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Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $6K through “Cooking for A Cause” Fundraiser to Keep Meals on Wheels Program Rolling

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) raised over $6,000 for the Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meal site programs from their “Cooking for a Cause” family-friendly event held at the Middleboro Council on Aging. Several hundred people attended and enjoyed delicious food from participating restaurants and an outdoor concert with the summertime sounds of the the very popular BaHa Brothers band.

With a growing number of elders needing meal assistance and less money to support the Nutrition Program due to budget cuts, the non-profit agency acted quickly to launch their first annual “Cooking for a Cause” fundraiser for the Nutrition Program, which operates Meals on Wheels and congregate meal sites.

OCES wishes to thank all the restaurants that provided the delicious food for the event: Burrito Wraps of Brockton, RooBar in Plymouth, Veronica’s Treats of Middleboro, Mike’s House of Pizza in Hanson, Lindley Food Service of Connecticut (the caterer for Meals on Wheels), Stop & Shop, Hideaway Restaurant in Middleboro and the Middleboro Council on Aging. The agency also thanks all who donated the fantastic raffle prizes, which greatly contributed to the fundraising efforts.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of our sponsors, all these wonderful restaurants and the vendors that generously contributed prizes for our raffles,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The event was sponsored by: Home Instead of Bridgewater; Bayada Nurses of Plymouth; Senior Whole Health in Cambridge; Robbins Furniture of Rockland; George Washington Toma of Brockton; Liberty Printing Company of Brockton; Hackewell-Boone Insurance Agency of South Easton; Everett’s Auto Parts of Brockton; A&A Metro Transportation Bill’s Taxi Service, Inc. of Avon; Avida Design of Brockton; BC Tent Awning Co. of Avon; Bridgewater Savings Bank of Raynham; Fitzgerald Appraisals of North Easton; Evercare of Waltham; Diman Laundry of New Bedford; Geriatric Home Health Care Inc. of Avon; Good Samaritan Medical Center of Brockton; Anodyne Homemaker Services Corp of Quincy and the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce of Brockton.

“It is imperative that we have initiatives in place to raise additional funding so no senior goes hungry. It costs approximately $35 to provide one senior with a week’s worth of meals. The Cooking for a Cause event was a great success and we intend to make it one of our annual fundraisers,” explained DiGiorgi.

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

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

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

Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $6K through “Cooking for A Cause” Fundraiser to Keep Meals on Wheels Program RollingRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Tasty Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Program on June 26

Due to budget cuts and a greater number of elders needing meal assistance, the non-profit Old Colony Elder Services has come up with a unique way to raise money for the Nutrition Program, which
runs the Meals on Wheels and congregate meal sites. OCES will hold a “Cooking for a Cause” family-friendly event on June 26th from 11 AM-4 PM at the Middleboro Council on Aging, 558 Plymouth St., Middleboro.

Attendees will be able to sample tasty cuisine from area restaurants including: Burrito Wraps of Brockton, RooBar in Plymouth, Veronica’s Treats of Middleboro, Mike’s House of Pizza in Hanson, Lindley Food Service of Connecticut (the caterer for Meals on Wheels), Stop & Shop, Hideaway Restaurant in Middleboro and the Middleboro Council on Aging. There will be entertainment by the Baha Brothers and face painting for the kids. Raffles will also be held. Prizes include: signed sports memorabilia; museum and zoo passes; amusement and water park passes; vineyard tours; transportation packages to Cape Cod islands; restaurant gift certificates; whale watch tickets, Boston sightseeing tour tickets; artwork, a large dollhouse designed by a local crafter, home decor and many other items.

Tickets to the event are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, $7 for 10 & Under. For tickets, call OCES (508) 584-1561. Tickets will also be available at the door.

“Because of increasing costs and budget cuts, OCES cannot keep up with the demand of the growing senior population and increasing needs without other funding sources. The competition for grants is tough and we needed to find a way to raise the additional funds necessary to keep the Nutrition Program running. To serve the growing number of seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels and the congregate meal sites, it is imperative that we have an initiative in place so no senior goes hungry,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Sponsors include Anodyne Medical Services of Quincy, Home Instead of Bridgewater and Bayada Nurses of Plymouth.

About OCES

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more. OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

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

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Tasty Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Program on June 26Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors Event on June 15th at Brockton City Hall to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect

June 15, 2010 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD),and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), is sponsoring a special event that day at Brockton City Hall to create greater awareness of elder abuse and neglect.

