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Old Colony Elder Services Offers two Family Caregiver series beginning in July

Old Colony Elder Services, the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton and serving 23 towns in the South Shore and Brockton area, has announced two free Family Caregiver series beginning in July to be held at the Brockton Council on Aging located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program will be holding two events of interest to caregivers at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers series, a six week educational series will begin on July 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This program is designed to give family caregivers the skills and tools to better cope with the demands of caregiving. Caregivers will learn methods to reduce stress, anger and depression, while improving communication skills, decision making and self care. The series is free for family caregivers and a copy of the Caregiver Handbook will be provided. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. Registration is required; please call Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor, to register or for more information. 508-584-1561, extension 312.

A new Grandparent Support Group will be held at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton on Wednesday, July 20th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is a monthly support group for grandparents raising grandchildren and will offer grandparents a time and place to share information as well as successes and strategies for handling this very challenging responsibility. A permanent schedule will be established at the second meeting. Interested grandparents are asked to call Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor, for more information. 508-584-1561, extension 312.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers series and Grandparent Support Group are presented by Old Colony Elder Services Family Caregiver Support Program. Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor and Christine McLaren will facilitate both groups.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

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

Old Colony Elder Services Offers two Family Caregiver series beginning in JulyRead More

Treasurer Steve Grossman, Representative Steve Walsh Keynote Mass Home Care’s 28th Annual Lunch

On Monday, two prominent “Steves” will address a crowd of elder and disability rights advocates at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Mass Home Care Association. State Treasurer Steve Grossman will be talking about his new “financial literacy” initiative, and House Health Care Financing Chairman Rep. Steve Walsh will be talking about health care reform and global payments.

12 staff members from Old Colony Elder Services, the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton, including Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi and Assistant Executive Director Tim Valentine, will be among the 250+ expected guests at the Burlington Marriot hotel beginning at 11:30 AM.

Treasurer Grossman will speak first at 11:45 AM, and Chairman Walsh will speak after lunch around 1 pm.

Mass Home Care, which was founded in 1986, is one of the most visible statewide groups fighting for the rights of elderly and disabled individuals. Mass Home Care wrote the Equal Choice law, which was signed by Governor Mitt Romney in 2006. This law says that people on MassHealth have the right to be cared for in the ‘least restrictive setting” appropriate to their needs. Mass Home Care, and its members, is also responsible for securing hundreds of millions in state and federal funding to help keep people living at home; the 30 member agencies provided care management, coordination and monitoring of services for more than 64,000 individuals last year.

According to Mass Home Care, because of community-based programs, MassHealth’s use of nursing facility days has decreased by 29% since 2001; in 2011 this will save state taxpayers almost $600 million in institutional costs. Nursing facility care still comprises 64 percent of all long term care spending by MassHealth. The group says its goal is to reach the point where two-thirds of MassHealth funding goes into community care, where consumers want to be.

For more event details, contact: info@masshomecare.org, or call Mass Home Care at 978-502-3794.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

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

Treasurer Steve Grossman, Representative Steve Walsh Keynote Mass Home Care’s 28th Annual LunchRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Names Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist

Old Colony Elder Services, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) serving elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts, has recently named Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist for the Healthy Living at Home Supportive Housing Program.

In her new position as Supportive Housing Specialist, Ms. Depina will assess and review the needs of elderly and disabled residents at Campello High Rise and refer them to appropriate community programs and services. She will plan and coordinate care conferences as well as structured social, educational and recreational programs for residents. Ms. Depina will also serve as a liaison between the Brockton Housing Authority and Old Colony Elder Services.

For three years previous to Old Colony Elder Services, Ms. Depina was a social worker at Brockton Adult Day Health Center where among her many responsibilities, she assessed client needs though intakes, individual and group counseling and provided referrals to available community services. Prior to that, Ms. Depina was a Housing Specialist at ABCD Programs, which is a homeless shelter, in Boston.

Ms. Depina holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State College. She is a resident of Brockton, MA and a native of Praia, Cape Verde.

“Zirka is knowledgeable and experienced and we’re delighted to have her on our talented team,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Old Colony Elder Services offers a number of programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Names Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing SpecialistRead More

“Mayors for Meals Day” a Success

Each year, Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, participates in the National March for Meals Campaign, sponsored by the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) through a special component known as “Mayors for Meals Day”.

This year, Mathew J. Muratore, Selectman in Plymouth, Constance DiLego, Plymouth Council on Aging Director and Tim Valentine, Assistant Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services delivered noontime meals for the nutrition site at the Plymouth Council on Aging.

This campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the Meals on Wheels program, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising by involving local mayors and other public officials.

“We have many seniors who are unable to get to the grocery store or to one of our congregate meal sites. The Meals On Wheels program is absolutely essential to them as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal,” noted OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi.

The Meals On Wheels program serves residents age 60 and over, as well as disabled residents under 60. Both the Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers.

For more information contact Shawn Smith, Nutrition Program Director at Old Colony Elder Services (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 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

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 http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

(L to R) Meals on Wheels driver Rick Caproni; Mathew J. Muratore, Selectman in Plymouth; resident Dorothy Halunen and Plymouth Council on Aging Director Constance DiLego on “Mayors for Meals Day”

“Mayors for Meals Day” a SuccessRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Donates Caregiving Books to 23 Local Libraries

Old Colony Elder Services, an agency that serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers, recently donated caregiving books to the libraries in 23 towns the agency serves in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas.

