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Old Colony Elder Services Employees Hold Canned Food Drive for The Charity Guild

OCES staff hold food drive for The Charity Guild

This holiday season, the staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, has gone above and beyond to help those in need. The agency collected several large boxes of canned food donations from their staff during their Holiday Party held last week.

The canned food drive donations were delivered to The Charity Guild food pantry and thrift shop located on Main Street in Brockton.

For more information about The Charity Guild, visit their website at thecharityguild.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, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Employees Hold Canned Food Drive for The Charity GuildRead More

Elder Agency Selling Calendars to Help Seniors in Crisis

In an effort to raise money for seniors in crisis situations, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, is selling Fundraising Calendars for $5 each.

The Fundraising Calendars, which will offer cash prizes, are available now and may be purchased through January 2012. Proceeds from the calendars go towards OCES’ Emergency Assistance Program which will help with purchases such as food, fuel and medications for seniors who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation.

A total of $1,750 in cash prizes will be awarded to Fundraising Calendar holders via daily random drawings to be held in February 2012. There will be one winner named per day and the cash prize values will vary. Winners will be notified by phone and winning numbers posted online at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

To obtain a Fundraising Calendar, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.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 elders, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Elder Agency Selling Calendars to Help Seniors in CrisisRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Fund Caregiver Program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, has recently been awarded a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The $3,869 grant will be applied to OCES Family Caregiver Support Program’s “It’s About Time” free workshops for caregivers.

“We are fortunate to have been awarded this significant grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. Old Colony Elder Services and the Tufts Health Plan Foundation have a very similar mission – to provide programs and services that support healthy aging and promote the physical, mental and emotional well-being of seniors,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops for which we have received this grant, provide support and assistance to caregivers who are caring for seniors at home. The workshops are designed to help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while providing essential caregiving services.”

Three “It’s About Time” workshops will be offered in partnership with Councils on Aging in Marshfield, Plymouth and Brockton. The workshops will teach caregivers techniques and strategies to manage their time and reduce stress.

The first workshop will be held on November 3, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marshfield Council on Aging, located at 230 Webster Street in Marshfield. There will be three speakers: Shawn Smith, RD, Nutrition Director at OCES will discuss meal preparation; Sharon Fisher of Come to Order Professional Organizing Services will discuss time management and Dee Lyon, RYT of Real Life Yoga will share relaxation techniques. (Dates for the second and third workshop TBA.)

Attendees will receive lunch and a quick-meal cookbook. There is no cost to attend, but class size is limited. Caregivers may register for the workshops by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES
(508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About the Tufts Foundation
The Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds over $2 million annually in grants to Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofit organizations that provide a range of programs and services that address healthy aging. For more information, visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.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, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Fund Caregiver ProgramRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Donation from Litecontrol

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has recently kicked off an Emergency Fund campaign and is in need of individual and business sponsors. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

OCES the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton and serving 23 towns in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas, has recently received a $500 donation from Litecontrol of Hanson and Plymouth.

The funds will be allocated to Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund, which helps low-income seniors remain in their homes by helping them pay for fuel, medical transportation or utilities.   The fund is maintained through donations from businesses and individuals.

“It is through the generous donation of companies like Litecontrol as well as individuals in the community that we can help elders who are struggling to pay for their home’s water, electricity and heat or for medical expenses. Last year we helped 202 low-income seniors and we anticipate that number will increase this winter,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Tax-deductable donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About Litecontrol
Founded in 1936, Litecontrol designs and produces quality innovative lighting fixtures that are used in public spaces, schools, offices, universities, healthcare, libraries, laboratories, retail and other industries around the globe. The company employes more than 200 at their facilities in Hanson and Plymouth. Litecontrol is focused on sustainability, protecting the environment and supporting the community. For more information, visit www.litecontrol.com.

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

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

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

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Donation from LitecontrolRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to hold Ethical and Risk Management Conference on October 28th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, recently announced that a “Documentation in Elder Services: Ethical and Risk Management Issues” Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at OCES, Donovan Centre, 144 Main Street in Brockton. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

This conference is intended for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Nurses, and other health and
human service professionals. 4.5 CEUs have been approved for this conference. A light lunch will be provided. Due to limited space, registration will be accepted on a first paid, first-served basis.

Professor Frederic G. Reamer, Ph.D. of the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Reamer is the author of a number of books and articles on social work ethics. He will provide conference participants with an overview of ethical, malpractice and risk-management issues pertaining to the documentation of services and critical incidents.

To register, download the registration form at www.oldcolonyeldervices.org and complete 1 form per registrant. Mail the forms and $50 payment per person to OCES by October 19, 2011. For more information, visit our website or call Phyllis Martin at 508-584-1561 extension 293.

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

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

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

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services to hold Ethical and Risk Management Conference on October 28thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services weighs in on elder abuse and reduced funding in The Patriot Ledger

Elder abuse rising in Mass. as funding dips
Experts frustrated by budget reductions. Read Sue Scheible’s article:

Read more: Elder abuse rising in Mass. as funding dips – Quincy, MA – The Patriot Ledger http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x938336414/Elder-abuse-rising-in-Mass-as-funding-dips#ixzz1FZ6fYiUm

http://bit.ly/i2niFF

Old Colony Elder Services weighs in on elder abuse and reduced funding in The Patriot LedgerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Staff & Caregivers Attend Public Hearing on MassHealth Cuts

More than 162 elderly and disabled individuals in the Adult Foster Care (AFC) Program of Old Colony Elder Services will be affected by the Patrick Administration’s proposed cuts to MassHealth.

