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Brenda Bernard Promoted to Home Care Program Manager at Old Colony Elder Services

Brenda Bernard

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Brenda Bernard, RN to Home Care Program Manager of Nursing Services.

Ms. Bernard, who is a registered nurse, will provide clinical oversight to OCES’ Home Care nursing staff and programs, which encompass Transition Support, Home Care, and the Clinical Assessment and Eligibility (CAE) departments. She will be responsible for ensuring compliance with funding source program regulations, providing public outreach and education, acting as a clinical liaison to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and responding to inquiries from community health agencies, hospitals and physicians in order to support and enhance coordinated care for OCES consumers. She reports directly to OCES’ Home Care Program Director, Alisa DeLage.

Prior to her promotion, Ms. Bernard was OCES’ RN Clinical Supervisor, overseeing Transition Support Registered Nurses and Home Care Registered Nurses. She has been performing CAE screens for OCES since 2013. This past year, she was welcomed to join the OCES Ethics Committee.

Before joining OCES, Ms. Bernard held positions as an Adult Family Care (AFC) Nurse Coordinator for Nonotuck Resource Associates in Plymouth and as a charge nurse at Bridgewater State Hospital. Additionally, she has over ten years of experience working in the healthcare industry in a skilled nursing facility and at South Shore Hospital where she was recognized with the SPIRITT Award.

A graduate of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA, Ms. Bernard holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Massachusetts Boston where she graduated summa cum laude. While there, she joined the Golden Key International Honour Society, UMass Boston Chapter, and Sigma Theta Tau International, Theta Alpha Chapter, an honor society that recognizes nurses for their outstanding achievements in research and education. While pursuing her education, she offered seven years of service to Best Buddies Massachusetts as a volunteer E-Buddy.

Ms. Bernard is a resident of Brockton, MA.

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“Buried in Treasures” Facilitated Support Groups Begin in February and March at Brockton and Plymouth locations

Is clutter affecting you at home, at work or in your relationships? Do you need help dealing with compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding?

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, along with the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) is offering “Buried in Treasures” – a series of facilitated support groups in Brockton and Plymouth for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

“Buried in Treasures” support groups are free and will be offered weekly at the following locations:

In Brockton at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, February 6 to May 22, 2018, (with two breaks and a final session on June 19) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Amanda Lee 508-436-4438 or Kelly Mules at 508-580-4691.

In Plymouth, at the Center for Active Living (formerly the Plymouth Council On Aging), located at 44 Nook Road, March 6 to June 19, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or to register for the Plymouth support group, speak with Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth county and surrounding communities. There is no cost to attend these confidential support groups. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

“Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group for people with hoarding issues,” explained Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “During each session, individuals work through what might be clutter and what might be hoarding, utilizing the workbook to deal with acquisition, discarding, and disorganization.”

“Buried in Treasures” is sponsored by the GBAH, MassHousing and OCES. It is coordinated and facilitated by OCES in partnership with South Bay Community Services.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces “Music & Memory” Pilot Program

Many people with dementia respond very positively to music.  Music helps them to feel good and calm, and this in turn helps their caregivers.  Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced an exciting new pilot program for family caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, called Music & Memory.

 

OCES is now certified as a provider of Music & Memory personalized music program. Music & Memory was created by a non-profit organization that has conducted extensive research about the benefits of music. They have demonstrated that individualized playlists enhance the music experience for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia even more.

 

How the Program Works
OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program will work with family caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia to develop playlists for their loved one and provide an iPod shuffle with a minimum of 100 songs, headsets, and training on how to use the iPod.

 

OCES’ Music & Memory program is funded by a grant, which enabled them to purchase all of the necessary equipment and train their staff for the program. OCES is offering this program on a limited basis to caregivers of adults of any age with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

 

According to the Music & Memory website, “Favorite music or songs associated with important personal events can trigger memory of lyrics and the experience connected to the music. Beloved music often calms chaotic brain activity and enables the listener to focus on the present moment and regain a connection to others.”

 

“Research has shown there is a brain-music connection and that there are many benefits to personalized therapeutic music,” explained Christine McLaren of OCES. “We are excited to offer this special program to family caregivers and hope to roll-out the program on a larger scale early next year.”

