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Old Colony Elder Services

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder Services

October 26, 2009 //  by admin

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…More than 1,000 seniors are on the Home Care wait list for services thanks to state budget cuts already incurred this year in the elderly home care program. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts explained that the waiting list was imposed on September 8th and forty one days later, more than 1,000 people are waiting. Mass Home Care says that cuts already implemented will push the waiting list up to as many as 6,000 people by the end of June 2010.

Cutbacks this year have already been made to the Home Care and Enhanced Community Options programs. These programs are essential because they help seniors maintain their independence and enable them to live in the least restrictive setting, usually their own home.

“We are very disappointed over the large number of seniors who need home care and cannot get it. The typical home care client is an elder who needs help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating and/or walking. With cuts to home care, often their only other choice is a nursing home,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. As of today, due to the waiting list criteria, OCES is unable to provide services to approximately 100 elders.

“It is ironic that the door to nursing home care is wide open, but the door to home care has been slammed shut for hundreds of seniors,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care.

Based on the 2006 “Equal Choice” law that Mass Home Care wrote, seniors and individuals with disabilities are supposed to be given a choice of where they wish to receive services – at home or in an institution; most people prefer their own home. Because of these budget cuts, many seniors now have the choice of nursing home care or a waiting list.

Norman added, “The hits we’ve already received have a taken a toll on very vulnerable seniors. It’s fiscally short-sighted to cut the programs that keep people out of the more expensive levels of care. In a budget crunch, this is precisely the time to keep home care open, and divert people away from institutions.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  OCES touches the lives of approximately 16,000 people a year. They have 140 employees and operate 20 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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. 

For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: ASAP, Diana DiGiorgi, elder, Equal Choice law, home care, Mass Home Care, Old Colony Elder Services, senior

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair Towers

October 19, 2009 //  by admin

More than 30 residents of Belair Towers attended a Senior Wellness Fair to learn more about maintaining their good health. The event was hosted by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The event, which offered free screening services and advice for residents of the senior housing complex, was sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts (www.aptofma.org) and participants included the Sears Hearing Aid Center of Brockton (www.searshearing.com/).

Residents were able to have their balance checked and tested by a physical therapist and learn what they could do to improve their balance. Postural Screens taught the residents about ways to improve their posture and reduce postural back pain. Blood Pressure Checks were conducted and residents learned how staying active could prolong their healthy years. Electronic Hearing Tests and Video Otoscope Ear Inspections were conducted on-site by the Sears Hearing Aid Center.

To better inform the residents about balance and fall reduction, a presentation entitled “Don’t Let the Fall Get to You” was presented by Peter Crimmins, PT of the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout for our Senior Wellness Fair. Residents were able to obtain valuable information about their current health while also gaining a better knowledge of how to stay well,” explained Nicole Welch, LCSW, Program Development Manager at OCES.

About Belair Towers

Belair Towers, with 269 apartments, is located at 105 Belair Street in Brockton. Belair, which is managed by the Brockton Housing Authority, is one of Old Colony Elder Services’ nutrition and congregate meal sites that is open to the public.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair TowersRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Aging Services Access Point, Belair Towers, Brockton Housing Authority, Congregate Meal Site, Diana DiGiorgi, elders, Old Colony Elder Services, senior

Old Colony Elder Services Urges Elders Needing Home Care to Apply

October 6, 2009 //  by admin

The state has cut $6.4 million of funding from home care programs, which forced agencies such as Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), to put many applicants on a waiting list for home care services.

According to Al Norman, executive director of the Massachusetts Home Care Association, home care programs serve approximately 30,000 elders; this year, $16 million has been cut from the approximate $280 million used to fund home care programs. As of early September, OCES and the 26 other ASAPs began putting elders on a waiting list as mandated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs due to state budget issues.

But, despite this, OCES urges elders who need home care to apply for it and keep checking back with the agency.

