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Old Colony Elder Services Announces “Stress & The Caregiver” Seminar on November 4th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will hold a “Stress & The Caregiver” seminar on Thursday, November 4th at 7 p.m. at the Kingston Public Library, 6 Green Street in Kingston. OCES is an Aging Services Access Point headquartered in Brockton and serves seniors and caregivers in 23 towns south of Boston.

This free “Stress & The Caregiver” seminar will be led by Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES. This seminar offers education and guidance to help caregivers better manage stress.

To RSVP or for questions, contact Rochelle Sugarman at 508-584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Announces “Stress & The Caregiver” Seminar on November 4thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services To Hold Disease Self-Management Program for Elders & Caregivers Beginning October 18th

Arthritis, diabetes and heart disease are illnesses and chronic conditions that affect seniors at a much higher rate than younger adults. One in three people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year. Two out of 10 people over the age of 60 have diabetes. 70 percent of Americans die from a chronic disease each year.

In light of this, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is helping seniors take charge of their own health through the My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), which is a community workshop designed to give people with chronic conditions (such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, etc.) and/or their caregivers the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active role in their health care.

The first six-week session begins Monday, October 18 from 10 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. and will be held at the Brockton Council on Aging, located at 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton. The program is facilitated by Old colony Elder Services’ staff who are trained leaders dealing with a chronic disease themselves or are living with chronic disease.

The workshops teach seniors how to deal with issues such as frustration, pain, isolation, and fatigue. Seniors learn how to exercise to improve strength and endurance, and how to improve nutrition by healthier eating. They will also learn how to set goals, use medications properly and speak effectively with doctors or other health care professionals.

The My Life, My Health program is FREE and lunch will be provided each week. Seating is limited.

To sign up for the program, contact Janice Fitzgerald at 508-580-7811.

Dorothy Slack, Rochelle Sugarman, Lauren Murphy and Rick Alvarnaz of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) have been certified as Leaders through the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), My Life, My Health sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Duxbury, Middleborough and New Bedford Senior Centers. OCES now has a License from Stanford University to present 10 CDSMP.

“Disease self-management programs emphasize the senior’s role in managing their illness and building self-confidence so they can be successful in adopting healthier behaviors. By empowering seniors, we are helping to ensure that they are able to continue living at home as opposed to living in an institution,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. She continued, “We would like to thank the Brockton Council on Aging for sharing their space with us so we can run this essential program.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Senate President Therese Murray Speaks at Old Colony Elder Services Legislative Breakfast

Senator Therese Murray was the keynote speaker at a recent Legislative Breakfast hosted by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and held at the John Carver Inn in Plymouth. Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) is a non-profit corporation which serves residents in 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas. OCES is one of 27 similar agencies designated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP).

More than 60 individuals from a number of elder service agencies were in attendance along with State Representatives Vinny DeMacedo, Susan Gifford and Tom Calter; Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr.; and OCES’ Board of Directors. Plymouth Selectman Mathew Muratore, Caitlin Kenerson from Representative Christine Canavan’s office, and Lisa Budge Johnson from Sheriff McDonald’s office also attended. Senate President Murray spoke of the challenges to human service agencies delivering services to elders and disabled individuals in the current economic climate and she elaborated on how the Fiscal 2011 budget will impact funding for the upcoming year.

“We’re in a tough economic climate and seniors are especially at risk,” noted Senator Murray addressing OCES and elder service representatives in the audience. “We’re doing the best we can and we thank you for all you do.”

A member of the Massachusetts State Senate since 1993 and elected President of the Senate in 2007, Senator Murray has worked to improve the lives of seniors throughout her career. Following her speech, Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care presented Senator Murray with a “Home Care Hero” award.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES who is also the Vice President of Mass Home Care said, “We want to thank Senator Murray for everything she has done and continues to do for elder consumers.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Stretching Food Dollars

Many families are concerned about the rising costs of food.

Shawn Smith, Registered Dietician and Nutrition Program Director at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) serving 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas, shares tips from the USDA: Food and Nutrition Service on stretching your food dollars through budgeting and food selection.

According to Smith, “You have to know your food budget. Make a shopping list based on how much you have to spend and buy only the amounts of fresh foods you can use before they spoil. Consider frozen or shelf stable items that last longer and try to plan meals around what’s on sale”.

Smith offers insight on a few of the best buys for cost and nutrition:

Breads and Grains. Look for bargains on day old bread. It costs less but is still nutritious. Buy regular rice, oatmeal and grits instead of instant to save money, sugar and calories.

Vegetables and Salad. Buy large bags of frozen vegetables. Seal tightly in the freezer between uses. Avoid pre-bagged salad mixes. They are usually more expensive and spoil faster.

