Unleash the Power of The Press

home care

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Mother and daughter team - Korin Kane (an Old Colony Elder Services employee) and her mother Mae Nicoli attend Old Colony Elder Services recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, recently recognized 450 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to Old Colony Elder Services and to helping elders in the community.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was several weeks ago at the agency’s expansive conference center in Brockton. Volunteers from the Nutrition Program, Money Management Program and it’s Advisory Board, Senior Options Cable Program, Fundraising Events, and the Board of Directors were invited in recognition for their service to Old Colony Elder Services and seniors in the community. Jodie Gilson of J. Gilson Greenhouses in Groton MA was the special guest speaker at the event. Fresh flower centerpieces were given to winners of drawings. All volunteers were given plants donated by Home Depot and Lowes.
Old Colony Elder Services Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of Old Colony Elder Services congregate meal sites. Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help seniors keep track of income and expenses. Senior Options is a cable television program for the city of Brockton. Senior Options is a collaboration between Old Colony Elder Services and the Brockton Council on Aging. Programs focus on addressing the needs and resources available to Brockton’s seniors. Old Colony Elder Services Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are also comprised entirely of volunteers.
“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Old Colony Elder Services offers a number of programs to 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.

Old Colony Elder Services 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, Old Colony Elder Services 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

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation LuncheonRead More

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

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

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

To RSVP or for questions, contact Rochelle Sugarman at 508-584-1561

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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

Senate President Therese Murray Speaks at Old Colony Elder Services Legislative Breakfast

Senator Therese Murray was the keynote speaker at a recent Legislative Breakfast hosted by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and held at the John Carver Inn in Plymouth. Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) is a non-profit corporation which serves residents in 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas. OCES is one of 27 similar agencies designated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP).

More than 60 individuals from a number of elder service agencies were in attendance along with State Representatives Vinny DeMacedo, Susan Gifford and Tom Calter; Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr.; and OCES’ Board of Directors. Plymouth Selectman Mathew Muratore, Caitlin Kenerson from Representative Christine Canavan’s office, and Lisa Budge Johnson from Sheriff McDonald’s office also attended. Senate President Murray spoke of the challenges to human service agencies delivering services to elders and disabled individuals in the current economic climate and she elaborated on how the Fiscal 2011 budget will impact funding for the upcoming year.

“We’re in a tough economic climate and seniors are especially at risk,” noted Senator Murray addressing OCES and elder service representatives in the audience. “We’re doing the best we can and we thank you for all you do.”

A member of the Massachusetts State Senate since 1993 and elected President of the Senate in 2007, Senator Murray has worked to improve the lives of seniors throughout her career. Following her speech, Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care presented Senator Murray with a “Home Care Hero” award.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES who is also the Vice President of Mass Home Care said, “We want to thank Senator Murray for everything she has done and continues to do for elder consumers.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Senate President Therese Murray Speaks at Old Colony Elder Services Legislative BreakfastRead 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

Bringing independence to many, Independence Home Care Launches in Greater Boston

In an effort to meet a rapidly growing need in the marketplace for home care services, Independence Home Care, Inc., providers of private duty non-medical home care to the elderly, has recently launched in Boston.

As a licensed, non-medical home care agency, Independence Home Care offers assistance to elderly, disabled, post-surgical and other clients throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Independence Home Care provides assistance with daily activities that are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid but, in certain situations, may be covered by long-term care insurance.

Services include:

· Specialized Services such as Alzheimer’s care, fall prevention, live-in care, hospital-sitting and 24/7 service.

· Companionship Services that includes socialization activities, reading, playing games, and solving puzzles, depending on what interests our clients.

· Home Helper Services that provide assistance with daily activities, meal planning and preparation as well as light housekeeping.

· Personal Care Services that support individual needs such as daily hygiene and dressing, transportation to medical appointments and medication reminders.

The company strives to maintain the highest level of quality care. Independence Home Care’s bonded and insured caregivers are all experienced and dedicated caregivers who have completed the company’s rigorous training program and undergone state and federal background checks. All caregivers are supervised and monitored.

According to Joan Farahmand, the company’s president, “We saw a strong need for professional home care services in the greater Boston area. As baby-boomers age, the number of seniors needing assistance is increasing significantly. Oftentimes, an elderly person just needs help with dressing, medication reminders, and meal preparation. They are certainly not in need of institutionalization. Independence Home Care provides seniors and their families with an appropriate and affordable alternative.”

The National Family Caregivers Association and Family Caregiver Alliance’s 2004 study estimated the prevalence of caregiving in the U.S. Their findings indicated that in 2004, there were 28,827,766 caregivers in the country providing 30,880 (million) of caregiving hours per year. In 2006, it was estimated that there were between 30-38 million adults providing unpaid care to a relative or friend, averaging 21 hours per week of care.

Farahmand continued, “November is National Family Caregiver’s month where every year family caregivers are recognized. It’s important to note that family caregivers also benefit from our services, since home care provides peace of mind and often much needed respite care for family members, as well.”

Non-Medical Home Care in Greater Boston Area

Independence Home Care, Inc. provides non-medical home care services to seniors and others in need throughout the metropolitan Boston area and eastern Massachusetts. Independence Home Care offers a wide range of individually tailored personal care, home helper, and companionship services. From personal care needs and light housekeeping chores to companionship, Independence Home Care provides a wide array of non-medical services on a temporary or permanent basis.

All of the company’s caregivers are bonded and insured. They have undergone a rigorous training program as well as full background and reference checks. Whether someone needs as little as four hours of home care twice a week or they require full-time daily assistance, Independence Home Care offers an affordable alternative that enables an individual to maintain their independence and remain in their home.

Independence Home Care main office is located at 21 Custom House Street, Suite 910 in Boston. For more information, contact 877-805-9090 or visit www.IndependenceHomeCare.com.

Bringing independence to many, Independence Home Care Launches in Greater BostonRead 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.

.

Old Colony Elder Services Urges Elders Needing Home Care to ApplyRead More