Unleash the Power of The Press

OCES

OCES Assists at Vaccination Clinic for Residents at Wareham’s Redwood Park Housing

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, was onsite to assist Wareham Housing Authority at their Redwood Park vaccination clinic held March 24, 2021.

Jillian Brown, OCES’ Supportive Housing Coordinator for Wareham’s Redwood Park processes the necessary forms during the recent COVID-19 vaccination clinic held onsite for residents.

The Wareham Housing Authority held a COVID-19 first dose vaccination clinic at Redwood Park Housing, 34 Church Avenue, to provide homebound and most vulnerable residents access to the vaccine. Wareham EMS administered the vaccine, assisted by 20 OCES volunteers and staff who processed consent forms and provided general support. A total of 50 residents were vaccinated that day.

According to residents Lucy (age 88), who received the vaccine alongside her husband Harold, “We’re just plain lucky! Harold will be celebrating his 90th birthday later this month and we’re overjoyed with the possibility of celebrating this milestone with our family now that we have received the vaccine.”

“Without having the vaccine brought to them, many residents would not have opted to receive the vaccine due to distance, transportation issues and difficulties navigating the website to register,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “OCES is working with local housing authorities, offering assistance onsite at vaccination clinics throughout our service area.”  

Supportive Housing in Wareham

OCES works with the Wareham Housing Authority to provide a supportive housing program at Redwood Park. Supportive Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place, while also enriching the lives of those residents. To learn more about OCES’ housing programs, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/housing-options/

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org

OCES Assists at Vaccination Clinic for Residents at Wareham’s Redwood Park HousingRead More

How Family and Friends Can Support a Person with Hoarding Disorder – Virtual Workshop on March 23rd

The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) in conjunction with Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and MassHousing are  sponsoring a FREE virtual workshop entitled “How Family and Friends Can Support a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder” presented by Becca Belofsky, co-founder of Mutual Support Consulting LLC.

The workshop is specifically for family members and friends of loved ones with hoarding disorder and will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

What is Hoarding?

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

“This virtual workshop demonstrates how family and friends can support a loved one struggling with compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding,” explained Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and president of GBAH. “Essentially, a hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This workshop will help attendees to better understand and support the person they care about using practical skills and compassion.”

Register online by March 16th.  Simply click the event link on OCES’ home page – https://www.ocesma.org.

Or, register by calling Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

About Becca Belofsky, Presenter

Becca Belofsky is an international trainer, speaker, and relationship coach. She has a degree in psychology from Smith College and is a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist. Her areas of expertise include hoarding disorder, identity, and social connectedness throughout the lifespan. Becca is an outspoken mental health advocate and is candid about her experiences with depression, suicidal ideation, OCD, compulsive shopping, and grief. She facilitates professional development trainings & peer support groups, and provides individual support for people with HD and their family members.  For more information about Ms. Belofsky, visit her website, http://www.mutual-support.com

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

How Family and Friends Can Support a Person with Hoarding Disorder – Virtual Workshop on March 23rdRead More

With a growing number of individuals needing assistance, OCES appeals to the community to support their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday.

With continued uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s imperative that older adults and individuals with disabilities have a place to turn to when faced with an emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation.

Whether struggling with an empty oil tank, an emergency home repair, an inability to pay for necessary medication or other dire situation, Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has an Emergency Fund to help those most vulnerable in the community.

OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. OCES’ Emergency Fund has been used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, life-sustaining medications, hot water heaters and other needs.

#GivingTuesday is December 1st

Last year, OCES received more than $8,200 in donations to their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday. The agency hopes to meet or exceed that amount this year. OCES’ theme for #GivingTuesday 2020 is #CommunityTogether. Please support OCES as we come together as one community to help keep our neighbors safe and independent during these challenging times #Communitytogether.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of older residents in the 23 communities we serve who need assistance with basic needs such as putting meals on their table or heating their home. Emergency Fund is what supports OCES in providing this assistance,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO. “This year has been incredibly challenging for so many in our community. If possible, on #GivingTuesday, please consider making a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund to help support our neighbors in need.”

OCES is recognized as a tax exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.  To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org/donations/. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

For more information, call OCES 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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

With a growing number of individuals needing assistance, OCES appeals to the community to support their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday.Read More

OCES Announces Staff Promotions

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has announced two staff promotions at their Brockton, MA headquarters.

