Unleash the Power of The Press

Meals on Wheels

Old Colony Elder Services launches new “Sponsor A Senior” Program

Massachusetts ranks as the 39th highest state for seniors suffering from food insecurity. Currently, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, delivers more than 1,100 meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities each day. But, the need keeps on growing and OCES is appealing to the community for support with the launch of their “Sponsor A Senior” Program.

OCES provided 335,000 meals last year and anticipates a significant increased need during 2010. Funding constraints and the current economic climate make it difficult to keep up with demand. The Sponsor A Senior program is an ongoing fundraiser that will support OCES’ Nutrition Program and help to offset costs while ensuring that no senior goes hungry.

How it Works

Individuals and businesses may Sponsor A Senior by making a donations at sponsorship levels are as follows:

One week of meals – $35

One month of meals – $140

One year of meals – $1,680

Each donation made will benefit a local senior. All donations to the Sponsor A Senior program are tax-deductible. Checks or money orders made payable to Old Colony Elder Services can be mailed to:

Sponsor A Senior

Old Colony Elder Services

P.O. Box 4469, 144 Main St.

Brockton, MA 02303-4469

Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, nutritious meals are provided to low-income, frail elders and individuals with disabilities. Many face obstacles that include mental and physical problems, financial strain and the loss of companions and friends. OCES’ Nutrition Program promotes better health through improved nutrition and social contact, which helps keep individuals in their homes rather than institutions.

“Individuals and area businesses CAN make a difference in the life of an elderly family member, friend or neighbor. The Sponsor A Senior program is a tremendous way for people and businesses to give back to the community,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

For questions about the Sponsor A Senior program, contact Old Colony Elder Services 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 launches new “Sponsor A Senior” ProgramRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Calls for Sponsors & Restaurant Vendors for Fundraising Event on June 26th

Old Colony Elder Services, (OCES), serving elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts, is holding their first annual “Cooking for a Cause” fundraising event to support the Nutrition Program on June 26th. Sponsors and restaurant vendors are needed. This event is open to the public.

The number of seniors throughout the area in need of meals is growing. OCES supports these seniors by providing healthy meals to them every day through the Nutrition Program’s congregate meal sites and Meals on Wheels. OCES has developed the “Cooking for a Cause” fundraiser to support and maintain the Nutrition program.

“Cooking for a Cause” is a family-friendly event that will offer something for everyone. Attendees will enjoy samples of cuisine from restaurants throughout Southeastern Mass., entertainment by the Baha Brothers, face painting for children as well as great raffles. The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Middleboro Council on Aging located at 558 Plymouth Street in Middleboro.

OCES is looking to recruit area restaurants. Several have already signed up including: Burrito Wraps of Brockton, RooBar in Plymouth, Veronica’s Treats of Middleboro, Mike’s House of Pizza in Hanson, Lindley Food Service of Connecticut (the caterer for Meals on Wheels), BJ’s Wholesale of Stoughton, Hideaway Restaurant in Middleboro and the Middleboro Council on Aging.

Sponsors are also needed. Sponsorship levels vary from the “Bronze Baker” $500 commitment to the “Platinum Platter” $5,000 commitment. Event program advertisements are also available. Sponsors who RSVP immediately will be included on all marketing materials.

“Because of increasing costs and budget cuts, OCES cannot keep up with the demand of the growing senior population and increasing needs. The competition for grants is tough and we needed to find a way to raise the additional funds necessary to keep the Nutrition Program running. The number of seniors who rely on Meals on the Wheels and the congregate meal sites is growing exponentially and it’s imperative that we have an initiative in place so no senior goes hungry,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Interested vendors and potential sponsors should contact Lucille Dallaire at OCES (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 Calls for Sponsors & Restaurant Vendors for Fundraising Event on June 26thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders and Families Where to Turn after storm flooding

Old Colony Elder Services, (OCES) one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth, serves 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts and urges both residents and business owners who are dealing with severe storm damage and loss to take action quickly and register immediately for state and federal disaster aid.

According to officials at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered disaster-related damage or loss should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Multilingual operators are available. Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments can call 800-462-7585. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

OCES and MEMA advise residents/business owners to register even if you are insured because insurance coverage may not be adequate and some foundation damage may not appear until later. Disaster assistance covers a wide range of losses. Structural damage or repair is covered, as is damage or loss of essential personal property, such as a major appliance or medical equipment (wheelchairs, etc).

