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Nutrition

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Calcium & Osteoporosis Workshop on May 12th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, is offering a Calcium & Osteoporosis Workshop on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at Belair Towers, 105 Belair St. in Brockton.

This free workshop will cover the connections between calcium and osteoporosis and will include such topics as: osteoporosis and what it means to you; how to read food labels; Vitamin D and bones; calcium consumption and the foods you eat.

The workshop will be led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES. Ms. Forand is a Master Trainer in Evidence-Based Programs, including Chronic Disease Self Management, Diabetes Self Management, Chronic Pain Self Management and Healthy Eating.

For more information or to register for this free workshop call Linda Marshall-Bibby at Belair Towers, 508-427-9166.

If you are interested in holding this or other workshops at your site, contact Donna-Marie Forand at 508-584-1561, extension 237.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 173 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Lower Sodium Workshop on May 19th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, will hold a workshop entitled “Sodium and the Effects On Your Blood Pressure” on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton.

This free workshop will cover such topics as:  how to measure your blood pressure; what are some causes of high blood pressure; what foods are high sodium; and why reading food labels is important.

The workshop will be led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES. Ms. Forand is a Master Trainer in Evidence-Based Programs, including Chronic Disease Self Management, Diabetes Self Management, Chronic Pain Self Management and Healthy Eating.

For more information or to register for this free workshop call Michelle Brace at the Brockton COA, 508-580-7811.

If you are interested in holding this or other workshops at your site, contact Donna-Marie Forand at 508-584-1561, extension 237.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 173 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Mass Bay Spine & Sport of Marshfield Launches Medical Gym

Courtney Boynton, ATC

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT) an orthopedic outpatient physical therapy practice in Marshfield has recently launched a new Medical Gym to help patients with health issues better manage their conditions and improve their overall health.

Located within MBSSPT’s expanded space at 506 Plain Street, the Medical Gym is designed for patients with risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease and other health issues who are serious about a personalized program that will help them better manage and improve their health. MBSSPT practitioners utilize exercise, behavior modification and nutrition to help patients obtain and maintain wellness. Courtney Boynton, a Certified Athletic Trainer, will oversee the Medical Gym.

Four key elements differentiate MBSSPT’s Medical Gym: all patients receive medical oversight; the practitioners communicate with the patient’s physician; patients are guided by credentialed experts in exercise physiology and kinesiology (body movement) and there is greater accountability with regard to successful outcome.

The Medical Gym offers a custom program with a limited number of memberships. There are two options for membership – a month-to-month membership or a close-guided, 12-week session membership.

“Our Medical Gym programs help patients accomplish the goals of strength, weight loss and better movement. Our equipment is functional so members won’t be overwhelmed. It’s all about engaging the entire body in good movement patterns. Our programs are affordable, and our closely-guided program, in particular, costs less than one massage per week,” explained Brendan Carman, MPT, ATC, founder.

He continued, “This isn’t your typical ‘muscle’ gym and we’re not your typical personal trainers. We design a custom program for each patient and our certified, expert Athletic Trainers provide on-going guidance which ensures a successful outcome.”

For more information, contact (781) 319-0024 or email Courtney@massbayspineandsport.com to inquire.

About MBSSPT

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT) is an orthopedic outpatient physical therapy practice. A state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by a physical therapist, MBSSPT has earned a reputation for superior clinical care and delivery of services to South Shore community members as well as physicians from Boston to Plymouth.

The practice’s highly trained staff is committed to providing clients with an experience that will ensure their condition is resolved effectively and efficiently, while empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge to prevent future problems and maintain optimal health. All of the practice’s physical therapists are trained to rehabilitate a variety of conditions utilizing treatment techniques that include soft tissue massage/mobilization, therapeutic and strengthening exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, patient education, and lumbar stabilization, to name a few. MBSSPT accepts Medicare, Workers’ Compensation, auto insurance, and most private insurance plans.

MBSSPT is located at 506 Plain Street in Marshfield. For more information, visit www.massbayspineandsport.com or call (781) 319-0024.

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Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy Advises a Slow & Steady Shape Up to Avoid Injury

Brendan Carman, MPT, Director of Rehabilitation
Spring is the season when many people renew their fitness goals. According to Brendan Carman, MPT, Director of Rehabilitation at Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT), getting back into shape is a process that shouldn’t be rushed. Jumping into a fitness program or class after a significant exercise hiatus of more than three months, could cause serious injury.

Carman, who is a Physical Therapist and certified Athletic Trainer at MBSSPT explained that exercise-induced injuries occur when a person tries to do too much, too quickly to attain fitness goals. The most common injuries are:

Achilles tendonitis and other foot/ankle injuries. Achilles tendon injuries often occur with running or sudden stopping and starting movements in sports such as tennis and basketball.

