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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Six-Week Program for Family Caregivers

Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program is offering a complimentary six-week educational course for family caregivers entitled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers course is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while taking care of a relative or friend. Caregivers who are caring for a parent, spouse or friend at home, in a nursing home or even across the country, will benefit from this special class which will teach them ways to reduce stress, communicate more effectively and take care of themselves. Caregivers will also learn how to relax as well as cope with any feelings of guilt, anger and depression. Goal setting and problem-solving will also be covered during the course.

Rochelle Sugarman, who is the Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at OCES will be leading the classes along with Chris McLaren, Care Advisor of the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES.

The class meets once a week, from 10 a.m. to noon, on Tuesdays, from April 20th to May 25th at Old Colony Elder Services located at 144 Main Street in Brockton.

“We are very much looking forward to bringing this exciting beneficial course to caregivers in our area,” noted Sugarman.

Registration is required by April 13. To register for the program, contact Rochelle Sugarman at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 312.

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 to Hold Six-Week Program for Family CaregiversRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Teams with Bridgewater State to Offer Intern Program

Toni Aiduk, a senior studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Bridgewater State College (BSC) knows that an internship at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) provides the critical hands-on experience needed to set her up for success upon graduation. Aiduk gains experience while helping elders get the care they need by interning with the Senior Care Options (SCO) team at OCES two days a week. But, there are many students who are still not aware that the OCES internship program exists.

OCES, a private, non-profit corporation, and designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), first started the internship program with BSC in 2006. Any student enrolled in a social work degree program is eligible. Students must work at least two full days per week and serve as an intern for at least three months. That’s how Elizabeth Semedo DosSantos, who is now on staff at OCES, got her start. DosSantos was OCES’ first intern and upon her graduation from BSC in 2007, she was offered a full time position with OCES.

“The program is good for our organization as well as for Bridgewater State College. We’ve been able to give back to the college and the profession,” noted Glenda DeVincentis, LSW, SCO Program Director who has worked at OCES for over 20 years.

With the help of Aiduk as an intern, DeVincentis is able to reduce her team’s workload. The SCO team assists a diverse elderly population of Senior Whole Health and Evercare members. Often there are language and cultural barriers that must be addressed. Doing so broadens the knowledge of both OCES and the intern and both benefit from it.

DeVincentis continued, “Interns at OCES can get a taste of what it is like to work in care management. The program allows them to gain firsthand experience and provides us with better knowledge of whether they might be a good candidate for full time employment at OCES. It is ideal for everyone involved.”

To learn more about the intern program, contact Human Resources at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 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.

OCES offers a number of programs such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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 agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Teams with Bridgewater State to Offer Intern ProgramRead More

Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning Now

Did you know that approximately 70 percent of people over the age of 65 need some form of long term support services? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is supporting the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ (EOEA) campaign “Embrace Your Future” to raise awareness about the importance of long term care planning.

Anyone between 45 and 60 years old who is interested in more information about planning for retirement and long term care should contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request a brochure.

The “Embrace Your Future” campaign is targeting the people born between 1946 and 1964 and encouraging them to take steps now to plan for their future needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, planning for future long term care needs is important for a number of reasons:

  • Expense – Long term care services are often much more expensive than people think. Care often exceeds what the average person can pay using their income and other resources. You may not meet the eligibility requirements for federal or state assistance. Medicare, disability insurance and health insurance do not pay for long term care services.

  • Financial and emotional stress – The financial and emotional burden of your care will rest solely on your family members unless you plan ahead. Remember, your assets may not be enough to cover the costs of your care.

  • More care choices – By planning ahead, you will have more choices as to how your long term support needs will be met as well as where you wish to receive that care – for many, the desire is to remain at home for as long as possible.

“When you are healthy and active, there is often no sense of urgency with regard to planning for long term care because the potential needs seem so far into the future. But, planning ahead is the best way to ensure that your future needs will be met and that you will have the resources to pay for those needs. Long term care costs are rising and the government will not have the funds to support them. We strongly encourage anyone between 45 and 60 to contact us for more information,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The best way to begin planning is by taking the first step to obtain more information. Contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request that an “Embrace Your Future” brochure be mailed to you at no charge. Or, visit www.800ageinfo.com or www.longtermcare.gov/campaign/ma for more information.

