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senior care

Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. celebrates National Nurses Day with a gift to the One Fund

FLORENCE, MA…

For most Americans, May 12, 2013 represents Mother’s Day. For thousands of dedicated nursing professionals, many of whom are mothers, the day represents another significant milestone: the birthday of Florence Nightingale. To honor the founder of modern nursing’s birthday and the invaluable contributions of nurses everywhere, Nonotuck Resource Associates, a company that has helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by offering the personalized service of shared living and Adult Family Care, has  donated $500 to the One Fund to support victims of the tragedy at this year’s Boston Marathon.

“Ten years ago we struggled with many aspects of health care and the agency didn’t have the resources to address this critical issue.  Today we have qualified, committed, dedicated, caring nurses in all of our offices serving the health care needs of about 500 people from North Adams to the Cape in our shared living and adult family care households,” said George H. Fleischner, executive director of Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. “Saying thank you to these incredible men and women didn’t seem enough so we are making a donation in the name of Nonotuck nurses to the One Fund.”

Florence Nightingale’s birthday is recognized by the American Nurses Association as part of National Nurses Week, which takes place annually from May 6 to May 12. May 6 represents the official National Nurses Day.

“There are many challenges in nursing; one of the hardest is probably helping those we work with through vulnerable times. The One Fund Boston was truly a great idea!! It absolutely represents our nurses’ commitment, dedication and focus to our communities. I cannot think of a better gift,” said Rachael Perrea, an RN with Nonotuck. “If more businesses and organizations took Nonotuck’s lead and donated to causes in need, we could all help to make this world a little better in a big way… I feel honored to be a part of this donation and blessed to be a part of Nonotuck.”

Nonotuck offers Shared Living, Adult Family Care and Day Services for families who choose to care for their loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s, autism, brain injuries, cancer, muscular dystrophy and other intellectual and physical disabilities at home. Based in Florence, Nonotuck has offices in Central and Western Massachusetts as well as on Boston’s South Shore and on Cape Cod. An office in the Boston area will open later in 2013.

For complete information on Nonotuck Resource Associates, including office locations, you can visit www.nonotuck.com or call Nonotuck’s main office at 413-586-5266 x104.

Caregiving with Love – Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc.

Founded in 1972 by a group of parents who had the courage and foresight to seek community care for their loved ones, Nonotuck has since helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by providing the personalized service of Shared Living and Adult Family Care.  Each day Nonotuck addresses the ever increasing demand from families for these non-traditional, value based, in home services with love and care.  If you are interested in finding out more about this unique service and our locations please visit www.nonotuck.com or call 413-586-5256 x 104.

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Governor Takes Bite Out of Elder Meals Program – Nearly 250,000 meals cut

Elder advocates reacted with surprise this week in response to Governor Deval Patrick’s proposed 24% cut in the state’s meals program for elders.

“This is literally taking food off the table for older people,” explained Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care. “This is one of the most visible and popular senior programs in the state. We never would have predicted a cut in such a key service.”

The Governor’s budget slashes the elder nutrition program line item (account 9110-1900) by $1.5 million – from the FY 2012 level of $6.325 million to $4.81 million in FY 2013. This would leave elder nutrition funding for 2013 lower than it was 7 years ago in 2006 under Governor Mitt Romney ( at $5.237 million).

According to Mass Home Care, the loss of funding will cut nearly a quarter of a million meals in 2013. Total meals served under this line item to seniors will plummet from 996,000 meals in 2012 to 754,000 meals in 2013 – a loss of 242,000 fewer meals.

“Old Colony Elder Services estimates its share of the impact would be $75,000 that will cause a reduction of more than 12,000 meals across its service area of 23 communities in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county areas” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

The elder nutrition program is one of several meals programs available for seniors in the state, funded by federal and state monies. A total of 8.8 million meals will be served in FY 2012 counting all senior meals programs. Norman said elder nutrition groups have begun assessing how to best get the lost meals funding restored on Beacon Hill; “I am certain the Governor’s people did not expect us to walk away from the table knowing a quarter of a million meals were being cut.”

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.
The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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