Old Colony Elder Services

OCES Receives $4,000 Donation from Good Samaritan Medical Center

May 24, 2022 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has received a $4,000 donation to their Supportive Housing Program from Good Samaritan Medical Center of Brockton.

“We are very grateful to Good Samaritan Medical Center for their generous donation as it directly benefits our Supportive Housing consumers in Brockton and Abington Housing Authority locations,” said Elizabeth Weiner, OCES’ Housing Programs Manager who oversees all of OCES’ supportive and congregate housing programs.

The goal of supportive housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services for the individuals who reside at a particular local housing authority site, and essentially to enrich the lives of those residents. Supportive housing programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place.

Through the OCES Supportive Housing Program, a specialist from OCES’ housing team conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of each resident residing within Abington and Brockton Housing Authorities. All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility many other services are also available.

For more information about OCES’ Housing Programs, visit www.ocesma.org or call OCES at 508-584-1561.

For more information about Good Samaritan Medical Center, a Steward Family Hospital, visit
www.goodsamaritanmedical.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 25 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 a number of 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 Receives $4,000 Donation from Good Samaritan Medical CenterRead More

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. OCES Celebrates Nursing Contributions

May 2, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… National Nurses Week is May 6th to May 12th and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recognizes the essential care and contributions that nurses provide to the communities they serve every day.

OCES has been serving the community for 48 years and has a team of 21 Registered Nurses (RNs) who assist older adults and people with disabilities by helping them meet their long-term personal and health goals living in the community.

All OCES RNs may attend the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) Annual Seminar on May 11th. This event is a yearly tradition that statewide nurses may attend in order to gain nursing continuing education units. Mary Crowe, Care Dimensions Director and Certified Dementia Practitioner, will present an organized learning experience to expand nurses’ knowledge and skills. The continuing education program chosen this year is Caregiving for a Loved One: The challenges and Benefits.

“We recognize and celebrate the contributions of all nurses. Their dedication and care not only strengthens our communities, but makes the world a better place,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The role of nurses is essential and expansive, and the need for nurses continues to increase. OCES recognizes the vital contributions of our nurses and provides them with ongoing support and resources.”

OCES’ RNs provide care to older adults through the Home Care, Transition Support, and Adult Family Care (AFC) programs. RNs conduct individual assessments including health and welfare, medical conditions, fall risk, personal care needs, formal and informal supports, and clinical eligibility for various programs. RNs then draw from community resources and programs in consultation with other OCES staff to help provide specific services needed. There is tremendous collaboration among the various disciplines at OCES as well as providers in the community.

OCES is now hiring Registered Nurses and encourages individuals who support their mission to apply to their growing nursing team.

For more information about OCES, visit www.ocesma.org.

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. OCES Celebrates Nursing ContributionsRead More

Older Americans Act Nutrition Program 50th Anniversary. OCES Celebrates with Special “March for Meals” Event in Easton

April 14, 2022 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, held a special “March for Meals” event in Easton, MA.

Honoring 50 Years
Meals on Wheels America and local programs such as OCES’ Nutrition Program, and others across the country, celebrated a very special March for Meals honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that provides funding for nutrition services for seniors and helps support programs like Meals on Wheels.

OCES’ March for Meals campaign included a Community Champions component which is when local elected officials and Council on Aging (COA) Directors participate along with OCES to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of their work. This special March for Meals lunch (grab & go style) was held on March 24th.

Shown: Brenda Carrens, Alfred DeGirolamo, Anne Daley, Shikha Datta, Kristin Kennedy and Timothy J Vamosi Easton EMS/MIH/Public Health Officer

Senator Michael Brady’s assistant, Alfred DeGirolamo, along with Easton Council on Aging Director Kristin Kennedy; Program Director Anne Daley; Easton Public Health Officer Timothy J Vamosi; OCES Supportive Housing Specialist Shikha Datta; OCES Community Programs Director Brenda Carrens; and OCES Nutrition Supervisor Jean-Marie Finn provided nutritious “Grab and Go” meals to residents at the Easton Housing Authority on Parker Terrace.

According to Nicole M. Long, OCES CEO, “The Nutrition Program is critical to many homebound older adults who are unable to prepare meals or manage grocery shopping. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, our March for Meals events gave older adults opportunities to meet the dedicated individuals serving our communities and supporting the vital Meals on Wheels programs.”

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about many new challenges, but OCES continues to adapt and safely serve the needs of their consumers and communities. According to Meals on Wheels America, eight out of ten local Meals on Wheels programs are still serving more home-delivered meals than they were prior to the pandemic.

All of OCES’ nutrition meals are planned by a Registered Dietitian. OCES has hundreds of volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 1,900 nutritious meals each weekday to homebound recipients living in greater Plymouth County.

For more information about OCES’ Nutrition and Meals on Wheels program, contact Brenda Carrens OCES’ Community Programs Director at 508-582-1561 ext. 252.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels America, visit https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.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 25 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 a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Older Americans Act Nutrition Program 50th Anniversary. OCES Celebrates with Special “March for Meals” Event in EastonRead More

OCES offers Home Delivered Meals to Adults with Disabilities in the City of Brockton

March 15, 2022 // 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 providing home delivered meals to individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 to 59 living in Brockton, MA.

OCES’ Home Delivered Meals program is currently accepting new referrals in the City of Brockton. Eligible individuals simply call OCES’ Information & Referral Department at 508-584-1561 to enroll in the Home Delivered Meals program.