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.



Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning NowRead More

Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor Support

 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) is in need of volunteers as well as donor support to keep the Massachusetts Money Management Program (MMMP) running.

The MMMP helps vulnerable, low-income elders who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills. Money Management volunteers help these elders by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

Money Management volunteers must be capable of basic financial tasks and have a willingness to commit their time once or twice a month. Volunteers are not reimbursed for mileage, so they are generally matched with elders who live in the same town.

Due to underfunding, the MMMP relies on the generosity of donors. Donations in support of the local MMMP may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. Be sure to state that your donation is specifically for the MMMP.

“The MMMP is a free service for qualified elder clients. We are always seeking funds to keep the program up and running, train volunteers and work with clients. The need is significant in all 23 towns we cover, but especially so in Brockton,” explained Brenda Carrens of OCES.

 

To request an application to volunteer for the Money Management program or for more information about making a donation, contact Brenda Carrens, OCES’ program coordinator, at (508) 584-1561 extension 252.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 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, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.  OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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 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.


Money Management Program at Old Colony Elder Services Needs Volunteers and Donor SupportRead More

“Home for the Holidays” Brochure Helps Older Adults Manage their Medicines

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) has recently announced the availability of a “Home for the Holidays” brochure that is designed to help older adults manage their medicines.

The brochure was developed by Eldercare Locator in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and Consumers Union (the nonprofit publisher of Consumers Reports) and is the organization’s seventh annual “Home for the Holidays” campaign for older adults. This year’s brochure is entitled “Prescription Drug Options:  Managing Your Medicines.”

The brochure outlines simple steps older adults can take to help manage chronic conditions and reduce the chance of harmful drug interactions. The brochure also provides instruction on how to get the best value for medicine purchases by creating a medicine record, keeping health care professionals informed about all medicines, and taking cost-saving steps such as purchasing generic drugs and taking advantage of competitive pharmacy pricing.

To request the brochure, contact Korin Tracy in the Information and Referral Department at Old Colony Elder Services at (508) 584-1561.

About n4a

n4a administers the Eldercare Locator which is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. To learn more about n4a resources and programs, visit www.n4a.org. To download a PDF of the “Home for the Holidays” brochure, visit www.n4a.org/programs/elresources/.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 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, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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.

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.

“Home for the Holidays” Brochure Helps Older Adults Manage their MedicinesRead More

OCES encourages folks to “Be a Santa to a Senior”

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that serves Plymouth county as well as the towns of Avon, Easton and Stoughton, is encouraging the general public to participate in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program by providing a gift to a senior in need.

Old Colony Elder Services, working in conjunction with the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program sponsor Home Instead Senior Care, has identified approximately 170 isolated elders who otherwise would not receive a gift this holiday season.


Each senior in need is represented by an ornament with their “wish list” written on it.   The wish lists may include items such as postage stamps, clothing, a gift card to a grocery store, candy or other item. The ornaments adorn Christmas trees located at Duval’s Pharmacy at 571 Washington Street in Whitman. The program is running now through December 11th.

To be a “Santa to a Senior”, simply select an ornament from the Christmas tree at Duval’s and purchase a gift that is on that senior’s “wish list”.  Then, place the gift (unwrapped) with the ornament attached into the collection box at the pharmacy.


All the gifts will be collected by Home Instead Senior Care and a wrapping party will be held on December 15th.  Representatives from Home Instead Senior Care and OCES will help wrap and distribute the gifts to the seniors.
Last year, the program delivered more than 350 gifts to seniors. According to Rich and Cherie Sasso, owners of the Home Instead Senior Care Plymouth County, “This program is a way that we can give back to our community by providing gifts to some of our most treasured residents. Our hope is that the presents also can help these seniors recapture some of the excitement of their childhood.”

For questions about “Be a Santa to a Senior”, contact Susan Willis, Home Care Program Director at OCES (508) 584-1561.

About Home Instead Senior Care
The Plymouth County office of Home Instead Senior Care in East Bridgewater is the world’s most trusted source of non-medical care and companionship for seniors. For more information about the agency, contact 508-378-3102.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  OCES touches the lives of approximately 16,000 people a year. They have 140 employees and operate 20 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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. 

