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Old Colony Elder Services

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.

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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.

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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

Brockton’s Mayor to Deliver Meals on March 18th as part of “Mayors For Meals” National Initiative

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

OCES announced today that on March 18th, Brockton Mayor James Harrington will be among over 1,000 mayors across the country, to show their support for the Meals On Wheels programs in their cities by delivering meals to seniors on what is known as Mayors For Meals Day.

On this designated day, Mayor Harrington and OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi, will visit Meals On Wheels clients at their homes and deliver the noontime meals.

“The Meals On Wheels program is essential. We have many seniors in the city who are unable to get to the grocery store or who otherwise would not get a nutritious daily meal,” noted DiGiorgi.

The Meals On Wheels program serves Brockton residents age 60 and over, as well as disabled residents under 60. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age are eligible. Meals On Wheels, which is one aspect of the OCES Nutrition Program, is for elders who are unable to attend an OCES congregate meal site.

Elders and those younger than 60 who are disabled and able to get out for themselves may visit one of the agency’s congregate meal sites. Here, elders receive a well-balanced meal and have the opportunity to participate in a number of other diverse programs offered by OCES.

The Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers. Meals On Wheels 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 to Deliver Meals on March 18th as part of “Mayors For Meals” National InitiativeRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Shawn C. Smith as Nutrition Director

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Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, recently appointed Shawn C. Smith, a resident of Stoughton, as Nutrition Director.

Ms. Smith, a Registered Dietician, will oversee all aspects of the program including the nutrition staff, case managers, menu development, nutrition education, the Meals on Wheels Program and the congregate sites. Additionally, Ms. Smith will serve as dietician for Old Colony and the region it serves.

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, Ms. Smith holds a BS in Culinary Nutrition. She completed her dietetic residency at State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Previous to OCES, Ms. Smith was a Dietician at Coastline Elderly Service in New Bedford. Prior to that, she was an Executive Chef at Eatin’ Healthy Restaurant located in Quincy.

Ms. Smith is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA).

She is a native of Southampton, New York.

“Shawn is truly dedicated and her wealth of knowledge and understanding of the comprehensive needs of seniors make her an ideal fit for our organization,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

In addition to the Nutrition Program, OCES offers a number of programs to better serve seniors, families and caregivers residing in Brockton and throughout the Plymouth county area. The programs include Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Family Caregiver Support; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

About Old Colony Elder Services

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 new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Shawn C. Smith as Nutrition DirectorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Outlines Changes in Food Stamp Program

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Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP)

serving seniors throughout Plymouth County as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, outlines several changes to the Food Stamp program.

The federal Food Stamp Program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps low-income individuals and families buy food. According to OCES, there have been several changes to the program in recent months, which makes it easier for seniors in need to receive benefits. The changes are outlined below:

· SNAP is the new name for the organization that many seniors know of as USDA’s Food Stamp Program.

· The application form, which was previously several pages long, is now only one to two pages long.

· An elder’s medical expenses, which include outpatient hospital expenses, nursing care, doctor’s bills and prescriptions are now taken into account as deductions during the application approval process.

· Shelter costs (rent, mortgage, taxes and utilities) that add up to more than half of an elder’s household income may be deducted.

· SNAP does not issue paper food stamps. SNAP benefits are provided via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which is a plastic card that is similar to an ATM card that may be swiped at the grocery store.

· Because SNAP uses EBT, elders receiving benefits do not have to pick up their benefits. SNAP benefits are automatically loaded onto the EBT card each month on a designated date.

According to SNAP, an elderly person is someone who is age 60 or older. OCES encourages all seniors who have applied for fuel assistance to consider applying for SNAP benefits as well.

Nutritional case managers at OCES are on hand to help seniors complete the application form and navigate the process.

“The food stamp program is a wonderful program that we have advocated for years. We strive to get the word out because a lot of seniors don’t understand that they may be eligible for benefits. The SNAP program can really help seniors through hard financial times,” explained Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about SNAP or to receive application assistance, elders should contact Shawn Smith, Nutrition Director at OCES (508) 584-1561.

OCES offers a number of programs to better serve seniors, families and caregivers residing in Brockton and throughout the surrounding area. The programs include Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Family Caregiver Support; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

About Old Colony Elder Services
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 Outlines Changes in Food Stamp ProgramRead More