Old Colony Elder Services

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

July 7, 2023 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), recently held “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth to raise awareness of elder abuse.

“Last year, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs reported 37,918 reports of elder abuse in the state,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders have experienced some form of abuse – physical, mental, emotional or financial. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Both of our Marches Against Elder Abuse events were extremely well-attended, and we cannot thank our community enough for coming together to raise awareness of this important issue. We must continue to work together- if you see something, say something!”

Raising Awareness in Brockton
The Brockton March Against Elder Abuse event, which included a rally at the Brockton Rox Campanelli Stadium and luncheon, held at the Shaw’s Center on June 15, 2023, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Senator Michael Brady and Representative Rita Mendes were among 150 in attendance.

Special guest speakers during this event included: Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan; Janice Fitzgerald, Director at the Brockton Council on Aging; and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director at OCES.

The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Janice Fitzgerald, Director of COA, and Dottie Slack Health Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Brockton COA.

Raising Awareness in Plymouth
Over 100 were in attendance, including Representative Kathleen LaNatra and Representative Mathew Muratore, for the March Against Elder Abuse event along Water Street, in Plymouth on June 21, 2023. A luncheon was held at Tavern on the Wharf following the March. Special guest speakers included: Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Michelle Bratti, Director of Elder Affairs at the Center for Active Living (CAL); and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director of OCES.

Plymouth Police Chief Dana Flynn presented the “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” to Lt. Reid and Officers Antonson and Lapollo of the Plymouth Police Department and to Lindsay Reik and April Thompson of Plymouth CAL.

OCES would like to thank the event sponsors: Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; Women of the Moose Chapter 2218; HarborOne Bank; Bluestone Bank; Rockland Federal Credit Union; Sevita; Almeida & Carlson Insurance Agency, Anodyne, and Navicare.

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 older adults aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.

OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.

If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

About WEAAD
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead More

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th. Old Colony Elder Services announces March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth.

May 12, 2023 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10 older adults experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation according to the National Council on Aging.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. To raise awareness about elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has launched a campaign for WEAAD and will hold events in both Brockton and Plymouth.

Raise Awareness to Stop Elder Abuse
OCES, in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), encourages organizations and the public to join them at “March Against Elder Abuse” events:

In Brockton on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join OCES for a FREE Rally at the Rox to bring awareness to elder abuse, which will be held at the Brockton Rox Stadium, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton. Boxed lunch to follow at the Shaw’s Center which is conveniently located next to the Rox Stadium. Registration is required. To register, call 508-580-7811 or visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejqxc07x93ab146e&oseq=&c=&ch=

In Plymouth on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join OCES for a FREE one-mile March along Water Street in Plymouth to bring awareness to elder abuse. Gather for the March at 10:30 a.m. outside Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The March begins at 11 a.m. proceeding down Water Street then back to Tavern on the Wharf for a light lunch. Metered parking is available off street. To register, call Terri Kourtz, 508-584-1561 ext. 255 or visit:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejpaoq78928026ab&oseq=&c=&ch=

You can also visit www.ocesma.org to register for these events.

“We must work together as a community to raise awareness about elder abuse. Be proactive and join us at these events to build awareness of this important issue,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director.

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. During 2022 the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs had 37,918 reports of elder abuse made. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 older adults age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.

OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.

If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

About WEAAD
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th. Old Colony Elder Services announces March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services has launched an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and appointed a new Clinician

May 3, 2023 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has announced that an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) is now available to older adults and individuals with disabilities in communities throughout greater Plymouth County.

OCES received funding in a recent grant award from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) which is funded through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. OCES now offers behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.

According to an issue brief released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), it is estimated that 20% of adults aged 55 and older have some form of mental health concern. The brief also states that among older adults, depression (which is a mood disorder) is the most prevalent mental health problem.

Social isolation, transportation issues or financial issues are some of the additional challenges older adults face when it comes to accessing behavioral health services.

OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. OCES’ team provides counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis.

