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“Caring for Veterans Experiencing the Impact of Serious Illness” Presentation on May 11th

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, is collaborating with HopeHealth, the Plymouth Veterans Services, and the Plymouth Senior Center on a presentation for veterans diagnosed with a serious illness on Monday, May 11, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Plymouth Senior Center, 44 Nook Road.

HopeHealth will present “Caring for Veterans Experiencing the Impact of Serious Illness”. Veterans and their loved ones will learn about the wide range of services available to provide the best possible quality of life. HopeHealth presenters, Ann Geagan, MSW, LICSW, Director of Bereavement; Ellen McCabe, RN, CHPN, Director of Professional Education; Steve Morrissey, Veteran Volunteer; and Melissa Weidman, Director of Community Relations and Outreach will discuss how an eligible veteran’s unique needs are heard, understood and honored in this special care model.

This presentation is based on the principles of the We Honor Veterans (WHV) program, a partnership between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Veterans Administration.

A continental breakfast will be served. All are welcome and there is no charge to attend but space is limited so please register online at HopeHealthCo.org/CaringforVets, or email Info@HopeHealthCo.org or call (774) 487-3667.

About HopeHealth

HopeHealth provides services that enhance the comfort and quality of life for people experiencing the impact of serious illness and loss. To learn more about HopeHealth, visit hopehealthco.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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 210 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints LeNay Harper as Community Programs Manager

OCES logo

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, has appointed LeNay Harper as Community Programs Manager.

Ms. Harper has more than two decades of experience in the non-profit, public and private sectors. In her new role at OCES, she is responsible for the development, supervision, and oversight of all the company’s housing programs. For four years previous to OCES, Ms. Harper was a human and social services consultant in private practice facilitating groups in Boston and Cambridge. For 15 years prior to that, she worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with a number of different populations including those impacted by homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and the criminal justice system, plus teenage and low-income families.

Ms. Harper holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management from Boston College and a Master of Science in Planning and Development from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She resides in Brockton, MA.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 201 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Lunch & Learn Session on April 15th at Marshfield COA

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, will offer a nutrition workshop on April 15, 2015 entitled “Carbohydrates in Your Meals” at the Marshfield Council on Aging (COA) located at 230 Webster Street.

Barbara Nalen-Cardoza RDN, LDN will help consumers understand carbohydrates in their meals. Ms. Nalen-Cardoza is a registered dietician at OCES and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. She will discuss the “carb content” of bread, milk and other foods, using the congregate meal as an example. Attendees will learn which foods to limit to control carbohydrate intake for weight loss, pre-diabetes monitoring and better nutrition overall.

This educational nutrition workshop will be held during the congregate meal at 12 p.m.  Reservations for the meal are required by April 13th. Call 781-834-5581 to reserve a seat.

For more information about upcoming programs, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 210 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Litecontrol Corporation Donates to Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund

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

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, has recently received a $3,500 donation for their Emergency Fund from Litecontrol Corporation of Hanson and Plympton.

Litecontrol Corporation’s generous donation to the Emergency Fund will help provide funds for food, fuel, medication and other essentials to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation.

Every year, Litecontrol Corporation allocates funds to be donated to a local organization or cause that benefits the community.

OCES’ Emergency Fund has helped hundreds of low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities, throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, to remain in their homes over the years. Historically, the number of older adults and individuals with disabilities in need greatly increases during the winter months, when home heating costs rise as the temperature drops.

“We are very grateful to Litecontrol for their generous donation. Our Emergency Fund enables us to meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in crisis or emergency situations that threaten their health or living status, and cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource.  These needs include fuel assistance, utility bill payments, short-term emergency shelter, medical transportation, medications, hot water heaters, food and more,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About Litecontrol Corporation

For more than 75 years, Litecontrol has been the commercial lighting professional’s leading partner in design. From its early innovations in wall/slot lighting, to today’s advanced LED fixtures, Litecontrol remains committed to delivering the widest palette of tools and comprehensive services to maximize the power of lighting design and to minimize electric lighting’s environmental impact. Litecontrol has facilities in Hanson and Plympton, MA. For more information, visit http://www.litecontrol.com.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 201 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers 6-Week Diabetes Self-Management Program for Seniors at Rockland COA

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

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Plymouth County and Brockton areas, will offer a six-week Diabetes Self-Management Program at the Rockland Council on Aging (COA), located at 317 Plain Street.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program will be held on Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning January 28, 2015 through March 4, 2015. Because diabetes affects older adults at a much higher rate than younger adults, the program is geared towards older adults and their caregivers. Patricia Livie and Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialists at OCES, will lead the sessions.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program is an evidence-based program developed at Stanford University designed to help individuals develop a greater awareness of their role in disease management. It is for newly diagnosed older adults with Type II diabetes.  Attendees will learn about common problems with diabetes, how to read food labels, enhance communication, advocate for themselves and create an action plan.

“The goal of the Diabetes Self-Management Program is to help people choose healthy eating behaviors they would like to follow and to design strategies for incorporating these behaviors into daily life. Setting weekly goals, making an action plan, giving feedback and sharing experiences are a significant part of each workshop session,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

This is a free workshop. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Donna-Marie Forand at 508-584-1561, extension 237.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 201 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives MA Emergency Relief Grant to Provide Emergency Shelf Stable Food for Meals on Wheels Recipients

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

The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant Program awards grants to be used in the development, implementation and expansion of emergency relief programs in the Commonwealth of MA.  Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has been awarded a $3,450 grant for their Shelf-Stable Meals emergency program.

