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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Therapeutic Meals for Seniors with Specific Health Issues

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) recently announced the availability of therapeutic meals to people aged 60 and older who require them due to health reasons or special diets.

OCES’ Nutrition Program offers special meals that are diabetic, pureed, ground, soft or renal, for elders with health issues. These healthy, low salt meals are prepared on special order. A senior with specific health issues or his/her family member, caregiver or a referral source, should contact OCES’s Nutrition department about a therapeutic diet.

A Nutrition Specialist at OCES will complete a screening assessment, and as part of the intake process, obtain the name of the elder’s primary physician or in the case of a patient receiving kidney treatment their Renal Nutritionist. Special diet meals will commence once the signed forms are received from the elder’s doctor or renal nutritionist. Nutritional supplements may also be provided to seniors who have been identified as needing the additional calories during the day.

Meals for special diets may be delivered Monday through Friday just as the traditional “Meals on Wheels” are delivered.

The “Meals on Wheels” program is available to anyone aged 60 or older (and their spouses) who are homebound and who are unable to prepare their own meals. All of the regular home delivered meals are heart healthy and low salt.

To arrange for therapeutic meals or for more information, contact your OCES case manager.

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 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.

The agency has 130 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

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Therapeutic Meals for Seniors with Specific Health IssuesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders on How to Avoid Heat Related Illnesses and Stay Cool this Summer

When the temperature rises, older adults are at high risk for heat related illnesses.  Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency that provides seniors, families and caregivers with valuable resources and services, offers tips to help elders stay cool this summer.

· Avoid strenuous activity or over-exertion in the heat. Even household chores such as laundry, vacuuming, gardening, mowing the lawn, painting and so forth should be put off until the weather cools.

· Avoid extended periods of sun exposure. If you must be in the sun, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses and bring an umbrella to create shade.

· Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

· Eat well-balanced, light meals. Try to avoid high protein foods as they will increase metabolic heat.

· Wear lightweight, loose and light colored clothing.

· When it’s hot or very humid, stay indoors in an air-conditioned area or near a fan.

· Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat such as a library, theater or community area that has air-conditioning.

Avoid heat related illnesses

In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation of perspiration is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain normal temperature. Heat related illnesses include heat cramps which are muscular pains and spasms in the abdominal or leg muscles caused by loss of water due to heavy sweating. To treat heat cramps – rest in a cool place and drink half a glass of cool water every fifteen minutes.

Heat exhaustion is when the body overheats in high temperatures and/or high humidity, causing a form of mild shock. A rapid pulse, intense sweating, nausea, headache, dark urine, pale and/or flushed skin and feeling faint are some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. To treat it, get the person to a cooler place and apply cool, wet cloths to the face and body. Have the person drink cool water slowly every fifteen minutes. Watch the person carefully for signs of heat stroke.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It is severe and life-threatening. It’s typically caused by exertion in hot weather and dehydration. Some signs of heatstroke include rapid heartbeat, hot red skin, absence of sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, irritability or confusion. Older adults may also experience fainting. If any of these symptoms are suspected, call 911 immediately. Then move the person to a cooler place, immerse in a cool bath or wrap him/her in wet sheets. Watch for breathing problems. If he/she has changes is levels of consciousness, refuses water or is vomiting, do not give him/her anything to eat or drink.

OCES has resources available to elders in their service area who meet the criteria for low income and who cannot afford fans or air-conditioning. For assistance or more information, call (508) 584-1561.

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.

For more information about services for seniors or if you know an elderly person (e.g., family, friend, neighbor) who you think might need assistance, contact OCES at 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.

The agency has 130 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders on How to Avoid Heat Related Illnesses and Stay Cool this SummerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Strives to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) is striving to create greater awareness of elder abuse on June 15th, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The organization’s staff will recognize the importance of the day by wearing the color purple and several staff members will participate in Mass Home Care’s Annual Meeting at the Burlington Marriott.

Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Supervisor and Rosemarie Kennedy, Protective Services Screening Supervisor of OCES will attend the annual meeting which will feature speakers including Hon. Charles A. Murphy, House Ways and Means Chairman, Robert Blancato, former President of the National Committee for Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) and Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care.

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 has outlined several factors that may put an elder at risk:

· Strained family relationships

· The depiction of elders as frail, weak and dependent

· Social isolation due to physical or mental infirmaries or through loss of friends/family members

· Poorly run hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes

OCES’ Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

“Public education and awareness campaigns are key elements in preventing elder abuse and neglect. Both the general public and practitioners should be aware of the various types of abuse, how to identify signs of abuse and know that there are agencies such as OCES where help for elders can be obtained,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To report suspected Elder Abuse, 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 (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; Caring Homes and Enhanced 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.

The agency has 130 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Strives to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer Luncheon

Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES
Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton recently recognized over 300 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) and to helping elders in the community.

