seniors

Holiday Wellness Check – Right At Home Outlines 10 Signs An Aging Loved One Needs Help

November 14, 2011 // by admin

The holidays are often a time for happy reunions with family members and friends. Whether you live far from your loved ones, or your job and other commitments prevent you from visiting more than once or twice a year, you may be surprised to see that your aging loved one is beginning to show signs of decline.

Family gatherings are one of the best times to assess how your loved one is doing and look for signs that may indicate there is cause for concern. Libet Callahan, RN, BSN, president of the South Shore office of Right at Home, providers of non-medical in-home care services to seniors and disabled adults throughout the South Shore, advises family members of the 10 signs to watch for:

Weight loss
Not maintaining his/her personal appearance and hygiene
Not remembering when to take medication and not knowing what condition each medication is treating
Not eating nutritious meals or not eating at all
Food in the refrigerator or on the shelves that is past its expiration date or molding
Not maintaining the home by doing chores such as cleaning bathrooms, washing floors or regular vacuuming
Not paying bills – unpaid or unopened piles of bills are a red flag
Not taking proper care of a pet
Avoiding or having difficulty ascending/descending steps
Limiting contact with or lacking an interest in the outside world

According to Ms. Callahan, “Ultimately, a single, isolated sign doesn’t necessarily mean your loved one is in trouble. Sometimes you can just feel a change in a person even if you can’t articulate it. If there are numerous signs and you believe that your loved one may be having difficulty, you need to address it with your loved one and other close family members. Your aging loved one may be in need of a number of services – from companionship to personal care and homemaking – and Right at Home can help.”

Single-service care options such as meals-on-wheels or an adult daycare may be enough. But, oftentimes a multi-service provider such as Right At Home is needed to provide the companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable seniors and those with disabilities to remain in the comfort of their home for as long as possible.

If you have concerns about a family member, take Right At Home’s online Care Assessment by visiting http://www.rightathome.net/southshore/. For questions or more information, contact Right At Home at 781-681-3545.

About Right At Home
Right at Home provides non-medical in-home care services to seniors and disabled adults throughout the South Shore. Right At Home is among the first in the state to earn Accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. As a private-pay home care agency, Right At Home can provide services in settings other than the home, such as in assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement facilities, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

Right at Home provides care services of companionship, homemaking, physical assistance, hygiene and wellness. In addition, Right At Home accommodates clients in special care situations providing home care for Alzheimer’s and other dementia, osteoarthritis, hypertension/stroke, diabetes, heart disease, neuromuscular diseases and disorders, cancer recovery, hospice/palliative care support, mental health, traumatic brain injury and paraplegia/quadriplegia. All Right At Home caregivers are fully insured and bonded, must pass a vigorous background check, complete a training program and pass a competency test before being placed with a client.

The company serves the following areas: Abington, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton (East Side), Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Middleboro, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Wareham, Weymouth and Whitman. Right at Home has offices located at 800 Hingham Street, in Rockland, MA and 38 Resnik Road in Plymouth, MA. For more information contact 866-681-3545 or visit the website at http://www.rightathome.net/southshore/.

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Elder Agency Selling Calendars to Help Seniors in Crisis

November 7, 2011 // by admin

In an effort to raise money for seniors in crisis situations, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, is selling Fundraising Calendars for $5 each.

The Fundraising Calendars, which will offer cash prizes, are available now and may be purchased through January 2012. Proceeds from the calendars go towards OCES’ Emergency Assistance Program which will help with purchases such as food, fuel and medications for seniors who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation.

A total of $1,750 in cash prizes will be awarded to Fundraising Calendar holders via daily random drawings to be held in February 2012. There will be one winner named per day and the cash prize values will vary. Winners will be notified by phone and winning numbers posted online at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

To obtain a Fundraising Calendar, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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 elders, individuals with disabilities 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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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Fund Caregiver Program

October 27, 2011 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, has recently been awarded a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The $3,869 grant will be applied to OCES Family Caregiver Support Program’s “It’s About Time” free workshops for caregivers.