 

Music & Memory Program Volunteers Needed
To further expand the program, OCES is seeking support through donations as well as volunteers to help catalogue and download songs to iPods.

 

Family caregivers and volunteers looking to learn more about this program may contact Christine McLaren of OCES at cmclaren@ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561 x309.

 

About Music & Memory
OCES is part of the network of Music & Memory certified organizations. Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life. To learn more, visit https://musicandmemory.org

 

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services’ employees hold drive to help those in need in Brockton and Plymouth

Miguel Fontes, Mathew Mangano, and Skyleen Lima of OCES with donated items for delivery to MainSpring House

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, are helping to support those who are experiencing homelessness this holiday season.

Led by OCES’ Protective Services (PS) and Money Management Program (MMP) team, OCES staff collected donations of socks and personal care items in an employee outreach drive held at OCES’ Brockton and Plymouth offices. The donations were delivered to MainSpring House shelters located at 54 North Main Street in Brockton and their new location on South Spooner Street in Plymouth.

“Each year, our Protective Services and Money Management Program team holds a drive to collect needed items for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community,” explained Teresa Kourtz, LSW, PS/MMP Director, who led the drive. “There are a number of people facing uncertain circumstances who are in need of emergency shelter. We strive to help by providing personal care necessities to those who don’t have ready access to these items.”

To learn more about MainSpring House, visit helpfbms.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services’ employees hold drive to help those in need in Brockton and PlymouthRead More

Shop to Support Old Colony Elder Services this Holiday Season

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, offers consumers a way to support OCES during the holiday gift-giving season.

OCES is a registered charitable organization at AmazonSmile. Now, consumers can support OCES during the holiday season and beyond simply by shopping at  www.smile.amazon.com and selecting “Old Colony Elder Services” after signing in. A portion of the purchase price (0.5 percent of eligible AmazonSmile purchases) is automatically donated to OCES.

For quick access to OCES’ AmazonSmile page, visit www.ocesma.org/donations and simply click on the AmazonSmile icon.

“Shoppers can take advantage of the same Amazon pricing and specials,” noted Nicole Long, OCES’ Chief Executive Officer. “But when you shop through the Smile portal, Amazon donates their money, so there is no added cost to the shopper. We use their donation to support our Emergency Fund, Nutrition, and other programs that help our consumers live independent and healthy lives.”

OCES’ participation is in addition to its #GivingTuesday donation campaign, which is open from now until the end of 2017. Information on #GivingTuesday and how it helps the OCES Emergency Fund can be found on their website or by visiting www.givingtuesday.org

OCES’ Donation Options

Anyone wishing to make an online donation directly to OCES may do so on their website www.ocesma.org. If you wish to donate by check, kindly make it payable to OCES and mail it to 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

When making a donation, there is the option of designating it to a certain program (such as OCES’ Emergency Fund, Nutrition or other program) or dedicating it in honor of, or in memory of, an individual or organization.

About AmazonSmile 

The AmazonSmile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation created by Amazon to administer the AmazonSmile program. For more information, visit https://smile.amazon.com.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Holiday Meals at Community Dining Sites in Brockton, Easton, Halifax and Wareham

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will offer special holiday meals at several community dining sites in December.

OCES has planned a delicious “Holiday Special” featuring Chicken Cordon Bleu, baked potato and sour cream, peas and mushrooms, snowflake dinner roll along with chocolate éclairs (or diet white chocolate mousse with topping) for dessert.  The Holiday Special will be offered at the following community dining sites:

On December 14, 2017 at noon at the Halifax Council on Aging (COA) dining site at 506 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338.

On December 20, 2017 at noon at the Easton COA dining site at Frothingham Hall Community Center, 15 Barrows Street, North Easton 02356.

On December 21, 2017 at noon at the Brockton COA dining site in the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301.

A special “Traveling Chef Carving of the Day” holiday meal will be offered at the Wareham COA on December 20, 2017 at 11:30 a.m., and will feature Roast beef au jus, Au Gratin potatoes, Green Bean Almandine and chocolate fudge cake. The dining site is located at 48 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02571.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling each town’s COA directly.