The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon’s apt theme was “Volunteers are Treasures”. More than 300 volunteers in the Nutrition and Money Management programs and on the Board of Directors as well as those who volunteer for the Money Management Program Advisory Board and the local cable television program known as Senior Options were presented with Scrolls of Recognition for their service to OCES and seniors in the community. Gift certificates were presented and various raffles were held. All enjoyed entertainment by one-man-band Dave Burbank and a buffet lunch was served in OCES’ newly renovated conference room and catered by Lindley Food Service.

OCES Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of OCES congregate meal sites.

Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of income and expenses. OCES Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are comprised entirely of volunteers. Senior Options is a local Brockton Cable T.V. show which is a collaboration between OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging. Local Brockton volunteers run the entire cable show which includes filming, producing, directing, sound, interviewing, etc.

“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact OCES at (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.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced 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.

The agency has 130 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.

.

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer LuncheonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Staff Adopts Meals on Wheels Route and Challenges Businesses to do the Same

The staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton that provides valuable programs and services to elders, their families and caregivers, really goes ”above and beyond” to help ensure that seniors who need a nutritious meal every day, receive one.

OCES has adopted a Meals on Wheels route in Brockton and 33 staff members from OCES are now volunteering their time to deliver between 15 to 20 meals a day to frail and home bound elders.

The agency is challenging local businesses to do the same – adopt a Meals on Wheels route and encourage their employees to get involved delivering meals to elders in need.

“The need for Meals on Wheels volunteers is quite significant.  As it stands now, we don’t have enough volunteers so many of them have taken on additional meal routes. We are encouraging Brockton area businesses and their employees to get involved in the community by adopting a meal route and taking on the responsibility of delivering meals to elders who are on that route. It’s a great way for businesses to give back to the community.” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “We must take action to ensure than no elder goes hungry.”

OCES staff members who work on a rotating schedule in delivering meals to seniors each day include: April Panos, Beverly Ferris, Brenda Carrens, Christine Silveira, Diana DiGiorgi, Diane Witkus, Elizabeth DosSantos, Erin Maki, Glenda DeVincentis, Guerdy Baron, Isabel Sims, Jill Getchell, Jim Mileski, Judy Eldridge, Julie Clark, Kristina Gardiner, Lauren Murphy, Lucille Dallaire, Maria Janvier, Marie Rateau, Michele Wall, Nicole Welch, Phyllis Martin, Rick Alvarnaz, Rochelle Sugarman, Sally Sacchetti, Sara Gassett, Sharon Sheehan, Susan Weiner, Susan Willis, Terri Henshaw, Terri Kourtz and Tim Valentine.


Meals on Wheels drivers typically deliver meals between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage.  Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday.

“What many people don’t realize is that Meals on Wheels purpose is twofold; it not only ensures that elders receive a nutritious meal, but also serves as a safety check. The elders who receive Meals on Wheels are homebound or disabled and usually don’t have anyone to make sure they are okay. A Meals on Wheels volunteer’s responsibilities include delivering meals and making sure that every elder is OK. If they are not, we need to know about it right away,” continued DiGiorgi.


OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enhance elders’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age and those less than 60 but disabled are eligible.

Businesses interested in adopting a Meals on Wheels route should contact Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES at (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.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced 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.

The agency has 130 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.

.

Old Colony Elder Services Staff Adopts Meals on Wheels Route and Challenges Businesses to do the SameRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “Elder Care Expo” on April 14th

PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…
Old Colony Elder Services of Brockton will hold an “Elder Care Expo” for seniors and caregivers on Tuesday, April

14, 2009 from 10 a,m. to 2 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton.  This is a FREE event.

The Elder Care Expo is designed to broaden the community’s awareness about resources available to help manage elder care issues.  There will be resource exhibits, health screenings and educational seminars throughout the day.  Health screenings include: hearing, glucose and pulmonary function screenings as well as blood pressure checks.

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Caregiver Specialist at OCES will present a seminar on “Tools for Caring”.  Seniors and caregivers will learn about tips and resources that are available to family caregivers and the elders in their care.

Pam McCormack, Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern MA, Cape Cod and the Islands office, will hold the seminar “Maintain Your Brain: How to Live a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle”.  Attendees will learn about
scientifically-rooted nutritional and lifestyle advice, interactive exercises and activities.  This program is
geared to adults who want to learn more about staying fit from the neck up.

There will also be refreshments, giveaways and raffles.  Every attendee will receive the updated Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).Resource Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers.

This event is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is partially funded by The Older Americans Act, Title IIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs) and EECO.  For more information contact:  Sara Gassett at Old Colony Elder Services (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association strives to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through research; provide care and support for those affected and promote brain health.  The Southeastern MA/Cape Cod and the Islands Regional Office is located in Raynham, MA.  For more information, visit the website http://www.alz.org/manh/.

EECO
Elder Education and Community Outreach is sponsored by Brockton Neighborhood Health Center; Brockton Council on Aging; Brockton Visiting Nurse Association; Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Brockton Board of Health; New England Sinai Hospital and Rehab Center/Sinai Day Health; Old Colony Elder Services; St. Joseph’s Manor/Mater Dei Adult Day Health; Senior Whole Health and Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI) Helpline.

