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September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month.  OCES to hold Virtual Falls Prevention Presentations on September 13th

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… September is Falls Prevention Awareness month. 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit agency that supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living, is offering two free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13, 2023. 
 
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that every year, one in four Americans aged 65 and older experience a fall. Learning more about falls prevention, reducing risk of falls, and improving balance and strength are all practical strategies to help manage and avoid falls.   
 
OCES’ first virtual Falls Prevention presentation will be held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. To register, use the following link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02fbca9128a&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
The second presentation will be held from 1:00-2:30 p.m.  To register, use the following link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02vf4a4e57f&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
Unable to attend either of these virtual presentations?  OCES’ Healthy Living Program offers “A Matter of Balance” evidence-based workshop that emphasizes practical strategies to control, manage, or avoid falls. Matter of Balance will also set goals for increasing activity levels, encourage small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and ways to exercise to increase strength and balance. 
 
If you have any questions about OCES’ free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13th or to learn more about “A Matter of Balance” workshop, contact OCES’ Healthy Living Program at 508-584-1561 or 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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month.  OCES to hold Virtual Falls Prevention Presentations on September 13thRead More

OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park on September 17

BROCKTON, HANOVER AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Support a good cause with a day of fun at Starland in Hanover! Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will host a fundraiser on September 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 p.m. at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park at 637 Washington Street in Hanover. This event is open to the public. 
 
A portion of the proceeds from purchasing an all-day pass and/or food will benefit OCES’ Nutrition Department.   
  
Tickets for ALL-DAY pass can be purchased at the door on the day of event.  Tickets are $50 for all day passes including access to go-karts, Eurobungy trampoline, drop tower, rock wall, mini golf, bumper cars, laser tag and XD dark ride. Discounted prices will be available for children four years old and under. 
 
If you have questions regarding the event, contact OCES at 508-584-1561 ext. 372. If you would like to donate visit www.ocesma.org/donations 
 
OCES Nutrition Program 
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, but also often the only social contact of the day. Connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay. 
  
Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu
For a list of Community Dining meal sites, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/nutrition.  Please call the meal site to make a reservation. 
 
For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call 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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  
 

OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park on September 17Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Staff with Milestone Awards

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is pleased to announce staff member milestone longevity awards for fiscal year 2023.

In appreciation of their employees’ hard work and commitment, staff members from OCES’ Brockton and Plymouth offices received milestone longevity awards. 

Nicole Long, CEO of OCES, presented the following staff with award certificates honoring their years of dedicated service: Maria Maynard, MSM was recognized for 20 years of service and Elizabeth Dos Santos, SCO/OCP Program Manager was recognized for 15 years of service. 

Patricia Livie, Outreach/Education Specialist; Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager; Eliza Chace, Home Care Program Supervisor; Deana Andrade, Behavioral Health Supervisor; and Benjamin Aaron Medd, Human Resource Specialist were recognized for 10 years of service. 

Jessica Andrade, SCO Program Supervisor and Exant Louisne Jr, Accountant were recognized for six years of service. 

Valerie Moore, AFC Advisor RN; Molly Draffone, HC CM; Dinamene Cardoso, GSSC; Christopher Haggerty, HC Transition Support Supervisor; Erin Meany, HC CM; Carla Veiga, Provider Billing Specialist; Cheryl Walker, Nutrition Program Specialist; Jeffrey Olivier, Supportive Housing Specialist; Christine Carpenter, PS Supervisor; Timothy Craig Smith Jr, System Support Supervisor; Rachael Ambroult, GSSC; Rachel Kennedy, HC Program Supervisor; Elida Teixeira, I&R Specialist; Marie Andre, GSSC; David Wilcox, MSM; Alyssa Cerri, GSSC; Eugenia Goncalves, GSSC; Luisa Depina, GSSC; Erin Dunlap, HC Program Supervisor; Mathew Mangano, I&R Specialist; Brenna Castillo, PS Specialist were recognized for five years of service.

According to Long, “It’s a great pleasure to recognize our staff members for their unwavering dedication to our organization and in serving the community for many years. We appreciate the efforts of all our employees for their contributions and commitment to our mission.”

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community.

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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Staff with Milestone AwardsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Behavioral Health Manager to Oversee Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and other Behavioral Health Programs

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Deana Andrade, LICSW, MSW has been promoted to Behavioral Health Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns.

Deana Andrade, LICSW, MSW
Deana Andrade, LICSW, MSW

Andrade has been with OCES for 11 years and has been promoted several times – from Supportive Housing Specialist intern to Home Care Case Manager, to Consumer Advocate to Behavioral Health Supervisor. In her most recent position, Andrade developed Behavioral Health Programs including ANCHOR (Advocating and Navigating Care in the Home for Ongoing Risks, as well as the Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT), and the Clutter Reduction Support Program (CRSP).