Mayor Linda Balzotti will commemorate the day at the Brockton City Hall event which is being held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Opening remarks will be made by Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and speakers include: Ann Hartstein, Secretary of Elder Affairs; Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County District Attorney; Tom Donahue, Brockton Elder Police Officer; Deborah Fogarty, Director of Protective Services; Patricia Foley, Protective Services Intake Specialist and Terri Kourtz, Protective Services Supervisor.

During the event, an elder’s story will be read and ribbons and educational material will be given out. OCES staff will recognize the importance of the day by wearing the color purple.

The event is open to the public and will be held at Brockton City Hall at 45 School Street at 2:30 p.m.

According to the World Health Organization, the population of those aged 60 and over will more than double by 2025. As the elder population grows, so will the number of elder abuse cases.

Elder Abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES outlines warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse.

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns

Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes

Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property

During the last 11 months, OCES has helped 794 abused or neglected elders within their service area. OCES has a Protective Services staff of 11 with 71 years of combined experience. The Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

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

Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors Event on June 15th at Brockton City Hall to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse and NeglectRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Ethical Issues Seminar for Health and Human Services Professionals on May 26th

Old Colony Elder Services, (OCES) one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth that serves 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts will hold a “Case Management: Ethical Issues Conference” on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at their Conference Center located at 144 Main Street in Brockton.

The seminar is open to the public and geared towards licensed social workers, licensed nurses, and other health and human service professionals. Social workers and registered nurses can earn CEUs.

The conference will be led by Professor Frederic G. Reamer, Ph.D, School of Social Work at Rhode Island College who will provide attendees with an overview of ethical and related risk-management issues encountered by human service professionals who serve elders.

Topics to be covered include:

Common ethical dilemmas in the delivery of social work services to elders

Ethical decision-making frameworks and protocols

Ethics-related malpractice and liability

Complimentary lunch will be served. Registration is required. The fee for this seminar

is $50 and the deadline to RSVP is May 14th.

Contact Phyllis Martin at OCES, 508-584-1561 x 293 to register or for more information.

About the Speaker

Dr. Reamer has conducted extensive research on professional ethics. He is the author of many books and articles including:

The Social Work Ethics Casebook: Cases and Commentary. Washington, DC: NASW Press, 2009.

Social Work Values and Ethics (3rd ed).New York: Columbia University Press, 2006. [First Edition, 1995; Second Edition, 1999]

Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the NASW Code of Ethics (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press, 2006. [First Edition, 1998]

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

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

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

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Ethical Issues Seminar for Health and Human Services Professionals on May 26thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Six-Week Program for Family Caregivers

Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program is offering a complimentary six-week educational course for family caregivers entitled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers course is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while taking care of a relative or friend. Caregivers who are caring for a parent, spouse or friend at home, in a nursing home or even across the country, will benefit from this special class which will teach them ways to reduce stress, communicate more effectively and take care of themselves. Caregivers will also learn how to relax as well as cope with any feelings of guilt, anger and depression. Goal setting and problem-solving will also be covered during the course.

Rochelle Sugarman, who is the Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES will be leading the classes along with Chris McLaren, Care Advisor of the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES.

The class meets once a week, from 10 a.m. to noon, on Tuesdays, from April 20th to May 25th at Old Colony Elder Services located at 144 Main Street in Brockton.

“We are very much looking forward to bringing this exciting beneficial course to caregivers in our area,” noted Sugarman.

Registration is required by April 13. To register for the program, contact Rochelle Sugarman at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 312.

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

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

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

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

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

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Six-Week Program for Family CaregiversRead More

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about the intern program, contact Human Resources at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

OCES offers a number of programs such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

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

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



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

Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor Support

 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) is in need of volunteers as well as donor support to keep the Massachusetts Money Management Program (MMMP) running.

The MMMP helps vulnerable, low-income elders who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills. Money Management volunteers help these elders by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

Money Management volunteers must be capable of basic financial tasks and have a willingness to commit their time once or twice a month. Volunteers are not reimbursed for mileage, so they are generally matched with elders who live in the same town.

Due to underfunding, the MMMP relies on the generosity of donors. Donations in support of the local MMMP may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. Be sure to state that your donation is specifically for the MMMP.

“The MMMP is a free service for qualified elder clients. We are always seeking funds to keep the program up and running, train volunteers and work with clients. The need is significant in all 23 towns we cover, but especially so in Brockton,” explained Brenda Carrens of OCES.

 

To request an application to volunteer for the Money Management program or for more information about making a donation, contact Brenda Carrens, OCES’ program coordinator, at (508) 584-1561 extension 252.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.  OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.  In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.


Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor SupportRead More