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 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.

The agency has 130 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.

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “Elder Care Expo” on April 14thRead More

Brockton’s Mayor to Deliver Meals on March 18th as part of “Mayors For Meals” National Initiative

March is the month designated for the Meals On Wheels Association of America’s (MOWAA) annual national campaign known as “March For Meals”. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton participates in this campaign designed to increase public awareness, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising.

OCES announced today that on March 18th, Brockton Mayor James Harrington will be among over 1,000 mayors across the country, to show their support for the Meals On Wheels programs in their cities by delivering meals to seniors on what is known as Mayors For Meals Day.

On this designated day, Mayor Harrington and OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi, will visit Meals On Wheels clients at their homes and deliver the noontime meals.

“The Meals On Wheels program is essential. We have many seniors in the city who are unable to get to the grocery store or who otherwise would not get a nutritious daily meal,” noted DiGiorgi.

The Meals On Wheels program serves Brockton residents age 60 and over, as well as disabled residents under 60. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age are eligible. Meals On Wheels, which is one aspect of the OCES Nutrition Program, is for elders who are unable to attend an OCES congregate meal site.

Elders and those younger than 60 who are disabled and able to get out for themselves may visit one of the agency’s congregate meal sites. Here, elders receive a well-balanced meal and have the opportunity to participate in a number of other diverse programs offered by OCES.

The Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers. Meals On Wheels needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals to elders throughout the Brockton area. Volunteer drivers typically deliver 15-20 meals a day, between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, yet they may help out for any number of days per week that they desire.

Volunteers are also needed to set up, bag and distribute meals at the Belair, Manning, Caffrey and Campello congregate meal sites.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering at least two hours per week as a Meals On Wheels driver or as a helper at one of the congregate meal sites, contact Shawn Smith, Nutrition Director at OCES at (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.

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.

The agency has 130 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.

.

Brockton’s Mayor to Deliver Meals on March 18th as part of “Mayors For Meals” National InitiativeRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Shawn C. Smith as Nutrition Director

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Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, recently appointed Shawn C. Smith, a resident of Stoughton, as Nutrition Director.

Ms. Smith, a Registered Dietician, will oversee all aspects of the program including the nutrition staff, case managers, menu development, nutrition education, the Meals on Wheels Program and the congregate sites. Additionally, Ms. Smith will serve as dietician for Old Colony and the region it serves.

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, Ms. Smith holds a BS in Culinary Nutrition. She completed her dietetic residency at State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Previous to OCES, Ms. Smith was a Dietician at Coastline Elderly Service in New Bedford. Prior to that, she was an Executive Chef at Eatin’ Healthy Restaurant located in Quincy.

Ms. Smith is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA).

She is a native of Southampton, New York.

“Shawn is truly dedicated and her wealth of knowledge and understanding of the comprehensive needs of seniors make her an ideal fit for our organization,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

In addition to the Nutrition Program, OCES offers a number of programs to better serve seniors, families and caregivers residing in Brockton and throughout the Plymouth county area. The programs include Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Family Caregiver Support; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

About Old Colony Elder Services

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 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.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Shawn C. Smith as Nutrition DirectorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Outlines Changes in Food Stamp Program

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Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP)

serving seniors throughout Plymouth County as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, outlines several changes to the Food Stamp program.

The federal Food Stamp Program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps low-income individuals and families buy food. According to OCES, there have been several changes to the program in recent months, which makes it easier for seniors in need to receive benefits. The changes are outlined below:

· SNAP is the new name for the organization that many seniors know of as USDA’s Food Stamp Program.

· The application form, which was previously several pages long, is now only one to two pages long.

· An elder’s medical expenses, which include outpatient hospital expenses, nursing care, doctor’s bills and prescriptions are now taken into account as deductions during the application approval process.

· Shelter costs (rent, mortgage, taxes and utilities) that add up to more than half of an elder’s household income may be deducted.

· SNAP does not issue paper food stamps. SNAP benefits are provided via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which is a plastic card that is similar to an ATM card that may be swiped at the grocery store.

· Because SNAP uses EBT, elders receiving benefits do not have to pick up their benefits. SNAP benefits are automatically loaded onto the EBT card each month on a designated date.

According to SNAP, an elderly person is someone who is age 60 or older. OCES encourages all seniors who have applied for fuel assistance to consider applying for SNAP benefits as well.

Nutritional case managers at OCES are on hand to help seniors complete the application form and navigate the process.

“The food stamp program is a wonderful program that we have advocated for years. We strive to get the word out because a lot of seniors don’t understand that they may be eligible for benefits. The SNAP program can really help seniors through hard financial times,” explained Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about SNAP or to receive application assistance, elders should contact Shawn Smith, Nutrition Director at OCES (508) 584-1561.

OCES offers a number of programs to better serve seniors, families and caregivers residing in Brockton and throughout the surrounding area. The programs include Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Family Caregiver Support; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

About Old Colony Elder Services
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 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.

The agency has 130 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Outlines Changes in Food Stamp ProgramRead More