Andrade holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and Master of Social Work from University of New England in Maine. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. (NASW).

In her new role as OCES’ Behavioral Health Manager, Andrade will oversee behavioral health initiatives including ANCHOR and EMHOT, as well as hoarding and clutter reduction programs. Her responsibilities will also include conducting in-home assessments and supervising contracted LICSWs and clinical social work-related committees. Andrade will provide supportive consultation, assessment, and referral services to OCES staff in matters concerning behavioral health issues affecting the well-being of OCES’ consumers. In addition, she will facilitate support groups with/for Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Resource Network as needed.

Over the years, Andrade has served as a Facilitator in Buried in Treasures Workshops, and she provides clinical supervision to Social Work interns. She is the Chairperson of OCES’ Ethics Committee, The Social Work Licensure Program Coordinator and Internship Committee Coordinator. She is also a member of Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Resource Network (GBAH).

Elder Mental Health Outreach at OCES
OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) offers behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities (who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. OCES’ team provides counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis. 

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

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Behavioral Health Manager to Oversee Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and other Behavioral Health ProgramsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Quality and Contracts Manager

Vicky Rateau, LSW

BROCKTON, NORTH ATTLEBORO AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has promoted Vicky Rateau, LSW to Quality and Contracts Manager. 
 
In her new role as Quality and Contracts Manager, Rateau will implement and monitor all facets of the provider contract process and ensure a robust, coordinated provider-services network for OCES consumers. She will also facilitate and monitor quality compliance across the organization and provide oversight. Prior to her promotion, Rateau held the position of OCES’ Quality and Contracts Supervisor for two years, overseeing the provider services team and maintaining provider contracts. 
 
Rateau graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Boston with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a minor in Biology. She holds a License in Social Work (LSW). 
 
She is a resident of North Attleboro, MA.
 
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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Quality and Contracts ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers with Awards and Appreciation Luncheon


Front row, left to right:  Rick Alvarnaz, Sharon Perry, Rochelle Degany, Sophia Loc-Tringali, Sandra Saltzman, Kathleen Breen, Christina Butta, John Tuffy, Sharon Frank, Peter Keohan, Nancy McDermott, Cidalia America and Kari Anderson. 
 
Back row, left to right:  Steve Meissner, Anne-Marie Borsje, Joanne Protasewich, Sherry Williamson, Mi Kim, David Drain, and Paul McDermott  
 
BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, HALIFAX, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, PLYMOUTH, STOUGHTON, WAREHAM, MA… More than 220 volunteers from Southeastern Massachusetts attended Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.  
 
The Plymouth County based non-profit agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities honored their volunteers and presented special awards to 22 volunteers. 
 
OCES is a National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Certifying Organization which honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make. Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager and Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator hosted the event and bestowed the awards. 
 
Sharon Frank of Wareham was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.  The PVSA’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes 4000+ volunteer hours in a lifetime. 
 
The Annual Gold Award is given to those who have volunteered for more than 500 hours during the year. The PVSA’s Annual Gold Award was presented to Anne-Marie Borsje, David Drain, Peter Keohan, Mi Kim, Nancy McDermott, Joanne Protasewich, Sophia Loc-Tringali, John Tuffy, Gary Peterson, Marie Claire Ording, Richard Shoemaker and Sherry Williamson of Duxbury; Steve Meissner of Easton; Christina Butta of Middleboro; Kathleen Breen of Plymouth; and Sandra Saltzman of Stoughton.  
 
OCES’ Make a Difference Award recognizes exceptional volunteers for their dedication to helping others making an impact on the community. Sharon Perry of Halifax, along with OCES staff members and volunteers Rochelle Degany, Rick Alvarnaz, Paul and Neal Mullen were each presented with the Make a Difference Award.  
 
“We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others in our community and making the world a better place,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. 
 
More about the PVSA 
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.  As an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, OCES receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for volunteers age 55+. RSVP of Plymouth County (RSVP-PC) volunteers help OCES and other local agencies that are Community Service Partners.  
 
Volunteering for OCES 
The Volunteer Program supports OCES and other RSVP-PC Community Service Partners. With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,000 meals each weekday as part of its Meals on Wheels Program. Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, MMP and RSVP Community Advisory councils and contribute to many other important efforts. 
 
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, 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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers with Awards and Appreciation LuncheonRead More

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), recently held “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth to raise awareness of elder abuse.