The Family Caregiver Support Program at Old Colony Elder Services donated Quick Tips for Caregivers by Marion Karpinski, RN; New Times, New Challenges, Law and Advice for Savvy Seniors and Their Families by Kenney Hegland & Robert Fleming and To Survive Caregiving by Cheryl Woodson, MD. More than one title was donated to provide a greater choice for readers, especially with interlibrary loan available between the individual towns.

Through this donation, Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program celebrates the nation’s more than 65 million family caregivers and strives to build greater awareness of the Family Caregiver Support Program and all that it offers. The goal of the program is to help strengthen caregivers’ knowledge and their ability to provide care. One of the most effective ways of doing so is through the provision of educational materials.

According to Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services, “The Family Caregiver Support Program is for anyone caring for an adult age 60 and older, grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for children up to age 18, grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 or over caring for disabled adults age 19-59 and caregivers of adults of any age with Alzheimer’s disease. We are here to provide resources, answers, direction and/or emotional support.”

For more information about seminars or to speak with Rochelle Sugarman, call 508-584-1561 ext. 312 or email Rsugarman@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 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 Donates Caregiving Books to 23 Local LibrariesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Elder Care Expo on April 12th

Old Colony Elder Services, an agency that serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in the Brockton and South Shore area, will hold an Elder Care Expo on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging located at 10 Father Kenney Way.

Elders, families and caregivers are invited to attend this free event which is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is funded in part by The Older Americans Act, Title IIIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Old Colony Planning Council) and Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).

The event will feature health screenings, resource exhibits, refreshments, give-a-ways and raffles. Educational sessions include:

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services, will lead a seminar for caregivers on techniques for coping while caring for yourself and your loved ones.

Debra Bunszel, Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Master of Touch The Sole, will discuss the benefits of stress reduction and relaxation with a focus on the complementary techniques of reflexology and Reiki.

Deborah Ribak, LSW, of New England Sinai Adult Day Health, will provide One-on-One Consultation regarding Alzheimer’s disease issues and communication strategies.

For more information call Old Colony Elder Services 508-584-1561 ext. 272.

About Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO)

EECO is dedicated to increasing public knowledge of programs and services available to elders and their caregivers thereby enabling them to make the best possible choices in meeting their individual needs. For more information about this group of Brockton-based providers, please contact Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Supervisor at Old Colony Elder Services 508-584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:

Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 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 Elder Care Expo on April 12thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces the “Dancing With the Angels” Event will be held April 2nd

Old Colony Elder Services, a non-profit elder services agency serving elders and their families in 23 communities throughout the greater Plymouth county area, recently announced that the second annual “Dancing with the Angels” benefit event will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 6:30 to 11 p.m., at the Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry Street in Quincy.

The “Dancing with the Angels” event is generously hosted by Visiting Angels of the South Shore located in Marshfield. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, lively dancing and the music of the 14 piece White Heat Swing Orchestra. There will also be a dancing competition featuring the Visiting Angels staff doing Latin dancing.

This fundraising event supports the Special Needs Funds of Old Colony Elder Services and South Shore Elder Services (based in Braintree). The Special Needs Fund helps frail elders throughout the area who cannot afford the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, medicine and heat. Elders who have health issues may be unable to prepare meals, shop for food, or complete simple tasks such as washing clothes.

Last year’s “Dancing with the Angels” event raised more than $15,000 for seniors in need.

According to Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at Old Colony Elder Services, “Although government funding covers a substantial portion of our services, there are still many elders who are not eligible for services yet have critical needs. It is only through the generous support of individuals and businesses in the community that we are able to fulfill our mission of helping older adults live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.”

“Last year we were able to raise $15,000 with the help of our sponsors and colleagues who serve elders in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas. Based on our success, and encouragement from the community, we decided to make Dancing with the Angels an annual event,” explained Nate Murray, LICSW, President and Managing Partner of Visiting Angels of the South Shore. “We are hoping this event will continue to grow and build awareness of the Special Needs fund and how it helps our elderly loved ones, friends and neighbors. The elder service organizations who serve the elder community need our help to continue the critical work they do.”

Tickets for this swinging event are $50 each and may be purchased at Old Colony Elder Services. For more information about this event, contact Lucille Dallaire at OCES (508) 584-1561.

The major sponsors for this event are Weymouth Health Care Center, Rockland Trust, Entergy Pilgrim Station and Center Stage Dance Academy. Event sponsors include: Bond Printing, Celtic Angels, Casper Cremation, Evercare, High Street Equity Advisors, Plimoth Investment Advisors, Queen Anne Nursing Home, Southwood Nursing Center, Radius Healthcare and Pediatric Center, River Bay Club, Visiting Rehab Services, and Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group. Media sponsors are South Shore Senior News and 95.9 WATD-FM.

About Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is the nation’s leading, nationally respected network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies. Visiting Angels of the South Shore is located at 475 School Street, Suite 15 in Marshfield. For more information, visit www.visitingangels.com or call 800-365-4189.

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 Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
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 the “Dancing With the Angels” Event will be held April 2ndRead More