Samantha Sousa, a resident of Brockton, has been promoted from Home Care Supervisor to Home Care Program Assistant Manager at OCES. In her new role, Ms. Sousa assists in overseeing the daily operations and functionalities of the Home Care Program. This includes conducting routine bi-weekly supervision with Home Care Supervisors, monitoring program transfers, and developing care plan budgets and other reports to ensure compliance and quality within the department. Ms. Sousa began her career at OCES in 2013 as a Care Manager in the Home Care Department where she conducted home visits. She was promoted to Home Care Supervisor in 2015 where she supervised a Program Assistant and team of Case Managers. 

Ms. Sousa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stonehill College in Easton, MA and has completed Boston University’s Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER) Behavioral Health in Aging program. For eight years previous to OCES, Ms. Sousa was employed at Old Colony YMCA’s Brockton and Quincy locations where she served as Youth Advocate, Program Caseworker and Education and Family Liaison for DCF involved youth.

Crystal Carvalho, LSW, a resident of Berkley, MA, has been promoted from Senior Care Options Program Supervisor to Senior Care Options & One Care Plan Program Assistant Manager. In her new role, Ms. Carvalho assists in ensuring coordination, quality, and consistency across Senior Care Options and One Care Plan programs. She is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating program operations and staff along with ensuring program integrity and regulatory compliance. Ms. Carvalho joined OCES in 2013 as Care Manager in the Adult Family Care program, where among her responsibilities she conducted consumer assessments, trained caregivers and mentored other newly employed Care Managers. In 2018, she was promoted to Senior Care Options Program Supervisor where she trained and monitored the performance of a team of Geriatric Support Service Coordinators.

Ms. Carvalho is a Licensed Social Worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, with a minor in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. She has a Certificate in Supervision & Leadership from Boston University Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER). Previous to OCES, Ms. Carvalho was a Supervisor/Senior Job Coach at Lifeworks, Inc., Employment Services Program in Norwood, 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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org

OCES Announces Staff PromotionsRead More

“Buried in Treasures” Virtual Support Group Begins September 2nd

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding area including Easton, Stoughton, and Avon is offering an online version of their “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues. There is no cost to attend.

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding, OCES’ virtual “Buried in Treasures” confidential support group begins Wednesday, September 2, 2020 and meets once a week for 15 weeks. There is no class on November 11th.

“Buried in Treasures” is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group facilitated by OCES that meets virtually from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“We’ve received very positive feedback about our Buried in Treasures workshops,” said Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Past participants shared that the workshop was enlightening, supportive and exceeded their expectations. Others expressed that the classroom and homework combination was a great balance to help them conquer their clutter issues.” 

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

For more information or to be screened and registered for the virtual support group, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 extension 232.

What is Hoarding?

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

“Buried in Treasures” session is facilitated by OCES and sponsored by the Greater Brockton Area Task Force (GBAH), Mass Housing and OCES. 

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

“Buried in Treasures” Virtual Support Group Begins September 2ndRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse through Virtual Event

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) invites the public to participate in their virtual event to raise awareness of elder abuse.

In previous years, OCES raised awareness of elder abuse by holding “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth. This year, beginning June 15th and through the end of the month, OCES will raise awareness of elder abuse by holding a virtual WEAAD event.

The theme for WEAAD 2020 is “Lifting Up Voices”.

How it Works

To participate in OCES’ virtual event, simply take a photograph of yourself holding up a sign explaining how you are helping in the community by being a voice to help prevent and/or raise awareness about elder abuse.  Some examples of helping in the community include: checking on neighbors, listening to older adults, and reporting concerns.

Then, upload your picture to OCES’ WEAAD event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/602292773713778/ or follow OCES @OCESMA on Facebook for more information.  

Use the hashtags #ElderAbuse #LiftingUpVoices #WEAAD when posting your pictures.

“OCES’ call-to-action is for organizations, communities and individuals to lift up their voices – and raise awareness about elder abuse,” explained Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director at OCES. “Even with social distancing, we can still work together, to collaborate and build awareness to this important issue.”

To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

See Something, Say Something

OCES encourages anyone witnessing elder abuse to report it. Be proactive and be a part of the solution to help end elder abuse.

Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect or self neglect. Common risk factors are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. 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 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse.

OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, financial exploitation and/or self–neglect. When there is a report 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 is necessary by a Protective Services Worker.

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

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse through Virtual EventRead More

PPG Foundation Provides Essential Support to Old Colony Elder Services’ Nutrition Program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County as well as Avon, Stoughton and Easton, MA, has received a generous donation from the PPG Foundation on behalf of its aerospace facility located in Avon.  

The PPG Foundation is supporting local organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and has made a $5,000 donation to OCES’ Nutrition Program for the Meals on Wheels daily home delivery of meals.

