Unleash the Power of The Press

Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services Focuses on Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, invites the community to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support the OCES Emergency Fund program. Coming just after Thanksgiving, in the same way that Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday kicks off the giving season.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018 is #GivingTuesday. 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. OCES has joined the #GivingTuesday movement to raise money for their Emergency Funds program. The OCES theme this year is #ICareIShare.

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.

Last year, OCES raised $7,714 for their Emergency Fund. This year’s goal is to break the $10,000 mark.  With the number of individuals needing assistance increasing each year, OCES’ fundraising goal is to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity so they can continue to make a critical difference in the lives of consumers served.  OCES’ Emergency Fund supports dozens of consumers throughout the year faced with unforeseen emergency events, answering urgent needs such as filling an empty fuel tank, repairing a broken furnace, or providing life-sustaining medications.

To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on #GivingTuesday. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

To encourage others to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support OCES, share it on social media platforms using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #ICareIShare.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.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 has 232 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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 Focuses on Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesdayRead More

OCES Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Belair Supportive Housing Program

L to R: Susan Willis, ASAP Programs Director, OCES; Liz Weiner, Housing Programs Manager, OCES; Melany Carvalho, Supportive Housing Specialist, OCES; Paulina Sliwinski Human Resources Manager, Geriatric Home Health Care; Ron Dimarzio, Residential Service Coordinator, Brockton Area Multi Service, Inc. (BAMSI)

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, celebrated the 10th anniversary of providing supportive services to the residents of Brockton Housing Authority’s Belair Towers complex.

“The partnership between Brockton Housing Authority and OCES is designed to create a community environment that allows residents to age in place,” explained Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager at OCES. “The goal of Supportive Housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services for the individuals that reside at a particular local housing authority site, such as the Belair Towers complex.”

OCES has been successfully operating supportive housing programs such as the one that runs at Belair Towers, for over a decade. The agency works with housing entities throughout the greater Plymouth county area to support both residents and housing management.

How the Supportive Housing Program Works

OCES’ Supportive Housing Specialist conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every new resident at a supportive housing site. All residents at a supportive housing site are eligible for information and referral services, medication reminders, safety checks and social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well. OCES has a direct service worker onsite seven days a week, who is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., which ensures that residents have someone on hand to assist them.

OCES is always looking to incorporate new educational and recreational events onsite and encourages intergenerational ideas.

“We want to work with all housing entities throughout our area to support housing management and residents,” said Weiner. “Our focus is on enriching the lives of our supportive housing residents, and on making aging in place healthy, safe, and wonderful.”

For more information about OCES’ Supportive Housing Program, visit  www.ocesma.org or call 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 Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Belair Supportive Housing ProgramRead More

Old Colony Elder Services is Growing. Agency Seeks Nurses to Meet Demand

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has experienced significant growth and is hiring RNs for their nursing team.

The agency, which has offices in Brockton and Plymouth, employs more than 240 and recently celebrated their 44th anniversary.  Currently, OCES has a team of 20 nurses on staff who work diligently every day to help older adults age in place in a supported way, through comprehensive programs such as nutrition, personal care and money management. The agency is in need of additional nurses to meet increased demand for services from a fast-growing aging population.

For the OCES nurse, the process of helping a client starts with a referral and assessment. Once the level of care needed is determined, the nurse works with an OCES Care Manager and a plan is put into place. Arrangements can then be made for a variety of services, such as a home health aide. OCES works with agencies that provide these services, and also monitors the delivery of those services to ensure quality control.

“What is wonderful about my work is that I can take a holistic approach; a teaching approach, and be a strong advocate for my patients,” says Brenda Bernard, nurse and Home Care Services Manager at OCES. “I have the ability to spend more time with them than I might be able to do in a hospital setting. I get to know my patients and tell their compelling story through my reports. In this way, others will know my patients as well and help me to create a better, more comfortable, and healthier environment for them.”

OCES offers their staff opportunities for development and advancement, and places an emphasis on work/life balance. They also offer a generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, life and disability insurances, a 401(k) plan, and an innovative Employee Wellness Program, which encourages and supports employees in healthy lifestyle choices.

According to Nicole Long, CEO of OCES, “An OCES nurse makes the difference in the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities every day. OCES is continuously looking for talented individuals who support our core values to join our nursing team.”

For more information on becoming part of the OCES team and making a difference in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities, contact OCES’ Human Resources department at 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.  Job opportunities are also posted on Indeed.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 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 is Growing. Agency Seeks Nurses to Meet DemandRead More

OCES is recruiting volunteers

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is currently recruiting volunteers at their Plymouth Volunteer Center.

Employees of local businesses seeking outreach opportunities, retirees, students and others are encouraged to consider volunteering at OCES.

