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Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

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CONTACT: Steven V. Dubin, PR Works, (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

DATELINE: BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, will hold an Elder Abuse Awareness Event on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 2 pm at the Conference Center in their Brockton office located at 144 Main Street. This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th), Old Colony Elder Services will be showing the documentary film “An Age for Justice – Confronting Elder Abuse in America” produced by the Elder Justice Now campaign. In the video, older Americans share their personal stories of neglect, physical or emotional abuse and exploitation. Along with the video, a number of guest speakers will also address the subject. Educational material will be distributed during the event.

Last year alone, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) assisted 800 abused or neglected elders within the Plymouth county and Brockton area. OCES’ Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

Elder abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES has outlined some warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse:

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes
Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property
Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

“To help create greater awareness of what constitutes elder abuse; how to recognize it and assist elders in need, we’re holding this event on June 8th at our Conference Center,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. “As Baby Boomers age and the elder population increases, raising awareness about this growing problem is imperative.”

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES’ Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. In 2009, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Names Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist

Old Colony Elder Services, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) serving elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts, has recently named Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist for the Healthy Living at Home Supportive Housing Program.

In her new position as Supportive Housing Specialist, Ms. Depina will assess and review the needs of elderly and disabled residents at Campello High Rise and refer them to appropriate community programs and services. She will plan and coordinate care conferences as well as structured social, educational and recreational programs for residents. Ms. Depina will also serve as a liaison between the Brockton Housing Authority and Old Colony Elder Services.

For three years previous to Old Colony Elder Services, Ms. Depina was a social worker at Brockton Adult Day Health Center where among her many responsibilities, she assessed client needs though intakes, individual and group counseling and provided referrals to available community services. Prior to that, Ms. Depina was a Housing Specialist at ABCD Programs, which is a homeless shelter, in Boston.

Ms. Depina holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State College. She is a resident of Brockton, MA and a native of Praia, Cape Verde.

“Zirka is knowledgeable and experienced and we’re delighted to have her on our talented team,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Old Colony Elder Services offers a number of programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Names Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing SpecialistRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Donates Caregiving Books to 23 Local Libraries

Old Colony Elder Services, an agency that serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers, recently donated caregiving books to the libraries in 23 towns the agency serves in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas.

The Family Caregiver Support Program at Old Colony Elder Services donated Quick Tips for Caregivers by Marion Karpinski, RN; New Times, New Challenges, Law and Advice for Savvy Seniors and Their Families by Kenney Hegland & Robert Fleming and To Survive Caregiving by Cheryl Woodson, MD. More than one title was donated to provide a greater choice for readers, especially with interlibrary loan available between the individual towns.

Through this donation, Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program celebrates the nation’s more than 65 million family caregivers and strives to build greater awareness of the Family Caregiver Support Program and all that it offers. The goal of the program is to help strengthen caregivers’ knowledge and their ability to provide care. One of the most effective ways of doing so is through the provision of educational materials.

According to Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services, “The Family Caregiver Support Program is for anyone caring for an adult age 60 and older, grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for children up to age 18, grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for disabled adults age 19-59 and caregivers of adults of any age with Alzheimer’s disease. We are here to provide resources, answers, direction and/or emotional support.”

For more information about seminars or to speak with Rochelle Sugarman, call 508-584-1561 ext. 312 or email Rsugarman@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Elder Care Expo on April 12th

Old Colony Elder Services, an agency that serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in the Brockton and South Shore area, will hold an Elder Care Expo on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

Elders, families and caregivers are invited to attend this free event which is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is funded in part by The Older Americans Act, Title IIIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Old Colony Planning Council) and Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).

The event will feature health screenings, resource exhibits, refreshments, give-a-ways and raffles. Educational sessions include:

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services, will lead a seminar for caregivers on techniques for coping while caring for yourself and your loved ones.

Debra Bunszel, Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Master of Touch The Sole, will discuss the benefits of stress reduction and relaxation with a focus on the complementary techniques of reflexology and Reiki.

Deborah Ribak, LSW, of New England Sinai Adult Day Health, will provide One-on-One Consultation regarding Alzheimer’s disease issues and communication strategies.

For more information call Old Colony Elder Services 508-584-1561 ext. 272.

About Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO)

EECO is dedicated to increasing public knowledge of programs and services available to elders and their caregivers thereby enabling them to make the best possible choices in meeting their individual needs. For more information about this group of Brockton-based providers, please contact Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services 508-584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Old Colony Elder Services weighs in on elder abuse and reduced funding in The Patriot Ledger

Elder abuse rising in Mass. as funding dips
Experts frustrated by budget reductions. Read Sue Scheible’s article:

Read more: Elder abuse rising in Mass. as funding dips – Quincy, MA – The Patriot Ledger http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x938336414/Elder-abuse-rising-in-Mass-as-funding-dips#ixzz1FZ6fYiUm

http://bit.ly/i2niFF

Old Colony Elder Services weighs in on elder abuse and reduced funding in The Patriot LedgerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Staff & Caregivers Attend Public Hearing on MassHealth Cuts

More than 162 elderly and disabled individuals in the Adult Foster Care (AFC) Program of Old Colony Elder Services will be affected by the Patrick Administration’s proposed cuts to MassHealth.