This funding comes at a critical time as referrals to OCES’ Nutrition Program for home delivered meals has dramatically increased due to COVID-19.  Not only are people staying home, they are interacting with family and friends less so the need for a daily safety check has become crucial to supporting the older adults in greater Plymouth County.  

OCES delivers over 45,000 nutritious meals a month to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within the 23 communities in their service area. All meals are planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes. 

“We are extremely grateful to the PPG Foundation for their generous donation to our Meals on Wheels program, as their support helps us to provide essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals to our most vulnerable residents,” said Nicole Long, CEO. 

All of OCES’ programs – from Nutrition and Home Care to Protective Services – remain in place and are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information or services from OCES, contact their Information and Referral Department at 508-584-1561. 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.1 billion in 2019. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

PPG Foundation Provides Essential Support to Old Colony Elder Services’ Nutrition ProgramRead More

Congregate Housing Units in Bridgewater & Stoughton Now Available

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County announces Congregate Housing Program availability in Bridgewater and Stoughton, MA.

Congregate Housing is a shared living environment where consumers have their own private bedroom, and communal living space such as kitchens and sometimes bathrooms. Openings are available to older adults and individuals with disabilities at the Bridgewater and Stoughton housing authority sites.  

The Heritage Circle Congregate, located at 10 Heritage Circle in Bridgewater has a total of 10 units. Currently, at this location there are three units available. In Stoughton, there are a total of 19 units at The Silva House located at 44 Pleasant Street with one unit available at this time.  

To be eligible for Congregate Housing, applicants must be 60+ years of age or have a permanent disability.

“Congregate Housing provides an alternative housing option for older adults and people with disabilities interested in a shared living environment to prevent premature or unwanted institutionalization and /or homelessness,” said Elizabeth Weiner, OCES Housing Programs Manager. “Congregate housing is a good option for individuals who find it difficult to live alone or who enjoy the security of living with others.”

The goal of Congregate Housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services while providing group living support, to enrich the lives of those residents.

The Congregate Housing Coordinator, a specialist from OCES’ housing team, conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every resident residing within Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton Congregate Housing sites.  All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well.

“OCES works with housing authorities in Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton to support the residents,” explained Weiner. “Congregate Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in community.”

Those interested in Congregate Housing in Bridgewater or Stoughton can apply online by using the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing (CHAMP) application and checking off the Congregate box, or by contacting the Bridgewater or Stoughton Housing Authorities. Visit https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing authorities continue to accept applications, however the housing authorities may cease lease-ups in congregate units during the emergency, as social distancing is difficult in these settings  It is still important to be added to the wait list so that you are eligible for an assessment when lease-ups resume. 

To learn more about Housing Programs offered by OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org/getting-started/housing-options/

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Congregate Housing Units in Bridgewater & Stoughton Now AvailableRead More

Nurses are year-round heroes. OCES celebrates nursing contributions.

With 2020 designated as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and National Nurses Week celebrated May 6th to May 12th, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recognizes the essential care and contributions that nurses provide to the communities they serve every day.

“Nurses are central in the delivery of care and are on the front line in nearly every healthcare setting, from hospital to health care service agency,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The role of nurses is essential and expansive, and the need for nurses continues to increase. OCES recognizes the vital contributions of our nurses and provides them with ongoing support and resources.”

OCES has been serving the community for 46 years and currently has a team of more than two dozen nurses who assist older adults and people with disabilities thrive in the community by helping to meet their long-term personal and health goals.

OCES’ registered nurses provide care to older adults through their Home Care (HC) program and Adult Family Care (AFC) program. OCES nurses conduct overall assessments of individuals which includes health and welfare, medical conditions and limitations, fall risk, the need for personal care, formal and informal supports, clinical eligibility for various program, among other needs, then draws from community resources and programs to help provide specific services needed. There is a tremendous collaborative effort between the various disciplines at OCES and with providers in the community.

OCES is continuously looking for talented individuals who support their core values to join their growing nursing team.

Long continued, “We recognize and celebrate the contributions of nurses, particularly during this incredibly challenging time in history. Their dedication to helping others not only strengthens our communities, but makes the world a better place. Nurses everywhere deserve our deepest appreciation.”

For more information about OCES, visit www.ocesma.org

The Year of the Nurse

2020 marks the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. In recognition of the contributions of the founder of modern nursing, the World Health Organization has announced 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. To learn more, visit https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org

Nurses are year-round heroes. OCES celebrates nursing contributions.Read More