In January, the Patrick Administration released news of MassHealth budget cuts to the Adult Foster Care Program which provides daily assistance with personal care and care management oversight in a caregiver’s home on a 24/7 basis. The proposal would decrease the payment rates for all AFC services by 6.2% effective March 15, 2011.

In light of this, 29 individuals, including Old Colony Elder Services AFC staff, AFC caregivers and clients recently attended a public hearing held at the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy in Boston. Caregivers had an opportunity to voice their concerns and spoke about the level of work and commitment involved in their 24/7 role as caregivers. Many testified that they would receive better pay and benefits working outside the home. AFC Level I caregivers receive approximately $25 per day and AFC Level II caregivers receive approximately $50 per day.

AFC staff and other professionals in attendance, including Al Norman, Mass Home Care Executive Director, explained to the audience that AFC actually keeps frail and vulnerable citizens living at home and out of more expensive institutional settings.

AFC Level II enrollees, often requiring care similar to those in nursing homes, have an annual cost of $30,327.00. In comparison, the annual cost of a skilled nursing facility is at least $58,765.00.

“It just doesn’t make fiscal sense. Cutting the AFC rates will ultimately result in fewer caregivers and an increased number of elders entering skilled nursing facilities. It will cost the state almost twice as much as it would if the program remained intact,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. She continued, “The decrease in AFC rates will make it difficult to attract caregivers. This would be unfortunate in light of the fact that AFC is a growing and thriving housing and care alternative that enables seniors to remain at home while providing tremendous savings to the commonwealth.”

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

Old Colony Elder Services serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

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

Old Colony Elder Services Staff & Caregivers Attend Public Hearing on MassHealth CutsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces the “Dancing With the Angels” Event will be held April 2nd

Old Colony Elder Services, a non-profit elder services agency serving elders and their families in 23 communities throughout the greater Plymouth county area, recently announced that the second annual “Dancing with the Angels” benefit event will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 6:30 to 11 p.m., at the Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry Street in Quincy.

The “Dancing with the Angels” event is generously hosted by Visiting Angels of the South Shore located in Marshfield. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, lively dancing and the music of the 14 piece White Heat Swing Orchestra. There will also be a dancing competition featuring the Visiting Angels staff doing Latin dancing.

This fundraising event supports the Special Needs Funds of Old Colony Elder Services and South Shore Elder Services (based in Braintree). The Special Needs Fund helps frail elders throughout the area who cannot afford the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, medicine and heat. Elders who have health issues may be unable to prepare meals, shop for food, or complete simple tasks such as washing clothes.

Last year’s “Dancing with the Angels” event raised more than $15,000 for seniors in need.

According to Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at Old Colony Elder Services, “Although government funding covers a substantial portion of our services, there are still many elders who are not eligible for services yet have critical needs. It is only through the generous support of individuals and businesses in the community that we are able to fulfill our mission of helping older adults live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.”

“Last year we were able to raise $15,000 with the help of our sponsors and colleagues who serve elders in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas. Based on our success, and encouragement from the community, we decided to make Dancing with the Angels an annual event,” explained Nate Murray, LICSW, President and Managing Partner of Visiting Angels of the South Shore. “We are hoping this event will continue to grow and build awareness of the Special Needs fund and how it helps our elderly loved ones, friends and neighbors. The elder service organizations who serve the elder community need our help to continue the critical work they do.”

Tickets for this swinging event are $50 each and may be purchased at Old Colony Elder Services. For more information about this event, contact Lucille Dallaire at OCES (508) 584-1561.

The major sponsors for this event are Weymouth Health Care Center, Rockland Trust, Entergy Pilgrim Station and Center Stage Dance Academy. Event sponsors include: Bond Printing, Celtic Angels, Casper Cremation, Evercare, High Street Equity Advisors, Plimoth Investment Advisors, Queen Anne Nursing Home, Southwood Nursing Center, Radius Healthcare and Pediatric Center, River Bay Club, Visiting Rehab Services, and Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group. Media sponsors are South Shore Senior News and 95.9 WATD-FM.

About Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is the nation’s leading, nationally respected network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies. Visiting Angels of the South Shore is located at 475 School Street, Suite 15 in Marshfield. For more information, visit www.visitingangels.com or call 800-365-4189.

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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

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

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Announces the “Dancing With the Angels” Event will be held April 2ndRead More

Old Colony Elder Services appoints Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) which serves residents in 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas, has recently appointed Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator.

In her new role as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator, Ms. Walsh will assist elders in gaining and retaining their ability to live independently in their own homes. She will conduct home visits and assessments as well as coordinate the necessary long term support services that will help ensure that elders remain living safely and independently at home in the community. Ms. Walsh will also be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the services provided and maintaining communication between nurses and the community resource coordinators.

Ms. Walsh recently graduated from Bridgewater State College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Her experience includes six years serving as a Sales Representative for Jordan’s Furniture in Avon.

Ms. Walsh is a native and resident of Brockton.

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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services appoints Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services CoordinatorRead More