Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) 4th Annual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Road Race/Walk raised $12,000 for the Nutrition Program thanks to 71 runners/walkers, 22 sponsors and a number of supporters.

Held on April 28, 2019 at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, the race raised funds for OCES’ Nutrition Program for seniors in greater Plymouth County.  This Program offers “Meals on Wheels” as well as a variety of Community Dining Sites to choose from.        

OCES delivers 1,600 nutritious meals a day to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. All meals are planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered either to individual homes or to Community Dining Sites, which provide older adults opportunities for social interaction. 

Awards

The overall winner of the race was John Noland with a time of 18:56. Awards were presented that included overall first, second and third male and female runners as well as first place male and female in a variety of age groups.  The full race results can be found at http://www.coolrunning.com/results/19/ma/Apr28_4thAnn_set1.shtml

OCES would like to thank race sponsors: Platinum Heel sponsors MountainOne and Geriatric Home Healthcare; Golden Heel sponsor Anodyne; Silver Heel sponsor Best of Care; Bronze Heel sponsors Nutter, Home Health Resources Inc., Brockton Adult Day Health, Senior Whole Health, Tufts Health Plan and Abbott Care; Supportive Heel sponsors Alert Sentry Group, Bayada Home Health Care, Diman Laundry, Greater Boston Home Health Care Services, Harmony and Mansfield Adult Day Health Centers, Law Office of Paula M.P. Schlosser, Old Colony Hospice, United Health Care Community Plan and South Shore Bank. OCES also thanks in-kind sponsors: Old Colony YMCA, Cravings Café Kingston (coffee); Wingate at Silver Lake (food) and Polar Beverage (water).

“We’re very fortunate for such a wonderful turnout and the support of so many sponsors, participants and individuals,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “The Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K is one of our major fundraisers and we exceeded our goal by $1,000! Thank you to all who helped raise funds for the Nutrition Program, as it enables us to enhance quality of life for thousands of older adults by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals.”

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

Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $12K at Annual Road Race which Supports Senior Nutrition ProgramRead More

In an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, invites the public to attend or participate in “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth.

June 15^th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. In an effort to increase awareness, OCES invites the public, civic leaders, health workers and community supporters to the following “March Against Elder Abuse” events:

On Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 10 a.m., OCES will hold a banner raising ceremony in front of their offices at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth County Sheriff, Joseph McDonald Jr, as well as the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Brockton Fire Department, and the Brockton Council on Aging will be present to raise the first March Against Elder Abuse banner.

On Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., OCES, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and participants will March Against Elder Abuse along Main Street. The March starts at 12 p.m. at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way and continues to OCES’ office and back. Upon returning to the COA, participants will enjoy a special lunch with guest speakers.

RSVP by June 6^th to Lisa Mullin at 508-584-1561 ext. 220 or email lmullin@ocesma.org.

On Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the Center for Active Living (formerly known as Plymouth Council on Aging) will March Against Elder Abuse in Plymouth. The March begins at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road in Plymouth. Participants will be transported to the Pilgrim Memorial State Park to walk at 11 a.m., then transported back to the center for a lunch and a special ceremony.

RSVP by June 13^th to Lisa Mullin at 508-584-1561 ext. 220 or email lmullin@ocesma.org, or directly to the Center for Active Living 508-830-4230.

All events will be held rain or shine.

Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or 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 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 need help or information, call OCES Protective Services at 508-584-1561. 

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

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Focuses on Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse. March Against Elder Abuse Events in Brockton and Plymouth AnnouncedRead More

Did you know that according to American Journal of Nursing greater than 50 percent of adults age 65 and older are at risk for developing malnutrition? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, will be offering free awareness clinics during the first Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week.

May is Older American’s Month, and the spotlight is on nutrition for older adults. Across the commonwealth, 76 malnutrition awareness clinics and events will be conducted between May 13-17, 2019.

Malnutrition is not the same as being underweight and can affect those who are overweight as well. Malnutrition can increase one’s risk of infection, falls, and wounds as well as decrease one’s quality of life. 

OCES invites older adults to participate in a free malnutrition awareness clinic. The clinics will be conducted by Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, OCES’ registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).  During the clinic, the RDN will assess malnutrition risk, provide a nutritious snack, offer healthy diet information, and answer questions. 

OCES’ malnutrition awareness clinics will be held at the following sites:

On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 10-11 a.m. at Belair Towers, 105 Belair Street, Brockton, MA.

On Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 10-11 a.m. at the Kingston Council on Aging, 30 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA.

For more information about OCES’ malnutrition awareness clinics, contact OCES at 508-584-1561.

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), Massachusetts’ Elderly Nutrition Program is funded by the Older American’s Act and state funding.  Over nine million meals are provided to approximately 75,000 seniors in order to improve nutrition, reduce hunger, and promote socialization.  Over 7,000 volunteers contribute approximately 450,000 hours yearly.

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

First Annual Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week – OCES offers Awareness Clinics May 15 & 16Read More

The 4th Annual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Road Race/Walk will be held Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, MA.

It is time to spring into action! Gather friends, family, and co-workers to enjoy this family fun 5K that will include free kid friendly activities hosted by Old Colony YMCA Camp Clark all while raising funds for a good cause. Whether you participate as part of a team or as an individual runner/walker, you’ll help raise funds to support Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) vital Nutrition program. 