“We have begun to put elders on a waiting list, but that does not mean that home care will not be available to them at all. It may just take a little longer before they receive services. Home care services are meant for elders who are critically ill. We are allowed to make exceptions for those elders most in need. An elder who has a MassHealth waiver; who is in hospice or has been discharged from a nursing home or hospital will not be put on the waiting list. An elder who is involved in an elder abuse case will not put on the waiting list. We strongly urge elders to apply for home care and contact us to discuss their unique situations,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, executive director of OCES.

For more information about Home Care, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 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, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 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.

.

Old Colony Elder Services Urges Elders Needing Home Care to ApplyRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Diana DiGiorgi, elder, Elder abuse, elder care, elder services, home care, OCES, Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth

September 23, 2009 //  by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) with main offices in Brockton has launched a Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth that provides supportive services to senior residents enabling them to live longer in the community and preventing premature institutionalization.

OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) has a longstanding relationship with the Plymouth Housing Authority (PHA) which manages five different housing sites: Northfield, Cherry Hill, Southfield, High Cliffs and Castle Court. OCES has incorporated the Supportive Housing Program at each site and currently serves over 100 elders in these buildings. Each building offers community rooms and a kitchen. Northfield is also a congregate meal site and serves meals at noon Monday through Friday (except on holidays). Every resident is eligible for the Supportive Housing Program.

Maura Shepard is the Supportive Housing Specialist (SHS) for all Plymouth locations and is on-site at Northfield. Shepard is responsible for overseeing the Supportive Housing program which includes organizing and implementing various structured social, educational and recreational programs as indicated through a resident needs assessment and through the provision of care management. These services are meant to encourage and build a community atmosphere among the residents. A “Falls Prevention” class has already been offered and there are plans for other programs including nutrition, money management, caregiving and chronic disease management throughout the summer and fall.

Shepard also serves as a liaison between the senior residents and the PHA, home care agencies providing care, OCES’ Care Managers and resident families; this helps ensure that seniors are linked to the specific supportive services that are needed in order for them to remain safe and independent in their homes and maintain their dignity.

“The Supportive Housing program is a win-win. We’re very fortunate to have the support of the Plymouth Housing Authority and partnerships with a variety of community based resources. We’ve had a good response from residents and they are very comfortable with the program,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the Plymouth Supportive Housing Program, contact Maura Shepard at OCES at 508-746-9750.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 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, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 130 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.

.

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Supportive Housing Program in PlymouthRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Aging Services Access Points, ASAP, caregiver, Diana DiGiorgi, elder care, OCES, Old Colony Elder Services, senior, supportive housing

Old Colony Elder Services Collaborates with The Charity Guild of Brockton to Offer New Program

September 7, 2009 //  by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) recently announced their collaboration with The Charity Guild of Brockton in the development of a new program known as “Special Foods for Special People”.

The goal of the “Special Foods for Special People” program is to distribute special dietary foods to homebound elders who suffer from diseases common to this age group. Many are unable to afford specialty items due limited income and increasing food costs.

OCES will assist with the program’s outreach and education initiatives and the Charity Guild will provide the food and the volunteers to deliver the special food to elders in their homes. The Charity Guild recently received a grant from the Howard Home Foundation which has enabled them to develop and run the “Special Foods for Special People” program.

“We’re very excited to be able to partner with Old Colony Elder Services on this project. It has been a very high priority for us. The ‘Special Foods for Special People’ program affords us the chance to reach out to individuals in the community. Now, we are able to go to those who cannot come to us,” said Nancy Gustafson, President of The Charity Guild’s Board of Directors.

How it Works

A Registered Nurse and Dietician from OCES conduct an assessment of an elder’s needs. Then, the nurse and dietician consult with the elder about disease and prevention and the vital role that proper nutrition plays in their overall health. OCES then educates and trains the elder (and their caregiver) in proper nutritional intake and dietary needs as it relates to his/her specific health problem. Once the assessment, education and training are completed, the Charity Guild provides and delivers the special diet foods to the homebound elder.

