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Senior insights. Seniors First podcast launched on Talking Information Center. Provides expert guidance on a full range of legal, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.

Aging may bring wisdom, but it also creates new challenges and unanswered questions.

How can I structure my retirement to avoid outliving my savings? How do I retrofit my home to accommodate aging? How do I evaluate in-home resources to provide the extra help I might need? How do I protect my legacy for the next generation?

Seniors First, a newly formed collaborative based in Eastern Massachusetts, offering a single source and well-vetted solution, has launched a new radio show and podcast on Talking Information Center radio based in Marshfield, MA. The show airs the last Friday of each month at 7 p.m. (ET).

Hosted by George Downey, also the founder of Seniors First as well as CEO of Harbor Mortgage Solutions in Braintree, MA, the show will include a wide range of professional experts who serve the senior community. Included are Accountants, Estate and Elder Law Attorneys, Registered Investment Advisors, Financial Planners, Geriatric Care Managers, Home Modification Contractors, In-Home Care Providers, Insurance Professionals, and Mortgage and Real Estate Professionals.

Seniors First was created and is championed by Harbor Mortgage Solutions, a family-owned, residential mortgage company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Recognized as a leading housing wealth management authority, Harbor Mortgage is dedicated to serving the unique home financing and often complex needs of senior homeowners, while also promoting those needs among consumers, professional advisors, state legislators and industry regulators.

In addition to professional services, Seniors First offers educational and objective seminars to Councils on Aging, senior organizations, fraternal organizations, labor unions, college staff and faculty, human resources departments and business groups throughout Eastern Massachusetts. The seminars are presented in moderated panel discussions including experienced professionals expert on the subject matter.

Upcoming podcast topics will be wide-ranging on timely and important senior topics, for example:

  • Aging in Place – From Cash Flow to Home Modifications and More
  • In-Home Care – What You Need to Know and Avoid
  • Successfully Surviving Death and Divorce
  • Protecting and Managing Your Housing and Financial Wealth
  • About the Kids – What You Need and What They Really Want
  • Planning Ahead – What to Do and How to Do It Right
  • How To Avoid Outliving Your Savings
  • Navigating Social Security and Medicare
  • Legacy Planning – Being the Author of your Life and End of Life Plan
  • Social Security – Making the Right Choice
  • Medicare – The Right Rx for You
  • Downsizing and Decluttering – Where do you start

On a monthly basis the Seniors First radio show and podcast bring you information that helps you improve your retirement. We welcome your comments and suggestions for future shows.  Please visit our website at www.SeniorsFirstMA.com.

For more information about Seniors First, contact George Downey, Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc., 100 Grandview Road, Suite 105, Braintree, MA 02184.  Phone: (781) 843-5553, or Email: GDowney@HarborMortgage.com

Senior insights. Seniors First podcast launched on Talking Information Center. Provides expert guidance on a full range of legal, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.Read More

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Aging in place options.

Do you want to age in place?  Move on?

A three-person panel discussion will explore decisions and resources  around staying in the home vs. selling the home, organizing and downsizing and how home care works and can be used. 

The free, educational program is open to the public and is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 5.30 p.m. to 7p.m. at FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, 109 – 123 Highland Avenue, Suite 301, Needham, MA  02494 (directly across from Panera Bread and between TD Bank and Petco).

Panelists will include Pat Bernabei, professional organizer and downsizing expert of Sort It Out Boston based in Newton; Rachel Foy, Hillman Homes located in Newton; and Steve Stern of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, situated in Needham.

This interactive presentation encourages participants to ask questions and provide their own anecdotes.

As Founder of Sort It Out Boston, Pat Bernabei has helped hundreds of people move, get organized, and transition to new phases in their lives.  As an active member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) she has earned the distinction of Senior Move Manager-Certified (SMM-C) and Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist (CRTS). Sort It Out Boston received NASMM’s A+ Accreditation, the organization’s highest standard of professional achievement. Pat is also an active member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Rachel Foy meets the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties. Additionally, Rachel is a Broker/Owner, REALTOR® and a member of REBAC, Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council; Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR); Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Greater Boston Real Estate Board; National Association of Realtors and Massachusetts Association of Realtors.

Steve Stern’s company FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve. The company has set a new standard in home care by creating an unmatched Culture of Care that drives industry-leading client and employee satisfaction. FirstLight is a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery; adults with disabilities; and anyone over the age of 18 who needs extra assistance. Care can be provided at private residences, as well as independent and assisted living communities.

To RSVP, please visit https://bit.ly/2YySoY1.

For additional information, please contact FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, 781-559-0220,   https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcare-west-suburban-boston/contact/

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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20th

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will hold an “Understanding Hoarding” Conference on May 20, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 144 Main Street in Brockton. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.

With a focus on intervention, OCES’ Hoarding Conference is geared towards helping mental health therapists, social workers and others who work directly with people who have hoarding issues. The conference will be led by experts Jesse Edsell-Vetter, Hoarding Intervention Coordinator of the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) and Christiana Bratiotis, Ph.D., LICSW. Topics to be covered include: the Definition of Hoarding; the Mental Psychology of Hoarding; Tools for Intervention and Sort/Discard Skills.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for. Lunch will be provided. The cost to attend is $50. Pre-registration is required as no registrations will be available on the day of the event.