In January, the Patrick Administration released news of MassHealth budget cuts to the Adult Foster Care Program which provides daily assistance with personal care and care management oversight in a caregiver’s home on a 24/7 basis. The proposal would decrease the payment rates for all AFC services by 6.2% effective March 15, 2011.

In light of this, 29 individuals, including Old Colony Elder Services AFC staff, AFC caregivers and clients recently attended a public hearing held at the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy in Boston. Caregivers had an opportunity to voice their concerns and spoke about the level of work and commitment involved in their 24/7 role as caregivers. Many testified that they would receive better pay and benefits working outside the home. AFC Level I caregivers receive approximately $25 per day and AFC Level II caregivers receive approximately $50 per day.

AFC staff and other professionals in attendance, including Al Norman, Mass Home Care Executive Director, explained to the audience that AFC actually keeps frail and vulnerable citizens living at home and out of more expensive institutional settings.

AFC Level II enrollees, often requiring care similar to those in nursing homes, have an annual cost of $30,327.00. In comparison, the annual cost of a skilled nursing facility is at least $58,765.00.

“It just doesn’t make fiscal sense. Cutting the AFC rates will ultimately result in fewer caregivers and an increased number of elders entering skilled nursing facilities. It will cost the state almost twice as much as it would if the program remained intact,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. She continued, “The decrease in AFC rates will make it difficult to attract caregivers. This would be unfortunate in light of the fact that AFC is a growing and thriving housing and care alternative that enables seniors to remain at home while providing tremendous savings to the commonwealth.”

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Old Colony Elder Services offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

Old Colony Elder Services serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Staff & Caregivers Attend Public Hearing on MassHealth CutsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces the “Dancing With the Angels” Event will be held April 2nd

Old Colony Elder Services, a non-profit elder services agency serving elders and their families in 23 communities throughout the greater Plymouth county area, recently announced that the second annual “Dancing with the Angels” benefit event will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 6:30 to 11 p.m., at the Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry Street in Quincy.

The “Dancing with the Angels” event is generously hosted by Visiting Angels of the South Shore located in Marshfield. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, lively dancing and the music of the 14 piece White Heat Swing Orchestra. There will also be a dancing competition featuring the Visiting Angels staff doing Latin dancing.

This fundraising event supports the Special Needs Funds of Old Colony Elder Services and South Shore Elder Services (based in Braintree). The Special Needs Fund helps frail elders throughout the area who cannot afford the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, medicine and heat. Elders who have health issues may be unable to prepare meals, shop for food, or complete simple tasks such as washing clothes.

Last year’s “Dancing with the Angels” event raised more than $15,000 for seniors in need.

According to Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at Old Colony Elder Services, “Although government funding covers a substantial portion of our services, there are still many elders who are not eligible for services yet have critical needs. It is only through the generous support of individuals and businesses in the community that we are able to fulfill our mission of helping older adults live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.”

“Last year we were able to raise $15,000 with the help of our sponsors and colleagues who serve elders in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas. Based on our success, and encouragement from the community, we decided to make Dancing with the Angels an annual event,” explained Nate Murray, LICSW, President and Managing Partner of Visiting Angels of the South Shore. “We are hoping this event will continue to grow and build awareness of the Special Needs fund and how it helps our elderly loved ones, friends and neighbors. The elder service organizations who serve the elder community need our help to continue the critical work they do.”

Tickets for this swinging event are $50 each and may be purchased at Old Colony Elder Services. For more information about this event, contact Lucille Dallaire at OCES (508) 584-1561.

The major sponsors for this event are Weymouth Health Care Center, Rockland Trust, Entergy Pilgrim Station and Center Stage Dance Academy. Event sponsors include: Bond Printing, Celtic Angels, Casper Cremation, Evercare, High Street Equity Advisors, Plimoth Investment Advisors, Queen Anne Nursing Home, Southwood Nursing Center, Radius Healthcare and Pediatric Center, River Bay Club, Visiting Rehab Services, and Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group. Media sponsors are South Shore Senior News and 95.9 WATD-FM.

About Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is the nation’s leading, nationally respected network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies. Visiting Angels of the South Shore is located at 475 School Street, Suite 15 in Marshfield. For more information, visit www.visitingangels.com or call 800-365-4189.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Announces the “Dancing With the Angels” Event will be held April 2ndRead More

Old Colony Elder Services appoints Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) which serves residents in 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas, has recently appointed Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator.

In her new role as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator, Ms. Walsh will assist elders in gaining and retaining their ability to live independently in their own homes. She will conduct home visits and assessments as well as coordinate the necessary long term support services that will help ensure that elders remain living safely and independently at home in the community. Ms. Walsh will also be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the services provided and maintaining communication between nurses and the community resource coordinators.

Ms. Walsh recently graduated from Bridgewater State College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Her experience includes six years serving as a Sales Representative for Jordan’s Furniture in Avon.

Ms. Walsh is a native and resident of Brockton.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services appoints Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services CoordinatorRead More