The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant enables OCES’ Nutrition Department to help support the purchase of shelf-stable foods for home delivered meals consumers through their Meals on Wheels program. These consumers are usually living alone; have limited mobility; are unable to prepare their own meals; and in most cases, are unable to meet their dietary needs and are forced to make compromises. The shelf-stable food packets are delivered to participating consumers at least three to four times a year, to ensure that they will have food stored on hand in case of an emergency situation or inclement weather (snow storm, hurricane) prevents home delivery of their meals.

“The Meals On Wheels program is essential to these individuals, as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. With this grant, we can ensure that seniors will have an emergency supply of shelf stable foods on hand in the event of a storm or emergency situation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Bayada Home Health Care and CBS EcoMedia were the sponsors for this grant.

About OCES Nutrition Program

OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enrich older adults’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at congregate meal sites and through home delivered meals (Meals On Wheels). Congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals, Monday through Friday, at meal sites located at local Councils on Aging (COA) and/or at local housing authorities. The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over who are unable to prepare their own meals or get to a congregate meal site.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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10 Honored at Old Colony Elder Services Staff Meeting

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, recognized 10 employees for their years of service in a ceremony held at OCES.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, thanked all staff and presented several staff with award certificates and gifts honoring their years of dedicated service. Staff recognized were: James Mileski for 35 years of service; Lorraine Wanat and Glenda L. DeVincentis for 25 years; Edna Gordon, Sharon A. Sheehan, Richard J. Alvarnaz and Sara M. Gassett for 15 years; and Jane F. Riley, Elizabeth A. Morrill and Juanita Timson-Brown for 10 years.

“Our staff members are deserving of recognition as their contributions help us to reach our goals each year. We appreciate their hard work, dedication and commitment,” said DiGiorgi.

Maureen Hennessy, OCES’ HR Manager also addressed employees during the event. The staff enjoyed refreshments, which included celebratory gourmet mini cupcakes from OCES’ small business neighbor, Mmm Licious Cupcakes of Brockton.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Family Caregivers During the Holiday Season

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance-National Center on Caregiving, 29 percent of the U.S. adult population cares for someone who is ill, disabled or aged.* The National Alliance for Caregiving reports that there are approximately 66 million unpaid caregivers providing chronic and long-term care to family members.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, shares essential tips with family caregivers to help them through the busy, and often stressful, holiday season:

Be kind to yourself.  Caregiving can be very hard work; take time to appreciate the loving care you provide.  Know that every day you are doing the best you can.

Take care of yourself.  Make and keep your own doctor’s appointments and other appointments that help to keep you well.

Remember to ask for help.  People will often be happy to assist if they know what is needed; Caregivers need a break too.

Reach out to others for professional support if needed.

Set limits for what you are able to do; no one can do everything.

The best decisions are joint decisions. When possible, include the person for whom you are caring in matters that will affect him or her.  This helps to reduce conflict and can lead to better outcomes.

Do your best to remain optimistic. This will help to lift everyone’s mood.  When difficulties arise, know that this too, shall pass.

“The majority of caregivers are family caregivers – spouses, daughters or sons caring for aging loved ones or those with chronic or disabling health conditions. The typical family caregiver often juggles caregiving with the responsibilities of a full-time job and a family,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Family caregivers are at significant risk for burnout, and that risk increases during the holiday season. It is imperative that they take care of themselves, so they remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”

Caregiver Appreciation Brunch

In recognition and appreciation of family caregivers, OCES held a Caregiver Brunch at OCES last month for caregivers who participated in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops. Each caregiver who participated in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support group was presented with a proclamation scroll signed by Governor Deval Patrick, as well as a $25 gift card and a cooking/caregiving book. Caregivers were also able to network with one another and share commonalities of their caregiver experiences.

OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist caregivers in locating resources to help them including local support groups.  In addition, the Healthy Living Department at OCES offers workshops on many aspects of self-care. For more information about these programs and others, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

*The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2009), Caregiving in the U.S. National Alliance for Caregiving. Washington, DC. – Updated: November 2012.

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New Supportive Housing Program Launched at Southfield in Plymouth

(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.
(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined Patrick Administration officials, local leaders, and Plymouth Housing Authority representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week at Southfield, located at 105 South Street, Plymouth, MA.

Southfield is part of the 10 new Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program sites funded by the Patrick Administration to help people “age in place”. The Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program, a collaboration of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is available in 41 senior public housing locations statewide, and serves 6,360 senior residents. OCES received funding from the EOEA to launch the Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth.

OCES and the Plymouth Housing Authority work collaboratively, providing an “assisted living” environment, with an on-site service coordinator as well as access to 24-hour/daily on-call assistance for residents who prefer to “age in place,” connected to family, friends, and community.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, and the ribbon cutting ceremony host, said, “We are thrilled with this opportunity to provide supportive services to the 60 Southfield residents and 250 others at the four additional Plymouth sites. This program is a high-quality, cost-effective approach to assisting residents who want to remain in their homes.”

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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