers who would like to become My Life, My Health CDSMP trained leaders. Contact Dottie Slack at (508) 584-1561.

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 Announces “My Life, My Health” Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs in English and SpanishRead More