OCES would like to thank all race sponsors, in particular their Platinum Heel sponsors MountainOne, Geriatric Home Healthcare and their Golden Heel sponsor Anodyne. OCES delivers 1,600 nutritious meals a day to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. All meals are planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered either to individual homes or to Community Dining Sites, which provide older adults opportunities for social interaction.  

The cost of one registration for the 5K Road Race/Walk helps cover the cost of one individual receiving a daily meal for almost a week.

“Last year, we raised $11,000 for our Nutrition program with the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K, and our goal is to exceed that amount this year,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Team OCES is looking forward to a great race!”

About the Race 

The family-friendly race begins at 9:00 a.m. at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. Online registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K is $25 for adults; $20 for students age 11-18; $15 for children (age 10 and under) and children in carriages ride free. 

To register for the 5K, visit www.ocesma.org/5k. All participants who register by April 16^th will receive a race T-shirt.

Unable to participate in the race but still want to support OCES’ Nutrition program? You can make an online donation, visit www.ocesma.org/5k.

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

Run/Walk for Meals on Wheels on April 28th. Kingston 5K raises funds for Nutrition program for seniors in greater Plymouth County areaRead More

Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), which serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recently addressed the topic of working caregivers at Good Morning Metro South Brunch Edition at Southeastern Technical Institute.

During the special Regional Roundtable/Legislative Luncheon edition of Good Morning Metro South which covered various topics of regional concern, Long spoke to local businesses about the growing number of working caregivers and how OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program may help their employees. Specifically, Long outlined how the Family Caregiver Support Program can provide free services and support to employees who are balancing work along with caregiving for aging family members, grandchildren, or individuals with chronic condition or disability.

“According to research by Family Caregiver Alliance, one out of every six employees in the U.S. is a caregiver to a family member or loved one,” explained Long. 

OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program empowers and supports working caregivers by providing them with much needed personalized information, tools and services. In this way, OCES can help companies prepare for today’s accommodating needs of their workforce.

Long, who holds a Master of Social Work from Bridgewater State University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) continued, “Handling both work and family caregiving is a difficult balancing act and each employee’s situation is unique and complex. Our goal is to support an individual’s ability to prioritize and manage their caregiving so they have a more fulfilling and balanced work/home life balance. OCES helps caregivers navigate through life’s hardest but rewarding job, while also helping to improve the productivity of working caregivers.”

To learn more about OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program or to arrange for a Family Caregiver Support Program presentation at your organization, contact Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director of OCES at bcarrens@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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

Providing Support to Working Caregivers — OCES’ CEO outlines benefits of Family Caregiver Support Program at Good Morning Metro SouthRead More

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding – a series of facilitated support groups will begin in February and March.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, along with the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) is offering “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support groups for individuals with hoarding issues.

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” confidential support groups are free of charge and meet once a week for 15 weeks at the following locations:

In Brockton at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, beginning February 12, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Kelly Mules at 508-580-4691 ext. 1812. This session is facilitated South Bay Community Services in partnership with OCES, and sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing and OCES. 

In Carver at the Council on Aging, 48 Lakeview Street, South Carver, beginning March 5, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or to register for the Carver support group, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232. This session is sponsored by South Shore Community Partners in Prevention and OCES.

“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.

“Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group for people with hoarding issues,” explained Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. 

OCES was awarded two generous grants for the “Buried in Treasures” programs: The Mass Housing Lee A. Mannillo Grant for $4,000 and South Shore Community Partners in Prevention Mini Grant of $3,500.

“We’re delighted that the Lee A. Mannillo grant was renewed for the Buried in Treasures program. We’re also very pleased that in addition, OCES has received the South Shore Community Partners in Prevention grant, as it enabled us to expand the program,” noted Kourtz.

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

“Buried in Treasures” Support Groups Begin in February and March in Brockton and CarverRead More

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will offer special holiday meals at several community dining sites in December.

OCES has planned a delicious “Holiday Special” featuring roast pork with apple glaze, whipped sweet potato, green bean almandine, dinner roll and butter, along with pumpkin pie (or diet pumpkin pudding) for dessert. The Holiday Special will be offered at the following community dining sites:

On December 6, 2018 at two locations – the Halifax Council on Aging (COA) dining site at 506 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338 as well as at East Bridgewater COA dining site, 355 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333.

On December 20, 2018 at Brockton COA dining site in the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301.

On December 27, 2018 at Stoughton COA dining site at 110 Rockland Street, Stoughton, MA 02072.

“Traveling Chef Carving of the Day”will be offered at Kingston COA dining site, 30 Evergreen St, Kingston, MA 02364 on December 18, 2018 and at Wareham COA dining site, 48 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02571 on December 20, 2018. This special meal will feature roast beef with gravy, mashed potato (Kingston) au Gratin potatoes (Wareham), green bean almandine, dinner roll with butter, and a raspberry filled cookie (or diet cookie).

On December 20, 2018 at Easton COA dining site at Frothingham Hall Community Center, 15 Barrows Street, North Easton 02356, a “Home Cooked Special” will be offered featuring homemade pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, zucchini and tomatoes, whole wheat dinner roll and butter, along with chocolate eclairs for dessert (or diet chocolate pudding).

Reservations are required and may be made by calling each town’s COA directly.

Daily Meals at Community Dining Sites

OCES’ community dining sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities under the age of 60. Meals are planned by a nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not include high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

Community dining information is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at http://www.ocesma.org. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

 

OCES Announces Special Holiday Meals at Several Community Dining Sites in DecemberRead More