Knee pain: weak and/or deconditioned muscles in your legs don’t provide the necessary support to the joints to maintain proper alignment. This can result in excessive loading of the joints with higher level activities causing increased wear and tear, inflammation, and pain.

Back pain, often the result of weak abdominal and back stabilizing muscles, can be exacerbated by high impact activities or those involving significant bending, twisting, or lifting.

“We have seen an increase in the number of clients coming into our clinic to be treated for muscle/joint strains after initiating a new exercise program like Zumba classes or Cross Fit training. As we age, especially beyond our thirties and forties, our bodies become more susceptible to injury and recovery time takes longer. It takes time for the body and muscles to get used to new movement and new challenges,” said Carman.

He continued, “The problem is that many people decide they want to get back in shape but they want to get it back immediately. They throw themselves into a running or exercise program full steam ahead, and end up with an Achilles tendon rupture, rotator cuff injury or other injury that puts them completely out of commission. There are so many great options for getting healthy and stronger, but none of them can help if you end up sidelined with a preventable injury.”

Mass Bay Spine & Sport advises that prevention is the key. Listen to the body and get back into shape gradually, without injury. Start slowly with a walking program followed by stretching. Obtain guidance on an exercise program from a medical professional.

About MBSSPT

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT) is an orthopedic outpatient physical therapy practice. MBSSPT, a state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by a physical therapist, has earned a reputation for superior clinical care and delivery of services to South Shore community members as well as physicians from Boston to Plymouth.

The practice’s highly trained staff is committed to providing clients with an experience that will ensure their condition is resolved effectively and efficiently, while empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge to prevent future problems and maintain optimal health. All of the practice’s physical therapists are trained to rehabilitate a variety of conditions utilizing treatment techniques that include soft tissue massage/mobilization, therapeutic and strengthening exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, patient education, and lumbar stabilization, to name a few. MBSSPT accepts Medicare, Workers’ Compensation, auto insurance, and most private insurance plans.

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy is located at 506 Plain Street in Marshfield, MA. For more information, visit www.massbayspineandsport.com or call (781) 319-0024.

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

Amanda Frates, LCSW

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

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

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

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

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

OCES serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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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 Offers Educational Class for Family Caregivers in October

Are you a caregiver to a spouse, parent, relative or friend? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving elders, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, is offering “Powerful Tools For Caregivers”, a six-week educational program for family caregivers.

The educational program is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. The class meets on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Easton Council on Aging, located at 15 Barrows Street. The classes are from October 3 to November 7, 2012. There is no fee to attend.

Attendees will learn how to: reduce stress; communicate more effectively; take care of themselves; reduce guilt, anger and depression; set goals, problem-solve and relax. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the Caregiver Helpbook.

Class size is limited and registration is required. Call Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor and Class Leader, to register (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

“Powerful Tools For Caregivers” is presented by OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program and is sponsored by the Easton Council on Aging.

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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Patrick Administration Proposes $2.1 Million Cut In Elderly Home Care Rates

A statewide elder advocacy group will testify this Friday that the Patrick Administration has proposed “unreasonable” rate cuts that will cut $2.1 million in support for home care for low-income seniors—at a time when more than 2,200 elders are on a wait list for care.

Al Norman, the Executive Director of Mass Home Care, will testify on Friday, September 7th before the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy in Boston, that its proposed rates are “unreasonable and inadequate.”

“We should be investing more money to keep elders at home,” Norman said, “not less.”

According to Mass Home Care, there are currently roughly 2,200 elders on home care waiting lists due to insufficient funding. This year, home care accounts are $15 million lower than in FY 2009. Old Colony Elder Services, the regional Aging Services Access Point covering Brockton and 22 surrounding communities, currently has 173 people on wait lists who cannot access needed services per Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

The rate hearing Friday is part of the implementation of Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008, which requires the Administration to pay human services agencies rates which are “reasonable and adequate to meet the costs which are incurred by efficiently and economically operated social service program providers.” Mass Home Care says the Administration’s proposal “undermines the purpose of upgrading rates for human services programs.”

“Chapter 257 was written by human services advocates,” Norman said. “The whole point of the law was to give programs the money needed to run an efficient program. These proposed rates are not based on any analysis of the true cost of providing care to the elderly.”

The cuts to home care are based on a DHCFP methodology that uses expenses from fiscal year 2010. But such expenditures are backed into based on an annual appropriation level—not on an actual build-up of what it costs to run a program.

According to Mass Home Care’s own calculations, the home care Case Management rates should be increased by 8.6 percent over current levels—not cut by 4.5 percent.

Norman said the Patrick Administration has presided over one of the largest cuts in home care appropriations in the history of the program.

“For a state that touts its ‘community first’ approach to senior care,” Norman concluded, “seniors have lost millions of dollars in state support—at a time the population in need is growing faster than the rest of the population. The Governor should commit to growing these community programs—not shrinking them.”

SEE ATTACHED TESTIMONY

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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