Fruits. Buy fresh fruits in season, when they generally cost less. Frozen and canned fruits are a smart choice all year round.

Low-Fat Milk Products. Buy fresh, low-fat milk in the largest size that can be used before spoiling. Larger containers cost less than smaller sizes. Ultra-pasteurized milk has a longer expiration date and won’t spoil as fast

Meat and Beans. Chuck or bottom round roast has less fat and is cheaper than sirloin.

Dried beans and peas are a good source of protein and fiber. They last a long time without spoiling.

Look for specials at the meat counter. Buy meat on sale for big savings. Buy meat in large bulk packages to save money. Freeze portions you won’t use right away to prevent spoiling.

If you are struggling to put food on the table, the USDA’s nutrition assistance programs may help. You may qualify for more than Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

OCES can help. Contact the Nutrition Department at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Stretching Food DollarsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Caregiver Support Group in Hanson

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is offering a Caregiver Support Group on the second Wednesday of each month beginning in September, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hanson Senior Center located at 132 Maquan Street. OCES is an Aging Services Access Point headquartered in Brockton and serves seniors and caregivers in 23 towns south of Boston.

The Caregiver Support Group is an educational support group that allows caregivers to exchange practical ideas and information. Attendees will also be able to gain insight from guest speakers. Light refreshments will be served.

The Caregiver Support Group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association and free respite will be provided on site. To RSVP or for questions, contact Nicole Welch, Program Development Manager at Old Colony Elder Services, 508-584-1561, ext. 249.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $6K through “Cooking for A Cause” Fundraiser to Keep Meals on Wheels Program Rolling

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) raised over $6,000 for the Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meal site programs from their “Cooking for a Cause” family-friendly event held at the Middleboro Council on Aging. Several hundred people attended and enjoyed delicious food from participating restaurants and an outdoor concert with the summertime sounds of the the very popular BaHa Brothers band.

With a growing number of elders needing meal assistance and less money to support the Nutrition Program due to budget cuts, the non-profit agency acted quickly to launch their first annual “Cooking for a Cause” fundraiser for the Nutrition Program, which operates Meals on Wheels and congregate meal sites.

OCES wishes to thank all the restaurants that provided the delicious food for the event: Burrito Wraps of Brockton, RooBar in Plymouth, Veronica’s Treats of Middleboro, Mike’s House of Pizza in Hanson, Lindley Food Service of Connecticut (the caterer for Meals on Wheels), Stop & Shop, Hideaway Restaurant in Middleboro and the Middleboro Council on Aging. The agency also thanks all who donated the fantastic raffle prizes, which greatly contributed to the fundraising efforts.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of our sponsors, all these wonderful restaurants and the vendors that generously contributed prizes for our raffles,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The event was sponsored by: Home Instead of Bridgewater; Bayada Nurses of Plymouth; Senior Whole Health in Cambridge; Robbins Furniture of Rockland; George Washington Toma of Brockton; Liberty Printing Company of Brockton; Hackewell-Boone Insurance Agency of South Easton; Everett’s Auto Parts of Brockton; A&A Metro Transportation Bill’s Taxi Service, Inc. of Avon; Avida Design of Brockton; BC Tent Awning Co. of Avon; Bridgewater Savings Bank of Raynham; Fitzgerald Appraisals of North Easton; Evercare of Waltham; Diman Laundry of New Bedford; Geriatric Home Health Care Inc. of Avon; Good Samaritan Medical Center of Brockton; Anodyne Homemaker Services Corp of Quincy and the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce of Brockton.

“It is imperative that we have initiatives in place to raise additional funding so no senior goes hungry. It costs approximately $35 to provide one senior with a week’s worth of meals. The Cooking for a Cause event was a great success and we intend to make it one of our annual fundraisers,” explained DiGiorgi.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $6K through “Cooking for A Cause” Fundraiser to Keep Meals on Wheels Program RollingRead More

Elder Care Expo to be Held on April 13th in Brockton

Older adults and caregivers are invited to attend an Elder Care Expo which will be held on April 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Brockton Council on Aging, located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

The Elder Care Expo, which is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Family Caregiver Support Program and Elder Education Community Outreach (EECO) is a free event that is open to the public. OCES and EECO’s goal is to broaden community awareness of the resources available to seniors and caregivers while promoting good health & well-being.

The event will feature resource exhibits and free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose and hearing. There will be give-aways and raffles. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Rochelle Sugarman, who is the Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES will speak to attendees about “Finding the Balance in Caregiving”. Shawn Smith, OCES’ Nutrition Program Director will also speak on the topic of how to “Enjoy a Balanced Diet on a Balanced Budget”.

Every guest will receive an EECO Resource Guide for Older Adults. For more information, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Elder Care Expo to be Held on April 13th in BrocktonRead More