OCES offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to match volunteer interests, from supporting the Nutrition Program by delivering Meals on Wheels, and supporting the Money Management Program by helping someone balance their budget and pay their bills on time, to supporting the Music & Memory program by cataloguing and downloading songs to iPods for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The OCES Volunteer Center is located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth. The Center is a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance. It is also a place for prospective volunteers to talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests.

For anyone who is 55 and older, OCES can provide information on the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is part of the Senior Corps network under the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement.

OCES recruits people of all ages to volunteer for programs at OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools and organizations throughout Plymouth County.

For an overview about volunteering at OCES, watch the recent Brockton Community Access Television – Living Out Loud segment on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/273312031

OCES’ Volunteer Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment only on Wednesday and Thursday. For more information about volunteering at OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org/volunteer/ or contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator 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 is recruiting volunteersRead More

ADA Anniversary is July 26th – OCES Recommits Focus and Encourages Community to Pledge Support of Americans with Disabilities Act

During the month of July, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) celebrates the 28th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law on July 26, 1990 by then President George H.W. Bush.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is recommitting their focus on the principles of equality and inclusion that the ADA represents.

The ADA is a civil rights law that protects people from discrimination due to disability. The law has five major sections, or titles, focusing on employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA also protects individuals from discrimination based on a “perceived” disability, and its protection also extends to any individual who is discriminated against because of their association with an individual who is disabled. The ADA has reduced barriers and changed perceptions, but the work is continuous.

OCES encourages the public to visit the ADA’s Anniversary website at www.adaanniversary.org for more information, and to join other residents of Massachusetts who have signed the pledge to support the ADA.

The New England ADA Center

The New England ADA Center is one of 10 regional ADA Centers comprising the ADA National Network. Learn more about how they are celebrating the 28thanniversary of the ADA by visiting www.newenglandada.org/join-us-celebrating-28th-anniversary-ada

No Wrong Door

OCES is a member of the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts (ADRC SE SM). Member organizations, including OCES, Independence Associates, Bristol Elder Services, Coastline Elder Services, SCIL (Southeast Center for Independent Living) and South Shore Elder Services, work together to connect consumers with services and support to help individuals live independently in the community.

“The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts demonstrates the power of the ‘No Wrong Door’ system and supports the spirit of the ADA,” said Susan Willis, Aging Services Access Point Program Director at OCES. “This collaboration between Aging Services Access Points and Independent Living Centers provides a vast regional support network to consumers and caregivers, empowering them with individualized information, resources and supports to access what they need regardless of their age or disability.”

Support may include assistance with transitioning from a hospital or skilled nursing facility, housing assistance, benefits advocacy or referrals to other programs such as Options Counseling, Personal Care Management (PCM) or the Adult Family Care (AFC) Programs.

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 has 232 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

ADA Anniversary is July 26th – OCES Recommits Focus and Encourages Community to Pledge Support of Americans with Disabilities ActRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Award-Winning Program at Duxbury COA beginning in July

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has announced the next session of the award-winning “A Matter of Balance” program which will be presented at the Council on Aging, 10 Mayflower Street, Duxbury.

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and as a result restrict their activities. OCES will address these concerns at “A Matter of Balance”, an eight-session program at the Duxbury COA. Classes will be held from 9 am to 11 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 17 to August 9, 2018.

Primma-Latise Murry and Donna-Marie Forand, and Pat Livie of OCES’ Healthy Living Department will co-lead the classes, which are designed to help participants minimize the impact of falls and increase activity levels.

A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program that emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Older adults participating in the program learn how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

To learn more about A Matter of Balance program, visit www.ocesma.org or contact 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Award-Winning Program at Duxbury COA beginning in JulyRead More

Placemat Projects Spread Cheer to Hundreds of Meals on Wheels Recipients in Brockton

This summer, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Meals on Wheels recipients in Brockton will receive a very special placemat along with their nutritious meal delivery, thanks to the efforts of Gilmore Elementary School and the Common Threads Quilting group of the Christ Congregational Church (CCC) in Brockton.

The placemats, which are all unique handmade pieces of art, will not only brighten up the delivery of nutritious meals, but also become part of the socialization, friendly smile, and wellness check for many Meals on Wheels consumers living alone.

As part of their “Kicking Off Kindness” and Peace Rally, the children at Gilmore Elementary School in Brockton created over 500 pieces of placemat art that will be delivered to OCES consumers who are part of the Meals on Wheels program. The placemats are cheerful and colorful, with many containing words of encouragement such as “Kindness is always a Good Choice”, “Keep Calm and Be You”, “Play Happy”, and “It’s A Wonderful Time of the Year to be Kind, Joyful and Healthy”.

The Common Threads Quilting group of CCC in Brockton exudes compassion and caring through the creation of 500 quilted placemats for OCES’ Meals on Wheels recipients. The CCC’s mission is creating a beloved community, and the Common Threads Quilting members have been doing so for more than 10 years. In addition to the quilted placemats for those receiving Meals on Wheels, they craft gorgeous quilts for church members who might be ill, or for newborns in neonatal intensive care ward, and many others.

