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Old Colony Elder Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Colony Elder Services Strives to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) is striving to create greater awareness of elder abuse on June 15th, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The organization’s staff will recognize the importance of the day by wearing the color purple and several staff members will participate in Mass Home Care’s Annual Meeting at the Burlington Marriott.

Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Supervisor and Rosemarie Kennedy, Protective Services Screening Supervisor of OCES will attend the annual meeting which will feature speakers including Hon. Charles A. Murphy, House Ways and Means Chairman, Robert Blancato, former President of the National Committee for Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) and Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care.

According to the World Health Organization, the population of those aged 60 and over will more than double by 2025. As the elder population grows, so will the number of elder abuse cases.

Elder Abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES has outlined several factors that may put an elder at risk:

· Strained family relationships

· The depiction of elders as frail, weak and dependent

· Social isolation due to physical or mental infirmaries or through loss of friends/family members

· Poorly run hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes

OCES’ Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

“Public education and awareness campaigns are key elements in preventing elder abuse and neglect. Both the general public and practitioners should be aware of the various types of abuse, how to identify signs of abuse and know that there are agencies such as OCES where help for elders can be obtained,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To report suspected Elder Abuse, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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 Strives to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer Luncheon

Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES
Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton recently recognized over 300 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) and to helping elders in the community.

The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon’s apt theme was “Volunteers are Treasures”. More than 300 volunteers in the Nutrition and Money Management programs and on the Board of Directors as well as those who volunteer for the Money Management Program Advisory Board and the local cable television program known as Senior Options were presented with Scrolls of Recognition for their service to OCES and seniors in the community. Gift certificates were presented and various raffles were held. All enjoyed entertainment by one-man-band Dave Burbank and a buffet lunch was served in OCES’ newly renovated conference room and catered by Lindley Food Service.

OCES Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of OCES congregate meal sites.

Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of income and expenses. OCES Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are comprised entirely of volunteers. Senior Options is a local Brockton Cable T.V. show which is a collaboration between OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging. Local Brockton volunteers run the entire cable show which includes filming, producing, directing, sound, interviewing, etc.

“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, 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 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 Recognizes 300 at Volunteer LuncheonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Staff Adopts Meals on Wheels Route and Challenges Businesses to do the Same

The staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton that provides valuable programs and services to elders, their families and caregivers, really goes ”above and beyond” to help ensure that seniors who need a nutritious meal every day, receive one.

OCES has adopted a Meals on Wheels route in Brockton and 33 staff members from OCES are now volunteering their time to deliver between 15 to 20 meals a day to frail and home bound elders.

The agency is challenging local businesses to do the same – adopt a Meals on Wheels route and encourage their employees to get involved delivering meals to elders in need.

“The need for Meals on Wheels volunteers is quite significant.  As it stands now, we don’t have enough volunteers so many of them have taken on additional meal routes. We are encouraging Brockton area businesses and their employees to get involved in the community by adopting a meal route and taking on the responsibility of delivering meals to elders who are on that route. It’s a great way for businesses to give back to the community.” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “We must take action to ensure than no elder goes hungry.”

OCES staff members who work on a rotating schedule in delivering meals to seniors each day include: April Panos, Beverly Ferris, Brenda Carrens, Christine Silveira, Diana DiGiorgi, Diane Witkus, Elizabeth DosSantos, Erin Maki, Glenda DeVincentis, Guerdy Baron, Isabel Sims, Jill Getchell, Jim Mileski, Judy Eldridge, Julie Clark, Kristina Gardiner, Lauren Murphy, Lucille Dallaire, Maria Janvier, Marie Rateau, Michele Wall, Nicole Welch, Phyllis Martin, Rick Alvarnaz, Rochelle Sugarman, Sally Sacchetti, Sara Gassett, Sharon Sheehan, Susan Weiner, Susan Willis, Terri Henshaw, Terri Kourtz and Tim Valentine.


Meals on Wheels drivers typically deliver meals between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage.  Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday.

“What many people don’t realize is that Meals on Wheels purpose is twofold; it not only ensures that elders receive a nutritious meal, but also serves as a safety check. The elders who receive Meals on Wheels are homebound or disabled and usually don’t have anyone to make sure they are okay. A Meals on Wheels volunteer’s responsibilities include delivering meals and making sure that every elder is OK. If they are not, we need to know about it right away,” continued DiGiorgi.


OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enhance elders’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age and those less than 60 but disabled are eligible.

Businesses interested in adopting a Meals on Wheels route should contact Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Coordinator at 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 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 Staff Adopts Meals on Wheels Route and Challenges Businesses to do the SameRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “Elder Care Expo” on April 14th

PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…
Old Colony Elder Services of Brockton will hold an “Elder Care Expo” for seniors and caregivers on Tuesday, April

14, 2009 from 10 a,m. to 2 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton.  This is a FREE event.

