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Old Colony Elder Services

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

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Dedicated Human Resources Director Retires from 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 that Maureen Hennessy, Human Resources Director of the agency, is retiring after more than six years.

Hennessy, a Pembroke, MA resident, was in charge of the Human Resources Department and Building and Office Management. She was a member of many committees both internally and externally such as the OCES Activities Committee, Employee and Management Training and Education, and staff liaison to the OCES Board of Directors on the Personnel Committee. She always advocated for OCES employees and was a strong supporter of our mission.

Maureen Hennessy

“We thank Maureen for her dedication to OCES over the past six years,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Congratulations Maureen! OCES will miss you and we wish you all the best in your retirement!”

During retirement, Maureen hopes to travel and enjoy more time with friends and family. “I was very proud to work at OCES. It is a very special agency with a very important mission. I hope it will continue to grow and help more and more consumers.”

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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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.

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Dedicated Chief Programs Officer Retires from 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 that Susan Willis, Chief Programs Officer of the agency, is retiring after more than 22 years.

Willis, a Kingston, MA resident, has been instrumental in the success of OCES. Her passion, dedication and support of programs including Home Care, Protective Services and Adult Family Care, to name a few, have made a positive impact on many individuals and families as well as OCES staff.  Susan was involved on many committees both internally and externally such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital—Plymouth’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee, Tenancy Preservation Committee, and OCES Social Work Committee. She always advocated for older adults and individuals with disabilities to have access to healthcare, in-home and community based services, as well as basic needs such as heat, medications and food.

Susan Willis

“We can’t thank Susan enough for her tireless efforts and dedication to OCES and the community over the past 22 years,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Congratulations Susan! OCES will miss you and we wish you all the best in your retirement!”

During retirement, Susan plans to spend more time with her family. “I will miss working here and OCES will hold a special place in my heart,” said Willis. 

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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OCES announces virtual Healthy Eating Program to begin January 12th

Looking for ways to improve your wellness and prevent the development or progression of chronic disease?  Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Healthy Living Program has announced a “Healthy Eating for Successful Living” virtual workshop.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, along with Bridgewater Cole-Yeaton Senior Center, the Healthy Living Center of Excellence and the AARP Foundation, is offering this complimentary educational workshop via Zoom each Tuesday, January 12 through February 23, 2021, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Participants will learn about:

– Creating healthy diet choices and tips on how to be physically active 

– Healthier eating habits and changes in eating behavior 

– Creating a healthy menu and gaining grocery shopping tips

Registration is required by calling 508-697-0929 or emailing seniorcenter@bridgewaterma.org

Class materials will be provided to participants after registration. 

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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OCES Announces Special Holiday Menus for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels Recipients

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 special holiday meals will be home delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients in November and December.

Thanksgiving Meal                                                                                            

In celebration of Thanksgiving, a special Roast Turkey dinner will be home delivered to recipients on Thursday, November 19, 2020. The meal features roast turkey with gravy, stuffing garnish, mashed potatoes, peas with pearl onions, cranberry sauce, cranberry orange loaf, and a pumpkin cookie (or Vanilla Bites) for dessert. 

Holiday Meal

On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, OCES has planned a delicious Holiday Meal featuring baked ham (low sodium) with pineapple sauce, roasted potatoes, Scandinavian vegetables and a snowflake roll along with gingerbread cookies for dessert.

OCES delivers hundreds of nutritious meals each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes. Grab & Go option is available at designated meal sites by signing up in advance with the local Council on Aging.

The Community Dining and Meals on Wheels menu is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at http://www.ocesma.org/. If you are interested in receiving Meals on Wheels or a sample menu, call OCES at (508) 584-1561. 

Please note menus are subject to change.

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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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

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Learn How to Prevent Falls and Take Steps to Reduce Risk. Falls Prevention Awareness week is September 21-25.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is committed to empowering all older adults in the community to age well and stay falls free. The agency is partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 21-25, 2020. 

Each year, one in four Americans over the age of 65 have a fall. More than 2.8 million older adults are treated in emergency departments annually because of a fall, resulting in over 800,000 hospitalizations according to the NCOA.

Falls are common, but not a normal sign of aging. In an effort to raise awareness on fall prevention, OCES will participate in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs Home Care Team second annual 2.5 Million Steps to Prevent Falls.  

Join OCES and the statewide team and count your steps. The statewide goal is to collectively achieve a total of 2.5 million steps in the name of falls prevention. If you would like to participate, simply take a walk in the name of falls prevention anytime throughout the month of September. You can use your own step counter or count each mile as 2,500 steps. Family and pets are welcome to join in and remember to wear yellow in the month of September! Share your results, comments and/or photos on social media using #MASteps2PreventFalls.

For more information please visit www.ocesma.org or learn the most common falls risk factors by completing this short survey: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeCheckUp

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.

Learn How to Prevent Falls and Take Steps to Reduce Risk. Falls Prevention Awareness week is September 21-25.Read More