“We are fortunate to have been awarded this significant grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. Old Colony Elder Services and the Tufts Health Plan Foundation have a very similar mission – to provide programs and services that support healthy aging and promote the physical, mental and emotional well-being of seniors,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops for which we have received this grant, provide support and assistance to caregivers who are caring for seniors at home. The workshops are designed to help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while providing essential caregiving services.”

Three “It’s About Time” workshops will be offered in partnership with Councils on Aging in Marshfield, Plymouth and Brockton. The workshops will teach caregivers techniques and strategies to manage their time and reduce stress.

The first workshop will be held on November 3, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marshfield Council on Aging, located at 230 Webster Street in Marshfield. There will be three speakers: Shawn Smith, RD, Nutrition Director at OCES will discuss meal preparation; Sharon Fisher of Come to Order Professional Organizing Services will discuss time management and Dee Lyon, RYT of Real Life Yoga will share relaxation techniques. (Dates for the second and third workshop TBA.)

Attendees will receive lunch and a quick-meal cookbook. There is no cost to attend, but class size is limited. Caregivers may register for the workshops by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES
(508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About the Tufts Foundation
The Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds over $2 million annually in grants to Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofit organizations that provide a range of programs and services that address healthy aging. For more information, visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.org.

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.

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 Receives Donation from Litecontrol

October 12, 2011 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has recently kicked off an Emergency Fund campaign and is in need of individual and business sponsors. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

OCES the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton and serving 23 towns in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas, has recently received a $500 donation from Litecontrol of Hanson and Plymouth.

The funds will be allocated to Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund, which helps low-income seniors remain in their homes by helping them pay for fuel, medical transportation or utilities. The fund is maintained through donations from businesses and individuals.

“It is through the generous donation of companies like Litecontrol as well as individuals in the community that we can help elders who are struggling to pay for their home’s water, electricity and heat or for medical expenses. Last year we helped 202 low-income seniors and we anticipate that number will increase this winter,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Tax-deductable donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About Litecontrol
Founded in 1936, Litecontrol designs and produces quality innovative lighting fixtures that are used in public spaces, schools, offices, universities, healthcare, libraries, laboratories, retail and other industries around the globe. The company employes more than 200 at their facilities in Hanson and Plymouth. Litecontrol is focused on sustainability, protecting the environment and supporting the community. For more information, visit www.litecontrol.com.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate Coordinator

October 11, 2011 // by admin

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.

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Old Colony Elder Services to hold Ethical and Risk Management Conference on October 28th

September 28, 2011 // by admin

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, recently announced that a “Documentation in Elder Services: Ethical and Risk Management Issues” Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at OCES, Donovan Centre, 144 Main Street in Brockton. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

This conference is intended for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Nurses, and other health and
human service professionals. 4.5 CEUs have been approved for this conference. A light lunch will be provided. Due to limited space, registration will be accepted on a first paid, first-served basis.

Professor Frederic G. Reamer, Ph.D. of the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Reamer is the author of a number of books and articles on social work ethics. He will provide conference participants with an overview of ethical, malpractice and risk-management issues pertaining to the documentation of services and critical incidents.

To register, download the registration form at www.oldcolonyeldervices.org and complete 1 form per registrant. Mail the forms and $50 payment per person to OCES by October 19, 2011. For more information, visit our website or call Phyllis Martin at 508-584-1561 extension 293.

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Amy Diman Joins Old Colony Elder Services as Money Management Program Coordinator

September 20, 2011 // by admin

Amy Diman, a resident of West Bridgewater, MA has joined Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) as the new Money Management Program Coordinator. OCES is the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth County and Brockton areas.

