Unleash the Power of The Press

Old Colony Elder Services

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. 

OCES announces virtual Healthy Eating Program to begin January 12thRead More

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.

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

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

“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