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Old Colony Elder Services

Litecontrol Corporation Donates to Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, has recently received a $3,500 donation for their Emergency Fund from Litecontrol Corporation of Hanson and Plympton.

Litecontrol Corporation’s generous donation to the Emergency Fund will help provide funds for food, fuel, medication and other essentials to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation.

Every year, Litecontrol Corporation allocates funds to be donated to a local organization or cause that benefits the community.

OCES’ Emergency Fund has helped hundreds of low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities, throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, to remain in their homes over the years. Historically, the number of older adults and individuals with disabilities in need greatly increases during the winter months, when home heating costs rise as the temperature drops.

“We are very grateful to Litecontrol for their generous donation. Our Emergency Fund enables us to meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in crisis or emergency situations that threaten their health or living status, and cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource.  These needs include fuel assistance, utility bill payments, short-term emergency shelter, medical transportation, medications, hot water heaters, food and more,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About Litecontrol Corporation

For more than 75 years, Litecontrol has been the commercial lighting professional’s leading partner in design. From its early innovations in wall/slot lighting, to today’s advanced LED fixtures, Litecontrol remains committed to delivering the widest palette of tools and comprehensive services to maximize the power of lighting design and to minimize electric lighting’s environmental impact. Litecontrol has facilities in Hanson and Plympton, MA. For more information, visit http://www.litecontrol.com.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 201 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers 6-Week Diabetes Self-Management Program for Seniors at Rockland COA

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Plymouth County and Brockton areas, will offer a six-week Diabetes Self-Management Program at the Rockland Council on Aging (COA), located at 317 Plain Street.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program will be held on Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning January 28, 2015 through March 4, 2015. Because diabetes affects older adults at a much higher rate than younger adults, the program is geared towards older adults and their caregivers. Patricia Livie and Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialists at OCES, will lead the sessions.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program is an evidence-based program developed at Stanford University designed to help individuals develop a greater awareness of their role in disease management. It is for newly diagnosed older adults with Type II diabetes.  Attendees will learn about common problems with diabetes, how to read food labels, enhance communication, advocate for themselves and create an action plan.

“The goal of the Diabetes Self-Management Program is to help people choose healthy eating behaviors they would like to follow and to design strategies for incorporating these behaviors into daily life. Setting weekly goals, making an action plan, giving feedback and sharing experiences are a significant part of each workshop session,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

This is a free workshop. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Donna-Marie Forand at 508-584-1561, extension 237.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 201 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives MA Emergency Relief Grant to Provide Emergency Shelf Stable Food for Meals on Wheels Recipients

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant Program awards grants to be used in the development, implementation and expansion of emergency relief programs in the Commonwealth of MA.  Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has been awarded a $3,450 grant for their Shelf-Stable Meals emergency program.

The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant enables OCES’ Nutrition Department to help support the purchase of shelf-stable foods for home delivered meals consumers through their Meals on Wheels program. These consumers are usually living alone; have limited mobility; are unable to prepare their own meals; and in most cases, are unable to meet their dietary needs and are forced to make compromises. The shelf-stable food packets are delivered to participating consumers at least three to four times a year, to ensure that they will have food stored on hand in case of an emergency situation or inclement weather (snow storm, hurricane) prevents home delivery of their meals.

“The Meals On Wheels program is essential to these individuals, as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. With this grant, we can ensure that seniors will have an emergency supply of shelf stable foods on hand in the event of a storm or emergency situation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Bayada Home Health Care and CBS EcoMedia were the sponsors for this grant.

About OCES Nutrition Program

OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enrich older adults’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at congregate meal sites and through home delivered meals (Meals On Wheels). Congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals, Monday through Friday, at meal sites located at local Councils on Aging (COA) and/or at local housing authorities. The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over who are unable to prepare their own meals or get to a congregate meal site.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Receives MA Emergency Relief Grant to Provide Emergency Shelf Stable Food for Meals on Wheels RecipientsRead More

10 Honored at Old Colony Elder Services Staff Meeting

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, recognized 10 employees for their years of service in a ceremony held at OCES.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, thanked all staff and presented several staff with award certificates and gifts honoring their years of dedicated service. Staff recognized were: James Mileski for 35 years of service; Lorraine Wanat and Glenda L. DeVincentis for 25 years; Edna Gordon, Sharon A. Sheehan, Richard J. Alvarnaz and Sara M. Gassett for 15 years; and Jane F. Riley, Elizabeth A. Morrill and Juanita Timson-Brown for 10 years.

“Our staff members are deserving of recognition as their contributions help us to reach our goals each year. We appreciate their hard work, dedication and commitment,” said DiGiorgi.

Maureen Hennessy, OCES’ HR Manager also addressed employees during the event. The staff enjoyed refreshments, which included celebratory gourmet mini cupcakes from OCES’ small business neighbor, Mmm Licious Cupcakes of Brockton.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Family Caregivers During the Holiday Season

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance-National Center on Caregiving, 29 percent of the U.S. adult population cares for someone who is ill, disabled or aged.* The National Alliance for Caregiving reports that there are approximately 66 million unpaid caregivers providing chronic and long-term care to family members.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, shares essential tips with family caregivers to help them through the busy, and often stressful, holiday season:

Be kind to yourself.  Caregiving can be very hard work; take time to appreciate the loving care you provide.  Know that every day you are doing the best you can.