“Now, homebound elders are able to get the nutritional foods that are specific to their disease that they would not otherwise be able to obtain. This program is essential to the many elders who are suffering from illnesses which could benefit from a special diet,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About the Charity Guild of Brockton

Established in 1971, The Charity Guild of Brockton is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization providing assistance to greater Brockton area residents through their food pantry and thrift shop.  The Charity Guild’s mission is “to provide basic and necessary services to those unable to meet their primary needs of food, clothing and household goods.” The Charity Guild is located at 501 Main Street in Brockton. To learn more about them, visit the website at www.TheCharityGuild.org.

For more information about the “Special Foods for Special People” program, contact Lucille Dallaire of OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 130 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Collaborates with The Charity Guild of Brockton to Offer New ProgramRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Brockton, Diana DiGiorgi, elder, Meals on Wheels, OCES, Old Colony Elder Services, senior, special diet, Special Foods for Special People, The Charity Guild

Old Colony Elder Services, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in September

August 25, 2009 //  by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point at Centerville (a Benchmark Assisted Living Community for the Memory Impaired) will offer a four-week course in September entitled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”, which will teach caregivers how to take care of themselves.

As part of the national Caregiver Education Series, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course is designed for individuals caring for older adults who are living at home or in a facility, or who are managing caregiver services from a distance. The four-week class will be held at JordanHospital in Plymouth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.

Harbor Point will provide lunch and if needed, respite can be arranged ahead of time through Cozy Corner Adult Day Program in Plymouth.

The classes will be led by Saran Craig, who has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and is a trained and experienced Master Trainer. She has led 15 Powerful Tools classes for more than 200 caregivers. Rochelle Sugarman of the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES who holds a Certificate in Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW) at BostonUniversity, will co-lead the classes.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes are three hours long and designed to help caregivers build communication skills, lower stress, set goals, make tough decisions, and better communicate with family members and medical providers. Caregivers who attend will utilize relaxation and planning tools; learn to cope with feelings of anger or guilt and learn how to access community resources and solve problems.

To register for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, call Jordan Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Center at 508-732-8711. For more information about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class, contact Rochelle Sugarman of OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 130 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.

Old Colony Elder Services, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in SeptemberRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: caregiver, elder, Family Caregiver Support Program, Harbor Point, Jordan Hospital, Old Colony Elder Services, seniors

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Therapeutic Meals for Seniors with Specific Health Issues

August 24, 2009 //  by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) recently announced the availability of therapeutic meals to people aged 60 and older who require them due to health reasons or special diets.

OCES’ Nutrition Program offers special meals that are diabetic, pureed, ground, soft or renal, for elders with health issues. These healthy, low salt meals are prepared on special order. A senior with specific health issues or his/her family member, caregiver or a referral source, should contact OCES’s Nutrition department about a therapeutic diet.

A Nutrition Specialist at OCES will complete a screening assessment, and as part of the intake process, obtain the name of the elder’s primary physician or in the case of a patient receiving kidney treatment their Renal Nutritionist. Special diet meals will commence once the signed forms are received from the elder’s doctor or renal nutritionist. Nutritional supplements may also be provided to seniors who have been identified as needing the additional calories during the day.

Meals for special diets may be delivered Monday through Friday just as the traditional “Meals on Wheels” are delivered.

The “Meals on Wheels” program is available to anyone aged 60 or older (and their spouses) who are homebound and who are unable to prepare their own meals. All of the regular home delivered meals are heart healthy and low salt.

To arrange for therapeutic meals or for more information, contact your OCES case manager.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 130 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

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Therapeutic Meals for Seniors with Specific Health IssuesRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Diana DiGiorgi, OCES, Old Colony Elder Services, special diets, therapeutic meal

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders on How to Avoid Heat Related Illnesses and Stay Cool this Summer

July 28, 2009 //  by admin

When the temperature rises, older adults are at high risk for heat related illnesses.  Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency that provides seniors, families and caregivers with valuable resources and services, offers tips to help elders stay cool this summer.