OCES’ EMHOT program is led by Deana Andrade, LICSW, Behavioral Health Manager. Alexa Moniz, LCSW, has recently been hired as OCES’ EMHOT Clinician. Moniz holds a Master’s Degree in social work from Bridgewater State University and her clinical experience includes working in geriatric care for seven years, and four years as a licensed social worker. She has worked in long-term care, case management, housing, mobile crisis, and psychiatric services in nursing homes.

Referrals to OCES’ EMHOT can be made by anyone including an individual in need. To make a referral or to gather additional information from OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES provides vital information, resources, and coordination of services that promote healthy and safe living, and that helps older adults remain active and engaged in their lives and in their own communities for as long as possible.

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services has launched an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and appointed a new ClinicianRead More

“March for Meals” in Brockton Highlights the Importance of Meals on Wheels and Community Dining Programs

April 25, 2023 // by admin

BROCKTON, AND PLYMOUTH, MA…More than 75 Belair residents attended the “March for Meals” Caribbean lunch at Belair Tower in Brockton, where meals were served by special guests Senator Michael Brady, Mayor Robert Sullivan from the City of Brockton and Minhtram Tran, Chief Legal Counsel for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

The luncheon, held in March and led by the Nutrition Team at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, put the focus on the Meals on Wheels and Community Dining Program by directly sharing the impact of the nutritious meals locally. The event highlighted the significance of funding for the program in order to maintain and expand the program for consumers facing food insecurity.

*Left to Right: Jazmine Bradsher and Suzanne McCormack from the Mayor’s Office; Senator Michael Brady, Minhtram Tran and Mayor Robert Sullivan*

March for Meals is part of Meals on Wheels America’s national campaign. The month of March is when the Meals on Wheels network joins forces to celebrate “March for Meals” which recognizes the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For more than 50 years, the OAA has been the foundational source of federal funding for senior nutrition programs across the country, which collectively delivers more than 247 million meals to 2.8 million seniors annually.

Meals on Wheels is part of OCES’ Nutrition Program. OCES has over 550 volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 2,000 “Meals on Wheels” nutritious meals a day to homebound recipients living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. In May, the Nutrition Program will launch a pilot to offer home delivered Caribbean meals in Brockton.

To learn more about OCES’ Nutrition program in Brockton and throughout Plymouth County, visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

“March for Meals” in Brockton Highlights the Importance of Meals on Wheels and Community Dining ProgramsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Program Manager

April 17, 2023 // by admin

Kori Pickett, a resident of Plymouth, MA, has been promoted to Nutrition Program Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns.

Pickett joined OCES in 2015 as an Adult Family Care (AFC) Case Manager and was promoted quickly within the agency. Most recently she held the position of AFC Intake and Assessment Supervisor where she oversaw the RNs and Case Managers completing intakes for the AFC program and played an integral role in the program’s outreach and growth.

As OCES’ Nutrition Program Manager, Pickett will optimize nutrition program operations, ensuring the quality and integrity of the nutrition program as well as its regulatory compliance. She will also participate in the recruitment, training, and evaluation of nutrition program staff.

Additionally, Pickett will continue to focus on expansion of diverse home delivered meals, community dining meal sites and nutrition program outreach to LGTBQ+ older adults in OCES’ service area.

Pickett holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Endicott College in Beverly, MA.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Program ManagerRead More

OCES Appoints Bridgewater Resident as Home Care Program Assistant Manager

March 15, 2023 // by admin

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Elizabeth Nolan, a resident of Bridgewater, MA has been promoted to Home Care Program Assistant Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns.

In her new role as Home Care Program Assistant Manager, Nolan will plan, organize, manage, and evaluate Home Care Program operations and assigned care management staff. She will work with the Home Care Program Care Manager to ensure coordination, quality, and consistency across the program.

Nolan began her career at OCES in 2013 as a Care Manager in the Home Care Program where she evaluated and assessed need for home care services by an applicant under the home care program. She was then promoted to Home Care Program Supervisor and for the next six years, she oversaw Care Management Staff, provided training, and ensured program compliance and quality.

Nolan holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and has also earned a Supervision and Leadership Certificate from Boston University Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER).