OCES advises that once you have registered, there are several very important action steps you need to take. According to guidelines established by MEMA:

Keep critical appointments. A FEMA-contracted inspector will make an appointment to visit your home, usually within a week. Make every effort to be at home or authorize an agent to be present. Use the Helpline option at the FEMA registration toll-free numbers for contact updates, including your agent’s name, a new phone number, or to change appointment times.

Return all forms promptly. After registering, you may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application package in the mail. Fill out and return these forms promptly since they are an essential part of the disaster-assistance process.

Stay in touch. Use the Helpline for answers to your questions about federal assistance; this is the same number you called to register for aid.

Have realistic expectations. You should not expect disaster assistance to restore you to pre-disaster conditions. It is intended to help you get safe, sanitary housing and meet other critical needs so you can begin your long-term recovery.

Read all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants deemed eligible for disaster assistance will receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance on their disaster relief grant. It will tell you about ways the money can be spent in your recovery. Be advised that federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or other assistance received.

Talk to FEMA if you have questions, especially about insurance. If you receive a FEMA letter stating your application has been denied, it often means that one or more aspects of your application require further information or correction. An “INS-Insured” denial does not necessarily mean “case closed,” it means you must first settle with your insurer to prevent any duplication of payments.

Keep FEMA in mind after your insurance settlement. You may have been underinsured and some uncompensated losses may be eligible for some form of disaster aid. Call the Helpline if your insurance settlement is delayed, if it does not cover all of your loss, if you can’t find rental housing in your area, or if your additional living expense benefits are exhausted. Remember, failure to file a claim with your insurer within 12 months can affect your eligibility for FEMA assistance.

Rebuild with disaster prevention in mind. Before starting any repairs or reconstruction, check with local building officials on required permits and inspections. If you were displaced from your home and incurred hotel or motel expenses, save your receipts and check with FEMA on possible reimbursement.

“Many people were affected by the recent ”hundred year’ storm. We strongly urge anyone who suffers from property damage or loss (which even includes the loss of medications, medical equipment or supplies) to act quickly in order to obtain speedy assistance,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For the hearing or speech impaired, call 800-462-7585. Or, register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Seniors, their families and caregivers who have addtional questions or need further assistance are encouraged to contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About FEMA

FEMA’s mission is “To support citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.” To contact FEMA, call their 24-hour line (508) 820-2000.

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.

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders and Families Where to Turn after storm floodingRead More

Brockton Mayor to Deliver Meals on April 29th as Part of “Mayors For Meals” National Initiative

Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti will show her support of the Meals On Wheels programs in Broctkon by delivering meals to seniors on April 29, 2010.

Traditionally, “Mayors For Meals Day”, an annual national campaign with participation from more than 1,000 mayors across the country, is held in March on the date designated by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). Due to scheduling conflicts, the event in Brockton is planned for April 29th.

Mayor Balzotti and OCES staff members will deliver the noontime meals to Meals On Wheels clients at their homes.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton participates in this campaign each year, which is designed to increase public awareness, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising.

“We have many seniors in Brockton who are unable to get to the grocery store or to 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,” noted OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi.

The Meals On Wheels program serves Brockton residents age 60 and over, as well as disabled residents under 60. Both the Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers. Meals On Wheels currently needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals to elders throughout the Brockton area. Volunteer drivers typically deliver 15-20 meals a day, between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, yet they may help out for any number of days per week that they desire.

Volunteers are also needed to set up, bag and distribute meals at the Belair, Manning, Caffrey and Campello congregate meal sites.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering at least two hours per week as a Meals On Wheels driver or as a helper at one of the congregate meal sites, contact Shawn Smith, Nutrition Director at OCES at (508) 584-1561.

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

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The 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 http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Brockton Mayor to Deliver Meals on April 29th as Part of “Mayors For Meals” National InitiativeRead More

Elder Care Expo to be Held on April 13th in Brockton

Older adults and caregivers are invited to attend an Elder Care Expo which will be held on April 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Brockton Council on Aging, located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

The Elder Care Expo, which is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Family Caregiver Support Program and Elder Education Community Outreach (EECO) is a free event that is open to the public. OCES and EECO’s goal is to broaden community awareness of the resources available to seniors and caregivers while promoting good health & well-being.