· Avoid strenuous activity or over-exertion in the heat. Even household chores such as laundry, vacuuming, gardening, mowing the lawn, painting and so forth should be put off until the weather cools.

· Avoid extended periods of sun exposure. If you must be in the sun, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses and bring an umbrella to create shade.

· Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

· Eat well-balanced, light meals. Try to avoid high protein foods as they will increase metabolic heat.

· Wear lightweight, loose and light colored clothing.

· When it’s hot or very humid, stay indoors in an air-conditioned area or near a fan.

· Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat such as a library, theater or community area that has air-conditioning.

Avoid heat related illnesses

In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation of perspiration is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain normal temperature. Heat related illnesses include heat cramps which are muscular pains and spasms in the abdominal or leg muscles caused by loss of water due to heavy sweating. To treat heat cramps – rest in a cool place and drink half a glass of cool water every fifteen minutes.

Heat exhaustion is when the body overheats in high temperatures and/or high humidity, causing a form of mild shock. A rapid pulse, intense sweating, nausea, headache, dark urine, pale and/or flushed skin and feeling faint are some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. To treat it, get the person to a cooler place and apply cool, wet cloths to the face and body. Have the person drink cool water slowly every fifteen minutes. Watch the person carefully for signs of heat stroke.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It is severe and life-threatening. It’s typically caused by exertion in hot weather and dehydration. Some signs of heatstroke include rapid heartbeat, hot red skin, absence of sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, irritability or confusion. Older adults may also experience fainting. If any of these symptoms are suspected, call 911 immediately. Then move the person to a cooler place, immerse in a cool bath or wrap him/her in wet sheets. Watch for breathing problems. If he/she has changes is levels of consciousness, refuses water or is vomiting, do not give him/her anything to eat or drink.

OCES has resources available to elders in their service area who meet the criteria for low income and who cannot afford fans or air-conditioning. For assistance or more information, call (508) 584-1561.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

For more information about services for seniors or if you know an elderly person (e.g., family, friend, neighbor) who you think might need assistance, contact OCES at 508-584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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 130 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders on How to Avoid Heat Related Illnesses and Stay Cool this SummerRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: elder, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, OCES, Old Colony Elder Services, senior

Old Colony Elder Services Concerned Over Governor’s Veto of Home Care Funding

July 7, 2009 //  by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Mass Home Care are both surprised and disappointed in Governor Deval Patrick’s decision on June 29th to cut another $1.5 million from the state’s ASAPs’ operating budgets.

                                  

Collectively, the state’s ASAPs are responsible for managing the daily care of more than 50,000 seniors just in the home care programs.

 

OCES provides 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. 

 

“Originally, our appropriation for care management was $40.7 million.  With the 9c cuts and now the additional cuts by the Governor, we’ve lost $4.7 million in funding which is going to directly affect the very frail and disabled who need our services in order to remain in their own homes.  Essentially, these cuts will force an increased number of elders into nursing homes.”

 

According to Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care, the announcement was unexpected because on June 5th, when the Governor released his revised House 1 budget for FY 2010, he did not reduce funding for care management. This means that as of the Governor’s revised budget, this was not a line item that was being targeted. Neither the House nor the Senate chose to cut this line item in their budget versions. The Governor lowered the funding for care managers on his own. 

 

“In a ‘community first’ state, it is somewhat puzzling why services, like care management, would be cut, said Norman.   He continued, “Nursing homes, by contrast, did not see a cut in revenues, only a cutback in their rate of increase.  It appears that community first means community programs get cut first.”

 

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 130 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.

 

Old Colony Elder Services Concerned Over Governor’s Veto of Home Care FundingRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Aging Services Access Point, Diana DiGiorgi, nursing home, Old Colony Elder Services, seniors

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