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Old Colony Elder Services

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

Old Colony Elder Services Launches New Program at Campello Building in Brockton

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, recently kicked off a “Healthy Living at Home” program for senior residents at Campello High Rise in Brockton.

In an event held on December 18th that included refreshments and raffles, Old Colony Elder Services in conjunction with Senior Whole Health of Cambridge, Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) of Boston and the Brockton Housing Authority officially launched the “Healthy Living at Home” program at the Campello building.

Residents were able to learn more about OCES, Senior Whole Health and JFCS and the various resources and programs that are available to them through these organizations.

Alison Books of JFCS brought healthy cookies to the event to create awareness about the “Healthy Eating” nutrition program that JFCS offers. Nicole DaSilva, who is the Supportive Housing Specialist at OCES and who works on-site at Campello from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays each week, advised residents of the various educational and social programs available.

Each of the agencies will offer specific educational programs to all residents of the housing complex. One of the programs, a chronic disease self management program, will focus on diabetes. Other programs include fall prevention and the benefits of fitness.

“We had a terrific turnout at the event. Our goal was to create a better awareness among the residents at Campello of all the programs and resources that are available to them – from nutritional to educational and social programs,” explained Nicole Welch, Program Development Manager at OCES.

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.

To learn more about the Healthy Living at Home program, contact Nicole Welch at OCES (508) 584-1561. To learn more about Senior Whole Health, visit their website at seniorwholehealth.com. For more information about JFCS, visit JFCSBoston.org.

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 Launches New Program at Campello Building in BrocktonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Treats Caregivers to a Special “Caregiver Night Out”

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that serves Plymouth county as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, recently held a special “Caregiver Night Out” for 30 caregivers.

Caregiver Night Out, which was held in the Great Hall at Halifax Town Hall, enabled caregivers to socialize with other caregivers while enjoying a dinner and a special night of relaxation.

Three self-care practitioners: Joanne Salerno, a Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Master; Debra Bunszel, a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master and Dee Davidson, a Certified Massage Therapist were on-hand that evening and treated each caregiver to Reiki, reflexology and a chair massage.

“Caring for an elderly loved one can be overwhelming, frustrating and exhausting. Caregivers give so much of their time and energy; they rarely stop to take time out for themselves. A ‘Caregiver Night Out’ gives them a special night to rest, enjoy a meal and socialize with others who are experiencing the same caregiver challenges,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.

The typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman (who is married and employed) caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her. Approximately 60 percent of family caregivers are women. 17 percent of family caregivers are providing 40 hours of care a week or more (National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP).

To learn more about caregiver support, contact the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES at (508) 584-1561.

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 Treats Caregivers to a Special “Caregiver Night Out”Read More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Fundraising Calendars Support Those Most in Need

In an effort to raise money for special services, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is now offering Fundraising Calendars.

OCES Fundraising Calendars are available throughout December and January. They cost $5 each.  A total of $1,300 in cash prizes will be awarded beginning in February.  One winner will be selected per day. Cash prize values vary.  Winners will be notified by phone and posted
online at www.OldColonyElderServices.org.

All proceeds from the calendars go towards services that provide support for people in emergency crisis situations.  To obtain a Fundraising Calendar, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

“We hope to raise at least $6,000 or more which we have earmarked specifically for those who are in crisis,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

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’ Fundraising Calendars Support Those Most in NeedRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Encourages General Public to “Be a Santa to a Senior” this Holiday Season

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that serves Plymouth county as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, is encouraging the general public to participate in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program by providing a
gift to a senior in need.

Old Colony Elder Services, working in conjunction with Home Instead Senior Care, the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program sponsor, has identified approximately 170 isolated elders who otherwise would not receive a gift this holiday season.


Each of these seniors is represented by an ornament with their “wish list” on it.   The wish lists may include items such as postage stamps, clothing, a gift card to a grocery store, candy or other item. The ornaments adorn Christmas trees located at Duval’s Pharmacy at 571 Washington Street in Whitman and Southeast Medical Center on Route 18 in East Bridgewater.

To be a “Santa to a Senior”, simply select an ornament from one of the two trees and purchase a gift that is on that senior’s “wish list”.  Then, bring the gift (unwrapped) along with the ornament, back to the participating location from which the ornament was selected.

All the gifts will be collected by Home Instead Senior Care and a wrapping party will be held on December 16th.  Representatives from Home Instead Senior Care and OCES will help wrap and distribute the gifts to the seniors.

For questions about “Be a Santa to a Senior”, contact Susan Willis, Home Care Program Director at OCES (508) 584-1561.

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 Encourages General Public to “Be a Santa to a Senior” this Holiday SeasonRead More