Sign-up online at http://ocesma.givezooks.com/events/hoarding.

For more information, contact Lisa Mullin at OCES (508) 584-1561 extension 220. This event is sponsored by The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force and OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

 

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20thRead More

Turning Print into Sound at Senior Living Communities – Talking Information Center Radio Installed at Village at Proprietors Green, Marshfield

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC) is “turning print into sound” for senior residents at the Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield, MA with the installation of a specially tuned radio receiver. TIC is a non-profit reading service, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners.

TIC’s radio receiver was installed at Proprietors Green. Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director completed the installation and spoke to staff and residents about the TIC reading program. He also demonstrated how to use the radio and how to review the daily schedule.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

“We’re delighted to work with Proprietor’s Green and other senior living communities that wish to provide TIC’s innovative programs to their residents,” noted Bunnell.

Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.

Bunnell continued, “TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.”

Senior living communities may arrange for TIC’s specially tuned radio receiver to be installed on-site by calling TIC at (781) 834-4400. For more information about TIC’s programming, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

About the Village at Proprietors Green

Located at 10 Village Green Way in Marshfield, the Village at Proprietors Green is owned and managed by Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group. For more information, visit http://www.proprietorsgreen.com.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Turning Print into Sound at Senior Living Communities – Talking Information Center Radio Installed at Village at Proprietors Green, MarshfieldRead More

Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in Plymouth

Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens
Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is expanding and has opened a new office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, MA.

OCES officially announced the opening of their new 7,200 square-foot office with an Open House on March 2, 2016. Dozens attended the event, including State Representative Matt Muratore, Monica Mullins District Director, and Betty DeBenedictis, Legislative Aide to State Representative Thomas Calter.

The new location will better enable OCES to accommodate growth. The agency’s main office, which houses 200 of their 235 employees, is located at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth office currently has 25 employees, with room for up to 50. The Plymouth office is home to OCES’ Volunteer Program; key departments such as Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral are also represented.

“We serve 23 towns with a comprehensive array of specialized programs which have been developed to address the unique situations and circumstances faces by older adults and individuals with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We’re very pleased to have a second location that not only gives us room to grow, but is a bit closer to our consumers, caregivers, volunteers and service partners located around the Plymouth and Wareham areas.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Women & Investing – Free panel discussion to be held at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce on May 5th

Women & Investing – Free panel discussion to be held at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce on May 5thRead More

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/Walk

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Lace up your running shoes and join Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) on Sunday, March 20, 2016 for their first annual “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk.

In a new initiative to help grow and sustain OCES’ Meals on Wheels program, which serves approximately 30,000 meals a month to older adults in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, OCES will hold a 5K Road Race/Walk at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place male and female winners. Adult registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K costs $25 online or $30 on-site. Student (age 11-18) registration is $20 online or $25 on-site. Child (age 10 and under) registration is $15 online and $20 on-site.

T-shirts and gift bags are included with registration, and refreshments will be provided. Online registration will be open through the end of the day on Friday, March 18th. The registration deadline to receive a t-shirt is March 8th.

To register, visit www.southshoreracemgmt.com and click on March races.

Sponsorships are also available. To sponsor the race, visit ocesma.givezooks.com/events/moving-heels-for-meals-on-wheels or contact Chris McLaren at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 309.

“We’re excited about our first annual 5K Road Race, as it promises to be a fun event for all ages,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “With the community’s support and participation, we will be better able to meet the increasing demand of providing meals to older adults and people with disabilities.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/WalkRead More

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaign

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received a total of $5,145 in donations to their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

In an effort to raise money for their Emergency Fund, OCES ran a #GivingTuesday campaign from December 1st through December 31, 2015. This fund helps low-income older adults and people with disabilities with needed support that cannot be addressed through the use of any other resources.

“The success of this campaign to raise money for OCES’ Emergency Fund demonstrates the power we all have to change the world around us,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities who are most in need in our communities.”

We thank everyone who gave during this campaign! All too often, low-income older adults and people with disabilities encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. OCES’ Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Through OCES’ Emergency Fund, several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities have received assistance, including a 79-year-old widow, living in her own home with her disabled daughter, who had run out of oil; OCES helped purchase heating oil for them.

If you were unable to donate during December, don’t worry, you can give at any time. Visit www.ocesma.org and help us to continue providing assistance to older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain safe and at home.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaignRead More

OCES Holds Food Drive for Three Charities

OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.
OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently held a Food Drive for three charities in their service area – My Brothers Keeper in Easton, Father Bill’s & Mainspring in Brockton, and Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless in Kingston.

OCES’ Food Drive was held among their 235 employees the week before Christmas. More than 300 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed among the three charities.

Every year, OCES holds a holiday food drive for a different organization in an effort to provide support to those most in need. Last year, OCES’ donated more than 140 pounds of food to South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth.

To learn more about the three charities, visit their websites at www.plymouthareacoalition.org, helpfbms.org, and www.mybrotherskeeper.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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