The Elder Care Expo is designed to broaden the community’s awareness about resources available to help manage elder care issues.  There will be resource exhibits, health screenings and educational seminars throughout the day.  Health screenings include: hearing, glucose and pulmonary function screenings as well as blood pressure checks.

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Caregiver Specialist at OCES will present a seminar on “Tools for Caring”.  Seniors and caregivers will learn about tips and resources that are available to family caregivers and the elders in their care.

Pam McCormack, Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern MA, Cape Cod and the Islands office, will hold the seminar “Maintain Your Brain: How to Live a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle”.  Attendees will learn about
scientifically-rooted nutritional and lifestyle advice, interactive exercises and activities.  This program is
geared to adults who want to learn more about staying fit from the neck up.

There will also be refreshments, giveaways and raffles.  Every attendee will receive the updated Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).Resource Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers.

This event is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is partially funded by The Older Americans Act, Title IIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs) and EECO.  For more information contact:  Sara Gassett at Old Colony Elder Services (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association strives to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through research; provide care and support for those affected and promote brain health.  The Southeastern MA/Cape Cod and the Islands Regional Office is located in Raynham, MA.  For more information, visit the website http://www.alz.org/manh/.

EECO
Elder Education and Community Outreach is sponsored by Brockton Neighborhood Health Center; Brockton Council on Aging; Brockton Visiting Nurse Association; Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Brockton Board of Health; New England Sinai Hospital and Rehab Center/Sinai Day Health; Old Colony Elder Services; St. Joseph’s Manor/Mater Dei Adult Day Health; Senior Whole Health and Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI) Helpline.

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 to Hold “Elder Care Expo” on April 14thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Educational Seminars for Family Caregivers in April

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Family Caregiver Support Program in Brockton is offering FREE “Lunch & Learn” educational seminars to family caregivers in April.

In an effort to promote wellness for the caregiver, two seminars will be held at OCES office, located at 144 Main Street in Brockton:

On April 16th, from 12 to 1 p.m., a “Caregiver 101” seminar will be held. Attendees will learn about the various community resources, programs and services available to elders and those who care for them. Participants will learn how to identify the needs of informal caregiving and plan appropriately. They will also learn about elder care resources; the benefits of respite services and how to identify the signs of caregiver burnout. All who attend will receive a handy Resource Guide to take home.

On April 30th from 12 to 1 p.m., a “Conversations between Generations” seminar will be held. Attendees will learn how to initiate difficult conversations and topics with older relatives. They’ll also learn how to recognize that changes in later life affect both aging parents and the adult children.

Informational material will be provided and a light lunch will be served during each seminar. RSVP is mandatory.

To make a reservation, contact Rochelle Sugarman, Caregiver Specialist for the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES (508) 584-1561 ext. 312.

Training Opportunities

OCES offers free caregiver training seminars to organizations looking to provide employee assistance to their staff. Designed to provide support for caregivers, elders and interested professionals in the community, the training seminars may be conveniently scheduled to fit an employer’s needs or to accommodate a lunch hour schedule. To book an on-site training seminar, contact Rochelle Sugarman, (508) 584-1561 ext. 312.

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 to Hold Educational Seminars for Family Caregivers in AprilRead More

Brockton’s Mayor Harrington Participates in “Mayors For Meals” National Initiative

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Brockton Mayor James Harrington was among more than 1,000 mayors across the country to support the Meals On Wheels programs in their cities by delivering meals to seniors on March 18th in what is known as “Mayors For Meals” Day. Mayor Harrington and OCES Assistant Director Timothy Valentine and Nutrition Director Shawn Smith delivered the noontime meals to 15 Meals On Wheels clients at their homes last week.

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) has designated March for their annual national campaign known as “March For Meals”. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton participates in this campaign each year, which is designed to increase public awareness, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising.

“We have many seniors in Brockton who are unable to get to the grocery store or to one of our congregate meal sites and who otherwise would not get a nutritious daily meal. The Meals On Wheels program is absolutely essential to them,” noted OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi.

The Meals On Wheels program serves Brockton residents age 60 and over, as well as disabled residents under 60. Both the Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers. Meals On Wheels currently needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals to elders throughout the Brockton area. Volunteer drivers typically deliver 15-20 meals a day, between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, yet they may help out for any number of days per week that they desire.

Volunteers are also needed to set up, bag and distribute meals at the Belair, Manning, Caffrey and Campello congregate meal sites.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering at least two hours per week as a Meals On Wheels driver or as a helper at one of the congregate meal sites, contact Shawn Smith, Nutrition Director at 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

Brockton’s Mayor Harrington Participates in “Mayors For Meals” National InitiativeRead More