OCES Appoints Bridgewater Resident as Home Care Program Assistant ManagerRead More

OCES Offers Building Better Caregivers Virtual Workshop Beginning March 7th.
Registration Now Open

February 15, 2023 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns is offering a free, six-week Building Better Caregivers™ virtual workshop which will be held March 7 through April 18, 2023, from 1-3 p.m.

OCES’ Healthy Living Program presents the Building Better Caregivers (BBC) workshop for caregivers who are caring for someone with serious injury or illness, dementia, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder or a serious brain injury. The workshop will be held via Zoom, which is more convenient for many caregivers.

This highly interactive, small group workshop is led by two trained facilitators, one or both of whom are or have been a caregiver.

The Building Better Caregivers™ workshop helps caregivers in a number of ways, such as:
– Managing challenging situations
– Communicating more effectively
– Dealing with difficult emotions and stress
– Feeling more confident
– Setting long and short-term goals

“Caregiving can be an extremely demanding job, and caregivers may experience significant stress, as well as isolation and burnout,” explained Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer of OCES. “This informative workshop offers training in how to provide better care, while also helping caregivers learn how to manage their own emotions, stress and physical health.”

To register, call Pat Livie, OCES’ Outreach Education Specialist at 508-584-1561 ext. 373 or Donna Forand, OCES’ Healthy Living Program Coordinator at 508-584-1561 ext. 237.

To learn more about OCES’ extensive programs and services, visit www.ocesma.org.

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Offers Building Better Caregivers Virtual Workshop Beginning March 7th.<br>Registration Now OpenRead More

OCES Announces Special Holiday Menus in December for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels Recipients

December 8, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WAREHAM, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has announced special holiday meals will be offered at Community Dining sites and home delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients in December.

On Friday, December 23, 2022, OCES has planned a delicious Holiday Meal featuring roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots and a snowflake roll along with apple crisp for dessert.

This special Holiday Meal will also be served at Community Dining sites and a Grab & Go Holiday Meal option will also be available at designated congregate meal sites by signing up in advance with the local Council on Aging.

For the third year in a row, Covanta will provide special Holiday Meals and OCES will deliver them to older adult consumers in the Nutrition program at the Wareham Council on Aging (COA) and to all residents of the Wareham Housing Authority. OCES cannot thank Covanta enough for their ongoing support.

Nutrition Program
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, it is often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay.

Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/.

For a list of Community Dining meal sites, visit https://www.ocesma.org/community-dining/. Please call the meal site to make a reservation.

For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561.

Please note menus are subject to change.

About Covanta
Powering Today. Protecting Tomorrow.
With locations in Massachusetts and beyond, Covanta’s mission is “To build a safer, cleaner, more prosperous world by ensuring no waste is ever wasted.” To learn more, visit https://www.covanta.com

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Announces Special Holiday Menus in December for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels RecipientsRead More

OCES has been awarded an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team Grant. The agency is expanding older adults’ access to behavioral health services and supports.

December 5, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has been awarded an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA). Funding for EMHOT has been produced from a grant awarded to the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

With this funding, OCES is expanding their scope of in-home services to include behavioral health services and support for older adults who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.

Deana Andrade, LICSW and OCES’ Behavioral Health Supervisor will oversee these services and the EMHOT program as the agency expands to provide these critical services.

OCES’ EMHOT is trained to support individuals coping with a variety of behavioral health issues. The team is skilled in assessing individuals 60 years of age and older for risk and symptoms that may affect their ability to achieve a positive sense of health and wellness. The Team is trained to use the industry’s best practice methods for assessment, interaction, and interventions.

OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults 60 and older who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing.

OCES provides support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis. The agency began accepting EMHOT referrals in November.

“We would like to thank Massachusetts Councils on Aging for this generous grant which essentially enables OCES to expand in-home services and provide older adults access to behavioral health services and supports,” explained Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

OCES provides vital information, resources, and coordination of services that promote healthy and safe living, and which aid their consumers in staying active and engaged in their lives and in their own communities for as long as possible.

To learn more about OCES’ services, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES has been awarded an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team Grant. The agency is expanding older adults’ access to behavioral health services and supports.Read More