Daily Meals at Community Dining Sites

OCES’ community dining sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities under the age of 60. Meals are planned by a nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not include high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

Community dining information is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ new website at http://www.ocesma.org. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Keeping Seniors #SafeAndWarm. OCES Focuses on Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, invites the community to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support the OCES Emergency Fund program. Coming just after Thanksgiving, in the same way that Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday kicks off the giving season.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 is #GivingTuesday. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. OCES has joined the #GivingTuesday movement to raise money for their Emergency Funds program. The OCES theme this year is #SafeAndWarm.

OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being.

Last year, OCES raised $9,311 for their Emergency Fund. This year’s goal is to break the $10,000 mark.  With the number of individuals needing assistance increasing each year, OCES’ fundraising goal is to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity so they can continue to make a critical difference in the lives of consumers served. OCES’ Emergency Fund supports dozens of consumers throughout the year faced with unforeseen emergency events, answering urgent needs such as filling an empty fuel tank, repairing a broken furnace, or providing life-sustaining medications.

To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on #GivingTuesday. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

To encourage others to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support OCES, share it on social media platforms using the hashtag #GivingTuesday.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 232 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.ocesma.org.

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OCES Announces Special Thanksgiving Meals at Community Dining Sites in Brockton, Halifax and Kingston

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will offer special Thanksgiving meals at several community dining sites in November.

OCES has planned a delicious Thanksgiving menu featuring roast turkey breast with giblet gravy, whipped potatoes, savory stuffing, cranberry sauce, seasoned peas, carrots and corn medley, with corn bread on the side, and apple pie for dessert.

On Thursday, November 2, 2017 at noon, the Halifax Council on Aging (COA) will offer the Thanksgiving Day Special at the senior center’s community dining site at 506 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at noon, the Kingston COA will offer the Thanksgiving Day Special at the senior center, 30 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA 02364.

On Tuesday, November 21, 2016 at noon, the Brockton COA will offer the Thanksgiving Day Special at the community dining site in the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling each town’s COA directly.

Daily Meals at Community Dining Sites

OCES’ community dining sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities under the age of 60. Meals are planned by a nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not include high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

“Our community dining sites provide healthy, nutritious and delicious meals to older adults on a daily basis, while also giving them a chance to socialize and enjoy fun activities,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “We invite seniors to gather together and enjoy a special Thanksgiving feast.”

Community dining information is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ new website at http://www.ocesma.org. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 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.ocesma.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Volunteer Center in Plymouth. Grand Opening on Nov. 8

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has recently announced the grand opening of their new “OCES Volunteer Center” on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. A celebration will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and the public is invited to attend.

Serving as a central resource for volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities, the OCES Volunteer Center resides within the nonprofit’s Plymouth office at 204 South Meadow Road. This office is also home to key departments including Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral.

“Through the OCES Volunteer Center, we are continuing our efforts to empower people to build stronger communities through volunteerism,” said Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager.

OCES recruits volunteers of all ages for all volunteer programs at OCES, as well as for other volunteer positions at nonprofits, government agencies, schools and other agencies in Plymouth County. Included in OCES volunteer programs is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County; RSVP of Plymouth County is part of the Senior Corps network of programs. Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement.

The OCES Volunteer Center is a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance. It is also a place for prospective volunteers to talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Center has full service capabilities for researching volunteer opportunities including computers, phones, brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.

Health and wellness are important to OCES, both for employees and volunteers. In the future, the Center will offer workshops and seminars on topics related to health and volunteer satisfaction. OCES will draw on its Nutrition, Healthy Living and Employee Wellness programs to provide these offerings. Our goal is healthy and happy volunteers who make a difference in the community.

After the Grand Opening, the OCES Volunteer Center will be open Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. It is anticipated that days and hours will be expanded in the near future. Volunteers may also make an appointment to meet with OCES staff.

For more information about how to become involved with volunteering through OCES, visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 232 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.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Volunteer Center in Plymouth. Grand Opening on Nov. 8Read More