OCES

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage. 

OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.

First proposed by Governor Healey in a supplemental budget filed in early April, this $60 million allocation would alleviate the considerable fiscal challenges being confronted by ASAPs across the state due to substantial deficits in key home care accounts and ensure that the ASAPs are provided with the funding necessary to purchase home and community-based services, according to Mass Aging Access (formerly known as Mass Home Care).

As the ASAP network awaits further legislative action, a $60 million deficit for the final month of FY25 puts ongoing home care services at risk and creates severe cash flow issues going into FY26.

“We are grateful for the months of conversations with our partners in the Executive Office of Aging and Independence and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services that pushed this funding out of the Governor’s office,” said Betsey Crimmins, Executive Director of Mass Aging Access. “However, our network remains extremely concerned by the compounding challenges caused by the current budget deficit. Our member agencies must continue to provide the critical services individuals need each and every day, while also making payments to our home care agency partners who employ the direct care workers – but this is not sustainable without additional cash flow. We urge immediate passage of this funding to ensure that ASAPs can continue to provide services and pay their providers without interruption.”

“We are very concerned that home care services which include home delivered meals, personal care, homemaking and behavioral health programs may be jeopardized without additional funding,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “These are vital daily services that support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities in our communities.”

OCES joins with Mass Aging Access in the call for urgent passage of the $60 million in supplemental funding to the home care purchase of services line-item that would reduce unnecessary strain and challenges for essential home care providers across the state. These services are proven to be a fraction of the cost for nursing home stays that maintain the dignity, independence, and safety of Massachusetts’ older adults. This funding is key to the continued stability, consistency, and reliability of these key providers and services.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

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BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th and “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA. 
 
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, the Plymouth Center for Active Living, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
 
Brockton March Against Elder Abuse will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton. Registration begins at 10:30 am. Join us for a March down Main Street with a brief stop at OCES and back to the COA for lunch. Registration is required. To register, call the COA at 508-580-7811 or visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/hwsyy7w?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
 
Plymouth March Against Elder Abuse will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. Registration begins at 10:30 am. Join us for a March down Main Street (in downtown Plymouth) followed by a light lunch. Registration is required. To register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/brzkg8s?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
 
March Against Elder Abuse events are part of OCES’ WEAAD campaign. These critical events aim to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of elder abuse and promote a safer, more supportive environment for older adults in our community. 
 
“One in 10 older adults aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse according to the National Center on Elder Abuse,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’. It is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases are reported, which is why raising awareness of elder abuse and its signs are so important.”
 
March Against Elder Abuse events are sponsored by Abbott Home Health Care, Inc.  For more information about our sponsor, visit https://www.abbottcare.com/
 
Join the Movement
In addition to March Against Elder Abuse events, other ways to get involved include: sponsorship of these events; sharing educational materials with your networks to raise awareness; and by making a donation to support OCES’ Protective Service Department in advocating for and assisting older adults. 
 
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence, 43,617 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2024. 
 
OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults, or their designees, to prevent, eliminate, or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our service area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.
 
If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. To report elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
 
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://elderjustice.usc.edu/weaad-home/
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

“March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in JuneRead More

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services. 
 
According to a recent press release, Mass Aging Access (MAA), the advocacy organization representing the statewide ASAPs and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), calls for immediate funding to plug ongoing gaps in critical home care programs. OCES and other ASAPs urgently need supplemental funding for Fiscal Year 2025. MAA is informing state leaders of the significant budget shortfalls.
 
Meals, home health aide, personal care, homemaking and care management services are among the essential Home Care services provided to older adults that will be at risk without this supplemental funding. Home Care services are vital to enabling older adults to remain living independently in their homes and communities rather than in much more expensive nursing facilities. 
 
“OCES provides support to over 20,000 older adults in Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The number of older adults in need of home care services is growing rapidly and we need this funding to meet their current and future needs. Without sufficient funding, vital services will be at risk and access to the care that is needed will be limited. Services support not only those receiving care, but also caregivers who rely on this help for the ability to work and/or respite care. There is a critical need for home care services.”
 
With the precarious budget situation, we urge everyone to take action to support older adults and help ensure funding for the essential Home Care Program. Ask your legislators to ensure sufficient funding for the Home Care Program in FY25 by visiting the MAA’s website:
https://agingaccess.org/take-action/?snw=1&ref=15f2f833-91d2-4b01-8e98-0fc828f7571e#
 
Contribute to support OCES’ ability in providing care in the community and keeping people at home. To donate to OCES visit: https://ocesma.org/get-involved/donate
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 
 
For more information about MAA, formerly known as Mass Home Care, visit https://agingaccess.org
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

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BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH… Staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton and Plymouth are helping support those in need of assistance by providing gifts, grocery gift cards, and essential items during the holiday season.
 
In December, The OCES Cultural Competency Committee partnered with My Brother’s Keeper in Easton to help families in the community through their Adopt-a-Family program. OCES staff purchased presents, including games, toys, and clothes, for five local families. Staff also volunteered to wrap gifts for families onsite. In addition to presents, each family also received a $50 supermarket gift card to help provide a special holiday meal.   
 
To support individuals and families in need at Father Bill’s & MainSpring, OCES’ Protective Services team led an employee drive for donations of essential items such as personal care products, socks and more which were then delivered to Father Bill’s in Brockton.
 
OCES Team Outreach
With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.
 
OCES takes pride in giving back to the communities it serves, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. OCES encourages employee outreach through volunteering, donating or community service.
 
For information about My Brother’s Keeper, visit www.mybrotherskeeper.org and for information about Father Bill’s, visit helpfbms.org
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families during Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s KeeperRead More

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, is proud to announce that they have recently been certified as a Women Non-profit Organization (WNPO) by the Massachusetts’ Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). 

SDO certification can enhance an organization’s ability to increase business with public and private entities. Certification can also be a competitive edge in securing governmental contracts.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Women Non-profit Organization and look forward to new opportunities as a certified business,” said Anna M. Dee, Chief Operating Officer at OCES.

For more information about the Supplier Diversity Office, please visit www.mass.gov/sdo.

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.
 

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Women Non-Profit Organization CertificationRead More

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off its #GivingTuesday campaign to raise $10,000 to support their Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. 
 
OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness programs help older adults (ages 60 and over) and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care, and who may benefit from long-term case management or counseling due to behavioral health issues, chronic illnesses, substance abuse, or crisis situations. 
 
OCES’ Behavioral Health Outreach For Aging Population (BHOAP) Program offers in-home, one-on-one counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in every five adults in the United States live with a mental illness. 

“Given the urgent need for mental health services, it is critical that OCES extends our services throughout local communities,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “This year, OCES’ GivingTuesday campaign will benefit the Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.”
 
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, is #GivingTuesday.
 
OCES’ goal is to raise $10,000 for Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. 

To donate online to OCES’ #GivingTuesday campaign, visit https://ocesma.org/get-involved/donate.
 
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 
 
GivingTuesday donations to OCES may be made through the end of the calendar year. OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.
 
Consider sharing this message about supporting OCES in its goal to help older adults and individuals with disabilities in our community on social media and include the hashtag #MakeAnImpactGiveBack.
 
To learn more about GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday Campaign to Raise Funds for Behavioral Health and Wellness ProgramsRead More