Old Colony Elder Services

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

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 11^th.

“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

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.

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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

With 2020 designated as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and National Nurses Week celebrated May 6^th to May 12^th, 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