For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

OCES encourages folks to “Be a Santa to a Senior”Read More

Aging and Disability Resource Consortium Hosts Conference

BROCKTON, DEDHAM, FALL RIVER AND NEW BEDFORD…

The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern Massachusetts (ADRCSE) recently hosted a conference titled A Community Together: Disabled and Elders. The ADRCSE is a local collaboration between the Southeast Center for Independent Living and Bristol Elder Services of Fall River, Coastline Elderly Services of New Bedford, and Old Colony Elder Services of Brockton that provides a coordinated system of information and access to long term services and supports for individuals, family members and providers, regardless of age, disability, or income.

Approximately 85 participants, including elders, people with disabilities, social workers, nurses, staff from councils on aging, hospitals, long term care facilities, home care agencies, and other human service organizations, attended the half-day program.

Presenter Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq., partner in the law firm of Surprenant and Beneski, P.C. of New Bedford spoke about elder law and planning for those with special needs. He reviewed estate and long term care planning, including protection of the home.

Mark Whitehouse, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and President of Adaptive Driving Program, Inc. of Dedham spoke on the topic of Driving Your Way to Independence. According to Mr. Whitehouse, his goal is to, “help people keep driving as long as possible and to get people driving who never thought they could do so.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  OCES touches the lives of approximately 16,000 people a year. They have 140 employees and operate 20 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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. 

For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Aging and Disability Resource Consortium Hosts ConferenceRead More

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder Services

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…More than 1,000 seniors are on the Home Care wait list for services thanks to state budget cuts already incurred this year in the elderly home care program. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts explained that the waiting list was imposed on September 8th and forty one days later, more than 1,000 people are waiting. Mass Home Care says that cuts already implemented will push the waiting list up to as many as 6,000 people by the end of June 2010.

Cutbacks this year have already been made to the Home Care and Enhanced Community Options programs. These programs are essential because they help seniors maintain their independence and enable them to live in the least restrictive setting, usually their own home.

“We are very disappointed over the large number of seniors who need home care and cannot get it. The typical home care client is an elder who needs help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating and/or walking. With cuts to home care, often their only other choice is a nursing home,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. As of today, due to the waiting list criteria, OCES is unable to provide services to approximately 100 elders.

“It is ironic that the door to nursing home care is wide open, but the door to home care has been slammed shut for hundreds of seniors,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care.

Based on the 2006 “Equal Choice” law that Mass Home Care wrote, seniors and individuals with disabilities are supposed to be given a choice of where they wish to receive services – at home or in an institution; most people prefer their own home. Because of these budget cuts, many seniors now have the choice of nursing home care or a waiting list.

Norman added, “The hits we’ve already received have a taken a toll on very vulnerable seniors. It’s fiscally short-sighted to cut the programs that keep people out of the more expensive levels of care. In a budget crunch, this is precisely the time to keep home care open, and divert people away from institutions.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  OCES touches the lives of approximately 16,000 people a year. They have 140 employees and operate 20 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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. 

For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair Towers

More than 30 residents of Belair Towers attended a Senior Wellness Fair to learn more about maintaining their good health. The event was hosted by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The event, which offered free screening services and advice for residents of the senior housing complex, was sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts (www.aptofma.org) and participants included the Sears Hearing Aid Center of Brockton (www.searshearing.com/).

Residents were able to have their balance checked and tested by a physical therapist and learn what they could do to improve their balance. Postural Screens taught the residents about ways to improve their posture and reduce postural back pain. Blood Pressure Checks were conducted and residents learned how staying active could prolong their healthy years. Electronic Hearing Tests and Video Otoscope Ear Inspections were conducted on-site by the Sears Hearing Aid Center.

To better inform the residents about balance and fall reduction, a presentation entitled “Don’t Let the Fall Get to You” was presented by Peter Crimmins, PT of the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout for our Senior Wellness Fair. Residents were able to obtain valuable information about their current health while also gaining a better knowledge of how to stay well,” explained Nicole Welch, LCSW, Program Development Manager at OCES.

About Belair Towers

Belair Towers, with 269 apartments, is located at 105 Belair Street in Brockton. Belair, which is managed by the Brockton Housing Authority, is one of Old Colony Elder Services’ nutrition and congregate meal sites that is open to the public.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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.

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 Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair TowersRead More