The event will feature resource exhibits and free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose and hearing. There will be give-aways and raffles. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Rochelle Sugarman, who is the Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES will speak to attendees about “Finding the Balance in Caregiving”. Shawn Smith, OCES’ Nutrition Program Director will also speak on the topic of how to “Enjoy a Balanced Diet on a Balanced Budget”.

Every guest will receive an EECO Resource Guide for Older Adults. For more information, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

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.

Elder Care Expo to be Held on April 13th in BrocktonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Teams with Bridgewater State to Offer Intern Program

Toni Aiduk, a senior studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Bridgewater State College (BSC) knows that an internship at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) provides the critical hands-on experience needed to set her up for success upon graduation. Aiduk gains experience while helping elders get the care they need by interning with the Senior Care Options (SCO) team at OCES two days a week. But, there are many students who are still not aware that the OCES internship program exists.

OCES, a private, non-profit corporation, and designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), first started the internship program with BSC in 2006. Any student enrolled in a social work degree program is eligible. Students must work at least two full days per week and serve as an intern for at least three months. That’s how Elizabeth Semedo DosSantos, who is now on staff at OCES, got her start. DosSantos was OCES’ first intern and upon her graduation from BSC in 2007, she was offered a full time position with OCES.

“The program is good for our organization as well as for Bridgewater State College. We’ve been able to give back to the college and the profession,” noted Glenda DeVincentis, LSW, SCO Program Director who has worked at OCES for over 20 years.

With the help of Aiduk as an intern, DeVincentis is able to reduce her team’s workload. The SCO team assists a diverse elderly population of Senior Whole Health and Evercare members. Often there are language and cultural barriers that must be addressed. Doing so broadens the knowledge of both OCES and the intern and both benefit from it.

DeVincentis continued, “Interns at OCES can get a taste of what it is like to work in care management. The program allows them to gain firsthand experience and provides us with better knowledge of whether they might be a good candidate for full time employment at OCES. It is ideal for everyone involved.”

To learn more about the intern program, contact Human Resources at OCES (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. 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 offers a number of programs such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Teams with Bridgewater State to Offer Intern ProgramRead More

Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning Now

Did you know that approximately 70 percent of people over the age of 65 need some form of long term support services? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is supporting the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ (EOEA) campaign “Embrace Your Future” to raise awareness about the importance of long term care planning.

Anyone between 45 and 60 years old who is interested in more information about planning for retirement and long term care should contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request a brochure.

The “Embrace Your Future” campaign is targeting the people born between 1946 and 1964 and encouraging them to take steps now to plan for their future needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, planning for future long term care needs is important for a number of reasons:

  • Expense – Long term care services are often much more expensive than people think. Care often exceeds what the average person can pay using their income and other resources. You may not meet the eligibility requirements for federal or state assistance. Medicare, disability insurance and health insurance do not pay for long term care services.

  • Financial and emotional stress – The financial and emotional burden of your care will rest solely on your family members unless you plan ahead. Remember, your assets may not be enough to cover the costs of your care.

  • More care choices – By planning ahead, you will have more choices as to how your long term support needs will be met as well as where you wish to receive that care – for many, the desire is to remain at home for as long as possible.

“When you are healthy and active, there is often no sense of urgency with regard to planning for long term care because the potential needs seem so far into the future. But, planning ahead is the best way to ensure that your future needs will be met and that you will have the resources to pay for those needs. Long term care costs are rising and the government will not have the funds to support them. We strongly encourage anyone between 45 and 60 to contact us for more information,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The best way to begin planning is by taking the first step to obtain more information. Contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request that an “Embrace Your Future” brochure be mailed to you at no charge. Or, visit www.800ageinfo.com or www.longtermcare.gov/campaign/ma for more information.

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.



Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning NowRead More

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

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

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

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

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

About n4a

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

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How it Works

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

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

About the Charity Guild of Brockton

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

For more information about the “Special Foods for Special People” program, contact Lucille Dallaire of OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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