“Last year, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs reported 37,918 reports of elder abuse in the state,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders have experienced some form of abuse – physical, mental, emotional or financial. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Both of our Marches Against Elder Abuse events were extremely well-attended, and we cannot thank our community enough for coming together to raise awareness of this important issue.  We must continue to work together- if you see something, say something!”

Raising Awareness in Brockton
The Brockton March Against Elder Abuse event, which included a rally at the Brockton Rox Campanelli Stadium and luncheon, held at the Shaw’s Center on June 15, 2023, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Senator Michael Brady and Representative Rita Mendes were among 150 in attendance.

Special guest speakers during this event included: Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan; Janice Fitzgerald, Director at the Brockton Council on Aging; and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director at OCES.

March Against Elder Abuse event in Brockton

The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Janice Fitzgerald, Director of COA, and Dottie Slack Health Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Brockton COA.

Raising Awareness in Plymouth 
Over 100 were in attendance, including Representative Kathleen LaNatra and Representative Mathew Muratore, for the March Against Elder Abuse event along Water Street, in Plymouth on June 21, 2023. A luncheon was held at Tavern on the Wharf following the March.  Special guest speakers included: Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Michelle Bratti, Director of Elder Affairs at the Center for Active Living (CAL); and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director of OCES.

Plymouth Police Chief Dana Flynn presented the “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” to Lt. Reid and Officers Antonson and Lapollo of the Plymouth Police Department and to Lindsay Reik and April Thompson of Plymouth CAL.

OCES would like to thank the event sponsors: Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; Women of the Moose Chapter 2218; HarborOne Bank; Bluestone Bank; Rockland Federal Credit Union; Sevita; Almeida & Carlson Insurance Agency, Anodyne, and Navicare.

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 older adults aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging. 

OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse.  When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.

If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

About WEAAD
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

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

OCES

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead More

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th.  Old Colony Elder Services announces March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth.

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10 older adults experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation according to the National Council on Aging. 
 
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. To raise awareness about elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has launched a campaign for WEAAD and will hold events in both Brockton and Plymouth. 
 
Raise Awareness to Stop Elder Abuse 
OCES, in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), encourages organizations and the public to join them at “March Against Elder Abuse” events: 
 
In Brockton on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join OCES for a FREE Rally at the Rox to bring awareness to elder abuse, which will be held at the Brockton Rox Stadium, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton. Boxed lunch to follow at the Shaw’s Center which is conveniently located next to the Rox Stadium. Registration is required. To register, call 508-580-7811 or visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejqxc07x93ab146e&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
In Plymouth on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join OCES for a FREE one-mile March along Water Street in Plymouth to bring awareness to elder abuse. Gather for the March at 10:30 a.m. outside Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The March begins at 11 a.m. proceeding down Water Street then back to Tavern on the Wharf for a light lunch. Metered parking is available off street.  To register, call Terri Kourtz, 508-584-1561 ext. 255 or visit: 
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejpaoq78928026ab&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
You can also visit www.ocesma.org to register for these events. 
 
“We must work together as a community to raise awareness about elder abuse. Be proactive and join us at these events to build awareness of this important issue,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director.  

Recognizing Elder Abuse 
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. During 2022 the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs had 37,918 reports of elder abuse made. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 older adults age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.  
 
OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse.  When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary. 
 
If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275. 
 
About WEAAD 
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/ 
 
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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th.  Old Colony Elder Services announces March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services has launched an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and appointed a new Clinician

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has announced that an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) is now available to older adults and individuals with disabilities in communities throughout greater Plymouth County. 
 
OCES received funding in a recent grant award from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) which is funded through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. OCES now offers behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.  
 
According to an issue brief released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), it is estimated that 20% of adults aged 55 and older have some form of mental health concern. The brief also states that among older adults, depression (which is a mood disorder) is the most prevalent mental health problem. 
 
Social isolation, transportation issues or financial issues are some of the additional challenges older adults face when it comes to accessing behavioral health services.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. OCES’ team provides counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT program is led by Deana Andrade, LICSW, Behavioral Health Manager. Alexa Moniz, LCSW, has recently been hired as OCES’ EMHOT Clinician. Moniz holds a Master’s Degree in social work from Bridgewater State University and her clinical experience includes working in geriatric care for seven years, and four years as a licensed social worker. She has worked in long-term care, case management, housing, mobile crisis, and psychiatric services in nursing homes.  
 
Referrals to OCES’ EMHOT can be made by anyone including an individual in need. To make a referral or to gather additional information from OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
OCES provides vital information, resources, and coordination of services that promote healthy and safe living, and that helps older adults remain active and engaged in their lives and in their own communities for as long as possible. 
 
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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services has launched an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and appointed a new ClinicianRead More