In her new position as Money Management Program Coordinator, Mrs. Diman will assist elders in managing their household finances, which includes balancing their checkbook, developing a budget and paying bills. Mrs. Diman will also be responsible for training money management volunteers to work with elderly clients. Once the volunteers are trained, Mrs. Diman then becomes a liaison between the client, volunteer and OCES.

For three years previous to OCES, Mrs. Diman worked in Accounts Payable at a small construction company in West Bridgewater. Prior to that, she was employed at Putnam Investments for seven years. Mrs. Diman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science with a concentration in Finance from Bridgewater State College. In her free time, she volunteers as Treasurer for the Victoria E. Snelgrove Memorial Fund. She also volunteers at the Howard and Rose L. MacDonald Elementary Schools in West Bridgewater in the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program.

She is a native of East Bridgewater, MA.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces “My Life, My Health” Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs in English and Spanish

August 2, 2011 // by admin

Arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and asthma are illnesses and chronic conditions that affect seniors at a much higher rate than younger adults.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is helping seniors and others dealing with chronic diseases take charge of their own health by offering FREE My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMP) in English and Spanish. The programs are designed to give people with chronic conditions and/or their caregivers the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active role in their health care.

The first Spanish speaking session will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Health Center, 63 Main Street in Brockton.

The first English speaking session will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Abington Council on Aging, 441 Summer Street in Abington.

Each program runs for six consecutive weeks.

My Life, My Health CDSMP programs teach individuals:

How to deal with issues such as frustration, pain, isolation and fatigue.
How to exercise to improve strength and endurance.
How to improve nutrition by healthier eating.
How to set goals and speak effectively with doctors or other health care professionals.
How to use medications properly.

Partial funding for the OCES My Life, My Health CDSMP was provided by a grant from Greater Brockton Community Health Network Area (CHNA). These programs are offered to seniors residing in the Greater Brockton CHNA service area including Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

OCES’ My Life, My Health program is FREE and lunch will be provided each week. Seating is limited. To sign up for the program, contact Dottie Slack at (508) 584-1561.

Old Colony Elder Services is seeking Spanish and English speaking volunteers who would like to become My Life, My Health CDSMP trained leaders. Contact Dottie Slack at (508) 584-1561.

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Greater Brockton CHNA Awards Grant to Old Colony Elder Services

July 21, 2011 // by admin

Greater Brockton Community Health Network Area (CHNA) has recently awarded a $3,000 grant to Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency.

The grant will be used to help fund the My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) for the 10 communities served by CHNA.

The My Life, My Health CDSMP is a community workshop designed to give seniors and others 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. It is facilitated by OCES staff members who are certified leaders of the program.

Three programs in English and three programs in Spanish will be offered to seniors residing in Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman. There are five English speaking trained program leaders and two Spanish speaking trained leaders. (Additional Spanish speaking volunteers who would like to become trained leaders are needed.)

According to Dorothy Slack, who is a certified leader of CDSMP, “We would like to thank Greater Brockton CHNA for their generous grant which will enable us to run this essential program. We’re really excited to offer the program in both English and Spanish. The grant will help pay for program supplies, books and lunch for attendees.”

Each program runs for six consecutive weeks. The first Spanish speaking session will be held at the Neighborhood Health Center in Brockton on September 14th. The first English speaking session will be held at the Abington Council on Aging in Abington on Tuesday, September 20th.

“It is through the generous support of organizations and individuals that we can continue to provide programs that better enable elders to remain independent and living in their own homes throughout the 23 communities we serve,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

About Greater Brockton CHNA
Greater Brockton Community Health Network Area (CHNA) was established in 1992 by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It is a local coalition of public, non-profit, and private sectors working together to build healthier communities in Massachusetts through community-based prevention planning and health promotion. It is in the mission of the Greater Brockton CHNA to use funding to support local programs and initiatives that meet the CHNA’s guiding principles. The Greater Brockton CHNA serves the communities of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman. For more information, visit the website at www.preventionworks.org.

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