“Old Colony Elder Services is thankful for these wonderful, thoughtful placemat works of art to share with our Meals on Wheels community,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

With the help of more than 450 volunteers, OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, delivers more than 1,600 meals each week to Meals on Wheels recipients in their service area.

Long continued, “The Meals on Wheels program is essential to many older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or able to attend one of our community dining sites. Through Meals on Wheels, they receive a nutritious meal daily, as well as a friendly visit and safety check. We believe that each of these handmade creations will find a very special place in the kitchens – and hearts – of our Meals on Wheels recipients.”

The colorful placemats will be distributed by OCES’ Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers in June, July and August.

OCES Nutrition Program

More than 11,000 older adults participating in the Massachusetts Elderly Nutrition program responded to a statewide survey (Fiscal Year 2017 Satisfaction & Outcomes) which assessed the impact and quality of meals provided at Community Dining sites or delivered to their homes, known as “Meals on Wheels”.

OCES’ Satisfaction Survey results substantiate that their program helps with food security, provides significant nutrition, health and wellness benefits, while also providing a safety check and reducing isolation. Additionally, 82 percent reported satisfaction with the meals – rating them excellent or good. For full results of the survey, visit https://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 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.

Placemat Projects Spread Cheer to Hundreds of Meals on Wheels Recipients in BrocktonRead More

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton-based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined forces with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) to “March Against Elder Abuse”. On June 14th, over 150 members from the community and the two organizations marched down Main Street in Brockton in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.

June is designated as Elder Abuse Awareness Month by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

Joining the COA and OCES in the effort were Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, and sponsors the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, HarborOne Bank, Papa Gino’s, the Rotary Club of Brockton, Sign Design, Roche Brothers, Shaw’s, and the Plymouth Police Relief Association.

Community Activists Awarded
After the march, participants gathered at the Brockton COA where Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA and Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES sharedinformation on how to assist elders in need and answered questions. A representative from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs also participated in the event. Awards were presented to activists in the community who have supported efforts around this issue, including Aguinaldo “Nato” Fonseca, Vice President and Business Development Officer of HarborOne Bank, Officer Anthony Giardini from the Brockton Police Department, and SignDesign.

Last year, OCES’ Protective Services Department received close to 2,000 reports of suspected elder abuse and financial exploitation. Types of abuse include physical, verbal, sexual and financial. When there is a referral made to OCES by Centralized Intake at the Elder Abuse Hotline, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

Citations commemorating Elder Abuse Awareness Month were presented by Mayor Bill Carpenter from the City of Brockton, State Representative Gerard Cassidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Congressman Stephen Lynch from the U.S. House of Representatives.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. As individuals, and working together, we can make a difference,” noted Susan Willis, ASAP Program Director.

Teresa Kourtz of OCES advises, “Help us shine a light on elder abuse. If you see something, say something.”

If you know, or suspect, that an elder is being mistreated or neglected, call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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.

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Nutrition Workshops on June 11th and 14th

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” (BKDD) week is June 9-15, 2018 and 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 hold two fun and educational nutrition workshops.

OCES has joined the coalition of Old Colony YMCA and more than 40 other area organizations in this weeklong event dedicated to raising diabetes awareness through workshops, seminars and events.

Nutrition Workshops

On Monday, June 11, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., OCES joins Brockton Council on Aging to present “That’s a Handful?! Portion Size Matters” workshop at Brockton Adult Day Health Center, 764 N. Main Street in Brockton. Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES and Dorothy Slack, RN of Brockton Council on Aging will the lead this fun workshop where you measure food portions to test your guesses.

On Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., OCES will present “Healthy Eating at the Dollar Store” workshop at Training Resources of America, 231 Main Street #302 in Brockton. Can you purchase items at a discount store and still maintain healthy eating habits?  Yes, you can, and this workshop shows you how to make informed choices. Patricia Livie, Outreach and Education Specialist and Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES will lead this workshop.

Family Fun Walk & Expo

BKDD kicks-off on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. with the Leo MacNeil Family Fun Walk at the Massasoit Community College Campus in Brockton. Following the morning walk, a number of health care providers and community-based organizations will share information about nutrition and healthy living at informational booths during Signature Healthcare’s Health & Wellness Expo, held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the college. Fitness, cooking demonstrations, local vendor exhibits, raffles and screenings also will be offered at the Expo.

All events are free and open to the public.

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes is a family-friendly event that offers screenings, fun activities and numerous opportunities to learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices, taking steps to prevent diabetes and living a healthier life,” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director at OCES.

For more information about OCES’ workshops and other events during BKDD week, visit https://forhealthycommunities.com/bkdd

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 Announces Nutrition Workshops on June 11th and 14thRead More