Take care of yourself.  Make and keep your own doctor’s appointments and other appointments that help to keep you well.

Remember to ask for help.  People will often be happy to assist if they know what is needed; Caregivers need a break too.

Reach out to others for professional support if needed.

Set limits for what you are able to do; no one can do everything.

The best decisions are joint decisions. When possible, include the person for whom you are caring in matters that will affect him or her.  This helps to reduce conflict and can lead to better outcomes.

Do your best to remain optimistic. This will help to lift everyone’s mood.  When difficulties arise, know that this too, shall pass.

“The majority of caregivers are family caregivers – spouses, daughters or sons caring for aging loved ones or those with chronic or disabling health conditions. The typical family caregiver often juggles caregiving with the responsibilities of a full-time job and a family,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Family caregivers are at significant risk for burnout, and that risk increases during the holiday season. It is imperative that they take care of themselves, so they remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”

Caregiver Appreciation Brunch

In recognition and appreciation of family caregivers, OCES held a Caregiver Brunch at OCES last month for caregivers who participated in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops. Each caregiver who participated in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support group was presented with a proclamation scroll signed by Governor Deval Patrick, as well as a $25 gift card and a cooking/caregiving book. Caregivers were also able to network with one another and share commonalities of their caregiver experiences.

OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist caregivers in locating resources to help them including local support groups.  In addition, the Healthy Living Department at OCES offers workshops on many aspects of self-care. For more information about these programs and others, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

*The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2009), Caregiving in the U.S. National Alliance for Caregiving. Washington, DC. – Updated: November 2012.

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New Supportive Housing Program Launched at Southfield in Plymouth

(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.
(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined Patrick Administration officials, local leaders, and Plymouth Housing Authority representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week at Southfield, located at 105 South Street, Plymouth, MA.

Southfield is part of the 10 new Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program sites funded by the Patrick Administration to help people “age in place”. The Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program, a collaboration of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is available in 41 senior public housing locations statewide, and serves 6,360 senior residents. OCES received funding from the EOEA to launch the Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth.

OCES and the Plymouth Housing Authority work collaboratively, providing an “assisted living” environment, with an on-site service coordinator as well as access to 24-hour/daily on-call assistance for residents who prefer to “age in place,” connected to family, friends, and community.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, and the ribbon cutting ceremony host, said, “We are thrilled with this opportunity to provide supportive services to the 60 Southfield residents and 250 others at the four additional Plymouth sites. This program is a high-quality, cost-effective approach to assisting residents who want to remain in their homes.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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“Buried in Treasure” Facilitated Support Group Begins in December

OCES logoIs clutter affecting you at home, work or in your relationships?  Does the clutter create safety issues or embarrass you?

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, and partnering agencies through the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding (GBAH) Task Force are offering a 12 week “Buried in Treasure” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothes, 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.

The “Buried in Treasure” facilitated support group will be held on Tuesdays, beginning in December 2014, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, 680 Centre Street in Brockton. There is no cost to attend; all attendees will receive a complimentary workbook.

The support group will be coordinated by OCES and facilitated by South Bay Mental Health of Brockton. It is sponsored by the GBAH Task Force and funded by a $3,000 grant from MassHousing.

For more information or to sign up for the support group, contact Aditi Gohil, LMHC at South Bay Mental Health (508) 232-6564.  Pre-registration is required.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 185 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Special Seasonal Meals at Congregate Meal Sites

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, will offer special seasonal meals at partnering Council on Aging (COA) congregate meal sites in Brockton, East Bridgewater, Kingston and Wareham.

OCES’ congregate meal sites at these COAs provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age (60+) and individuals with disabilities. Seasonal meals will be offered as follows:

On Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at Kingston COA located at 30 Evergreen Street. RSVP to Kingston COA 781-585-0511.

On Monday, November 17, 2014 at 12 p.m., an Autumn Special featuring roast pork loin with apple glaze will be offered at Wareham COA located at 48 Marion Road. RSVP to Wareham COA 508-291-3130.

On Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at East Bridgewater COA located at 355 Plymouth Street. RSVP to East Bridgewater COA 508-378-1610.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at Brockton COA located at 10 Father Kenney Way. RSVP to Brockton COA 508-580-7811.

Reservations are required one week in advance and must be made by calling the COA directly.

“Anyone over the age of 60 or of any age with a disability is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and are prepared by professional chefs. Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 185 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Maureen Hennessy as HR Manager

Maureen Hennessy
Maureen Hennessy

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has recently appointed Maureen Hennessy as Human Resources Manager.

In her new role, Ms. Hennessy will have overall responsibility for Human Resources, Professional Development functions and general office support. For nine years previous to OCES, Ms. Hennessy served as the Manager of Training and Development for iParty retail stores based in Dedham, MA where a large part of her role involved recruitment. Prior to that, she was the Senior Training Specialist for eight years for Shaw’s Supermarkets based in West Bridgewater.

Ms. Hennessy holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Master of Science in Training and Development from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She completed additional coursework at Northeastern University Boston and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

Ms. Hennessy is a member of New England Human Resources Association (NEHRA) and a resident of Pembroke, MA.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Maureen Hennessy as HR ManagerRead More