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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Raffle Tickets to Raise Funds for Frail Elders in Crisis Situations

In an effort to raise money for frail elders in crisis situations, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is creating an emergency fund for frail elders by offering raffle tickets for $5 each. The raffle tickets are available throughout December and January and the proceeds go towards food, fuel and medications for elders 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 raffle ticket, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

“Last year, proceeds from the raffle tickets enabled us to assist a number of elders such as 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. This year, we expect the number of elders in need will increase. We hope to raise at least $6,000 to be put aside in an emergency fund for elder in crisis situations,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About OCES


Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders About Fall Prevention

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Saturday, September 22nd was “National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” which is observed annually on the first day of Fall. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, shares specific information about fall prevention.

“National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” increases public awareness of how to prevent and reduce falls in elders. This year’s theme, Standing Together to Prevent Falls, sought to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES explained, “According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2008, there were more than 20,000 older adults who died from injuries related to unintended falls. Falls are not normally a part of aging and are preventable, yet far too many elders are admitted into hospitals and nursing homes each year due to falls.”

According to the National Council on Aging:
-Falls are NOT a natural or normal part of aging.
-Anyone can fall. Staying home and limiting activities does not prevent falls.
-It’s never too late to regain muscle strength and start (a physician approved) exercise program, which will help you increase strength and develop better balance.
-Walkers and canes are helpful aids as long as they have been properly fitted.
-Vision loss can increase the risk of falls. Be sure to have your eyes examined annually.
-Elders should also have their medications reviewed periodically.
-Elders should consult with a health professional and have a fall risk assessment done.
“Reducing the number of trip hazards in the home and adopting a physician-approved exercise regimen to strengthen muscles and improve balance are two key ways that elders can reduce the incidence of falls. We need to stand together as a community and raise awareness of preventive measures that can keep elders safe in Massachusetts,” noted DiGiorgi.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.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 elders, 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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Lower Sodium Workshop on July 12th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, is offering a Sodium and Its Effect on Blood Pressure workshop on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at the Plymouth Council on Aging (COA), 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite #108 in Plymouth.

This free workshop will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Plymouth COA.

Sodium and Its Effect on Blood Pressure workshops teach individuals:

· About sodium and its effects on blood pressure.

· About high blood pressure, what it is and its causes.

· Which food sources are high in sodium.

· How to understand food labels.

· 20 ways to lower sodium in their diet.

“We held a Sodium and Its Effect on Blood Pressure workshop at the East Bridgewater COA in June and it was very well attended. This is one of our most popular workshops,” noted Donna Forand at OCES.

To learn more about the program, contact Donna Forand at OCES (508) 584-1561. To RSVP for the program, contact the Plymouth COA at (508) 830-4230.

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.

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“Mayors for Meals Day” a Success

Brockton Mayor Linda M. Balzotti (on right) delivers a meal to Meals On Wheels recipient Linda Brown on “Mayors for Meals Day”.

Each year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, participates in the National March for Meals Campaign, sponsored by the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) through their special program known as “Mayors for Meals Day”.

This year, Brockton Mayor Linda M. Balzotti and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES delivered noontime meals to Meals On Wheels recipients throughout the Brockton area.

The “Mayors for Meals Day” campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the Meals On Wheels program, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising by involving local mayors and other public officials.

“We have seniors who are homebound and unable to manage their grocery shopping or attend one of our congregate meal sites. The Meals On Wheels program is absolutely essential to them as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. Furthermore, the daily social contact is crucial to check on the safety of those living alone,” noted OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi.

The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over, as well as disabled persons under the age of 60. Both the Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers. For more information contact the Nutrition Department at Old Colony Elder Services (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, individuals with disabilities, 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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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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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

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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

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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