Home Delivered Meals, or “Meals on Wheels”, are planned by a Registered Dietitian, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes. Therapeutic meals are also available including chopped, ground, pureed, renal, low lactose and cardiac types for individuals requiring special diets.

Menu information is published on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/.

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 25 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 a number of 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 Home Delivered Meals to Adults with Disabilities in the City of BrocktonRead More

OCES Recognizes AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19

March 7, 2022 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, thanks AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers for their dedicated service during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19, 2022.

Last year, OCES received an RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) three-year grant from the AmeriCorps federal agency to support 300 RSVP volunteers serving throughout Plymouth County.

The grant enabled OCES to continue the RSVP of Plymouth County where they have been providing service opportunities, including virtual volunteering opportunities, for older Americans (age 55+) as an RSVP project since 2015. Some AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels for OCES and others work with OCES’ service partners, food banks, veterans’ services and others, to meet the needs of the community as provided by the service partners.

“In celebration of AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19, OCES again thanks AmeriCorps for their generous RSVP grant. OCES also recognizes and thanks our AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers for their dedicated service which helps so many individuals and organizations within our community,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer of OCES.

Older adults interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager Armindo Rocha at (508) 584-1561 or email arocha@ocesma.org for more details.

About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to improving communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

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 25 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 a number of 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 Recognizes AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19Read More

Special Holiday Meals Delivered to Seniors at Wareham COA, Agawam Village and Redwood Park

December 28, 2021 // by admin

Special holiday meals were provided to 175 older adults at the Wareham Council on Aging (COA) and at Agawam Village and Redwood Park Housing Authority locations on Thursday, December 23rd.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, thanks Covanta and their staff for providing these special holiday meals and also volunteering to deliver them alongside OCES to older adult consumers in their Nutrition program.

“Food insecurity is an important issue facing many older adults. We are grateful to Covanta and their amazing team for their generous donation and delivery of holiday meals that helps make the season even more special,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer at OCES.

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.

Our Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/. For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561.

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

Special Holiday Meals Delivered to Seniors at Wareham COA, Agawam Village and Redwood ParkRead More

Virtual “Buried in Treasures” Workshop Begins January 18th

December 23, 2021 // by admin

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced a Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop will begin on January 18, 2022.

OCES and the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) are hosting a FREE Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop funded by GBAH scholarships. A facilitated self-help series for individuals with hoarding tendencies, the Buried in Treasures confidential workshop will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for 16 weeks – from January 18th through May 3rd.

Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help program. The online group workshop will be led by Deana Andrade, LICSW and Jeffrey Olivier of OCES.

According to Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Chair of GBAH, “A hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can also significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This workshop will help attendees better understand it and learn practical coping skills.”

What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as the risk of losing their homes.

The Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop is available to individuals of all ages and there are no geographic restrictions. Past participants of Buried in Treasures workshops have shared that they found it very helpful, they felt supported, and would recommend the workshop.

Screening for group readiness is required.

For Workshop information or to arrange a prescreening appointment, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 extension 232 or email dandrade@ocesma.org. For additional information visit www.ocesma.org.

Virtual “Buried in Treasures” Workshop Begins January 18thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Volunteer Programs Manager

December 9, 2021 // by admin

Rocha has been with the agency for eight years. In his new role as Volunteer Programs Manager, Rocha will manage OCES’ Volunteer and Healthy Living Programs, and ensure comprehensive service delivery with business partners and volunteers. For five years previous to his promotion, Rocha was OCES’ Intake and Referral Supervisor overseeing assigned staff, special fund and transportation requests, and ensuring the highest quality of services. For three years prior to that, he served as Home Care Program Supervisor. Before joining OCES, Rocha was a Residential Counselor for BAMSI of East Bridgewater, MA.

Rocha holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Public Administration from Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.

A dedicated volunteer, Rocha is the current president of Association of Social Solidarity, a nonprofit organization aimed to change and shape the lives of Cape Verdean families in the Brockton community.

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OCES Receives $16K Donation from Meals on Wheels America

November 30, 2021 // by admin

Thanks to a generous $16,000 donation from Meals on Wheels America, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, was able to provide 2,000 meals to recipients.

Meals on Wheels America, the leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger, provided critical funding for OCES’ Grab & Go meals that were distributed to older adults and individuals with disabilities during June, July and August.

OCES strives to address food insecurity for older adults in greater Plymouth County. A component of OCES’ Nutrition Department is their Community Dining program which offers meals at various sites within the communities the agency serves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OCES Community Dining sites offered Grab & Go meals that provided healthy and delicious nutrition, along with the opportunity to check-in.

“We are thankful to Meals on Wheels of America for the funding to offer ‘Grab & Go’ meals as an alternative option for individuals like Margaret,” stated Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Community Programs Director.

OCES Nutrition Department
OCES’ Nutrition Department provides vital food services including more than 500,000 meals each year to consumers living in greater Plymouth County. Many older adults benefit from “Meals on Wheels” which provides a daily meal delivered to their 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. Several of OCES’ Meals on Wheels drivers have been cited by local officials for actions that have helped a consumer who has been found in a dire situation.

OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. The Program is made possible through generous funding from The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elder Affairs, organizations such as Meals on Wheels America, as well as other organizations and individuals in the community. For more information, contact Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director at bcarrens@ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561 ext. 252.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels America, visit their website: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

OCES Receives $16K Donation from Meals on Wheels AmericaRead More