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Protective Services

240K HUD Grant Awarded to Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, is one of five agencies that has been awarded the Resident Opportunities and Supportive Services (ROSS) federal grant.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development has developed the ROSS program to link public housing residents who are elderly or who have disabilities with supportive services and education designed to ensure self-sufficiency needed for independent living. The $240,000 ROSS grant will be disbursed to OCES over the next three years.

“We’re very pleased to receive the ROSS grant. OCES is one of only three non-profit agencies nationally to receive this special grant that links elderly and disabled public housing residents with supportive services they need to maintain independent living,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

The ROSS grant will allow for full time OCES staff coverage at Northfield and Highcliff housing sites in Plymouth. Supportive Housing Programs exist at each of the Plymouth Housing Authority’s five housing sites: Northfield, Cherry Hill, Southfield, High Cliffs and Castle Court. Each site serves more than 100 elders.

The additional staff at Northfield and Highcliff will further increase collaboration among service providers and ensure that residents’ needs are met. The goal of Supportive Housing is to meet individual needs by providing services that are aimed at educating and empowering residents which will ultimately support the prevention of premature institutionalization. Some of the educational programs that will be offered focus on financial literacy, credit counseling, chronic disease self management and emergency preparedness training.

For more information, contact Nicole Welch, Program Development Manager at OCES
(508) 584-1561 extension 249.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

240K HUD Grant Awarded to Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate Coordinator

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, has appointed Lou Avitabile to the position of Congregate Coordinator.

Mr. Avitabile held the position of Family Caregiver Support Program Care Adviser in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program for two years prior to his appointment to Congregate Coordinator. His new role will include overseeing the senior residents who reside in the Marshfield, Stoughton and Bridgewater congregate housing units and ensuring that their needs are supported in order to remain living independently in the community.

Mr. Avitabile holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College in Springfield, MA. He is a resident of Bridgewater.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org
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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate CoordinatorRead More

Treasurer Steve Grossman, Representative Steve Walsh Keynote Mass Home Care’s 28th Annual Lunch

On Monday, two prominent “Steves” will address a crowd of elder and disability rights advocates at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Mass Home Care Association. State Treasurer Steve Grossman will be talking about his new “financial literacy” initiative, and House Health Care Financing Chairman Rep. Steve Walsh will be talking about health care reform and global payments.

12 staff members from Old Colony Elder Services, the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton, including Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi and Assistant Executive Director Tim Valentine, will be among the 250+ expected guests at the Burlington Marriot hotel beginning at 11:30 AM.

Treasurer Grossman will speak first at 11:45 AM, and Chairman Walsh will speak after lunch around 1 pm.

Mass Home Care, which was founded in 1986, is one of the most visible statewide groups fighting for the rights of elderly and disabled individuals. Mass Home Care wrote the Equal Choice law, which was signed by Governor Mitt Romney in 2006. This law says that people on MassHealth have the right to be cared for in the ‘least restrictive setting” appropriate to their needs. Mass Home Care, and its members, is also responsible for securing hundreds of millions in state and federal funding to help keep people living at home; the 30 member agencies provided care management, coordination and monitoring of services for more than 64,000 individuals last year.

According to Mass Home Care, because of community-based programs, MassHealth’s use of nursing facility days has decreased by 29% since 2001; in 2011 this will save state taxpayers almost $600 million in institutional costs. Nursing facility care still comprises 64 percent of all long term care spending by MassHealth. The group says its goal is to reach the point where two-thirds of MassHealth funding goes into community care, where consumers want to be.

For more event details, contact: info@masshomecare.org, or call Mass Home Care at 978-502-3794.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Treasurer Steve Grossman, Representative Steve Walsh Keynote Mass Home Care’s 28th Annual LunchRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Mother and daughter team - Korin Kane (an Old Colony Elder Services employee) and her mother Mae Nicoli attend Old Colony Elder Services recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, recently recognized 450 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to Old Colony Elder Services and to helping elders in the community.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was several weeks ago at the agency’s expansive conference center in Brockton. Volunteers from the Nutrition Program, Money Management Program and it’s Advisory Board, Senior Options Cable Program, Fundraising Events, and the Board of Directors were invited in recognition for their service to Old Colony Elder Services and seniors in the community. Jodie Gilson of J. Gilson Greenhouses in Groton MA was the special guest speaker at the event. Fresh flower centerpieces were given to winners of drawings. All volunteers were given plants donated by Home Depot and Lowes.
Old Colony Elder Services 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 Old Colony Elder Services 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 seniors keep track of income and expenses. Senior Options is a cable television program for the city of Brockton. Senior Options is a collaboration between Old Colony Elder Services and the Brockton Council on Aging. Programs focus on addressing the needs and resources available to Brockton’s seniors. Old Colony Elder Services Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are also comprised entirely of volunteers.
“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 Old Colony Elder Services.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Old Colony Elder Services offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

Old Colony Elder Services serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: 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. In 2009, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation LuncheonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Steven V. Dubin, PR Works, (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

DATELINE: BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, will hold an Elder Abuse Awareness Event on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 2 pm at the Conference Center in their Brockton office located at 144 Main Street. This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th), Old Colony Elder Services will be showing the documentary film “An Age for Justice – Confronting Elder Abuse in America” produced by the Elder Justice Now campaign. In the video, older Americans share their personal stories of neglect, physical or emotional abuse and exploitation. Along with the video, a number of guest speakers will also address the subject. Educational material will be distributed during the event.

Last year alone, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) assisted 800 abused or neglected elders within the Plymouth county and Brockton area. OCES’ Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

Elder abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES has outlined some warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse:

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes
Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property
Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

“To help create greater awareness of what constitutes elder abuse; how to recognize it and assist elders in need, we’re holding this event on June 8th at our Conference Center,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. “As Baby Boomers age and the elder population increases, raising awareness about this growing problem is imperative.”

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES’ Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: 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. In 2009, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 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 Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services weighs in on elder abuse and reduced funding in The Patriot Ledger

Elder abuse rising in Mass. as funding dips
Experts frustrated by budget reductions. Read Sue Scheible’s article:

Read more: Elder abuse rising in Mass. as funding dips – Quincy, MA – The Patriot Ledger http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x938336414/Elder-abuse-rising-in-Mass-as-funding-dips#ixzz1FZ6fYiUm

http://bit.ly/i2niFF

Old Colony Elder Services weighs in on elder abuse and reduced funding in The Patriot LedgerRead More