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“Buried in Treasure” Facilitated Support Group Begins in December

OCES logoIs clutter affecting you at home, work or in your relationships?  Does the clutter create safety issues or embarrass you?

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, and partnering agencies through the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding (GBAH) Task Force are offering a 12 week “Buried in Treasure” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothes, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

The “Buried in Treasure” facilitated support group will be held on Tuesdays, beginning in December 2014, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, 680 Centre Street in Brockton. There is no cost to attend; all attendees will receive a complimentary workbook.

The support group will be coordinated by OCES and facilitated by South Bay Mental Health of Brockton. It is sponsored by the GBAH Task Force and funded by a $3,000 grant from MassHousing.

For more information or to sign up for the support group, contact Aditi Gohil, LMHC at South Bay Mental Health (508) 232-6564.  Pre-registration is required.

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 185 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.

 

“Buried in Treasure” Facilitated Support Group Begins in DecemberRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Special Seasonal Meals at Congregate Meal Sites

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 greater Brockton and Plymouth county, will offer special seasonal meals at partnering Council on Aging (COA) congregate meal sites in Brockton, East Bridgewater, Kingston and Wareham.

OCES’ congregate meal sites at these COAs provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age (60+) and individuals with disabilities. Seasonal meals will be offered as follows:

On Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at Kingston COA located at 30 Evergreen Street. RSVP to Kingston COA 781-585-0511.

On Monday, November 17, 2014 at 12 p.m., an Autumn Special featuring roast pork loin with apple glaze will be offered at Wareham COA located at 48 Marion Road. RSVP to Wareham COA 508-291-3130.

On Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at East Bridgewater COA located at 355 Plymouth Street. RSVP to East Bridgewater COA 508-378-1610.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 12 p.m., a Thanksgiving Special with roast turkey will be offered at Brockton COA located at 10 Father Kenney Way. RSVP to Brockton COA 508-580-7811.

Reservations are required one week in advance and must be made by calling the COA directly.

“Anyone over the age of 60 or of any age with a disability is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and are prepared by professional chefs. Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at 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 185 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 Maureen Hennessy as HR Manager

Maureen Hennessy
Maureen Hennessy

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has recently appointed Maureen Hennessy as Human Resources Manager.

In her new role, Ms. Hennessy will have overall responsibility for Human Resources, Professional Development functions and general office support. For nine years previous to OCES, Ms. Hennessy served as the Manager of Training and Development for iParty retail stores based in Dedham, MA where a large part of her role involved recruitment. Prior to that, she was the Senior Training Specialist for eight years for Shaw’s Supermarkets based in West Bridgewater.

Ms. Hennessy holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Master of Science in Training and Development from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She completed additional coursework at Northeastern University Boston and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

Ms. Hennessy is a member of New England Human Resources Association (NEHRA) and a resident of Pembroke, 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 179 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Maureen Hennessy as HR ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Calcium & Osteoporosis Workshop in Carver

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, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, is offering a Calcium & Osteoporosis Workshop on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at South Meadow Village, 36 Spruce Court, Carver, MA 02330.

This free workshop will cover the connections between calcium and osteoporosis and will include such topics as: osteoporosis and what it means to you; how to read food labels; Vitamin D and bones; calcium consumption and the foods you eat.

The workshop will be led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES. Ms. Forand is a Master Trainer in Evidence-Based Programs, including Chronic Disease Self Management, Diabetes Self Management, Chronic Pain Self Management and Healthy Eating.

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 179 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 Caregiver Support Group at Hanson Senior Center

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, offers a Caregiver Support Group on the second Tuesday of each month, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hanson Senior Center, 132 Maquan Street, Library/Senior Center Building, Hanson, MA 02341.

The Caregiver Support Group is for family caregivers of older adults or younger adults with disabilities. Family caregivers are those who are caring for a parent, spouse, relative or friend residing at home, in an assisted living/nursing facility or perhaps even across the country.

The group provides support for one another and participants learn from each other. Several times a year, speakers address the support group. Topics vary and have included elder law, dementia and community services. There is no fee to attend.

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 179 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 Six-Week Program for Family Caregivers Beginning September 16th

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, is offering a “Powerful Tools For Caregivers” six-week educational program for family caregivers.

The class meets on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Emmanuel House Residence, 25 East Nilsson Street, Brockton, MA 02301. The class begins September 16, 2014 and concludes on October 14, 2014. There is no fee to attend.

Family caregivers who are caring for a parent, spouse, relative or friend can benefit from this class, regardless of whether they are caring for someone residing at home, in an assisted living/nursing facility or across the country.

Attendees will learn how to reduce stress and relax; communicate more effectively; take care of themselves; reduce guilt, anger and depression; make tough decisions; set goals and problem-solve. Complimentary copies of the Caregiver Helpbook will be distributed.

Class size is limited and registration is required. Call Kathleen Ward or Patricia Livie, Class Leaders at (508) 584-1561 extension 348 or 373.

This educational program is presented by OCES Healthy Living Programs and sponsored by Emmanuel House Residence.

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 179 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.

 

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Six-Week Program for Family Caregivers Beginning September 16thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Congregate Meal Sites Offer Special Meals, Activities & Camaraderie

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, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, offers themed and holiday meals at their congregate meal sites.

Congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals, Monday through Friday. The meal sites are located at local Councils on Aging (COA) and sometimes at local housing authorities. Themed specialty meals are interspersed with the regular menu to enhance the dining experience. Group activities, along with the occasional “Traveling Chef” who prepares a meal in front of congregate meal participants, adds to the excitement.

The Wareham COA is offering a themed meal, deemed the “Labor Day Special”, on July 21, 2014 at 11 a.m. Mediterranean chicken breast, lemon olive rice, vegetable ratatouille, dinner roll and chocolate fudge cake (with alternate diet brownie) will be served. A “Funny Hat Party” competition will be held and there will be prizes for the most original hat and the funniest hat.

“For many older adults, sharing a meal and companionship at a congregate meal site may be their only interaction with peers,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Anyone age 60 or older is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities.”

Reservations for the Wareham COA’s Labor Day Special meal are required by Thursday, July 17th. Call 508 291-3100, extension 6514 to reserve a seat.

OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enrich older adults’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at the congregate meal sites and through home delivered meals (Meals On Wheels). 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. Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at 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 179 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 Launches “Tai Chi for Healthy Aging” Pilot Program for Older Adults

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, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, has recently launched “Tai Chi for Healthy Aging” community based classes for Older Adults at the Hanover Senior Center, 665 Center Street, Hanover.

Tai Chi for Healthy Aging is an evidence based program for reducing falls. There are 15 participants in the Hanover Tai Chi pilot program who have been learning a total of 10 different Tai Chi Forms designed to promote better balance. The group meets once a week for one hour. The eight-week pilot program concludes on July 22.

Tai Chi is a series of low impact, gentle, focused exercises and stretches. Suitable for adults aged 60 and older, Tai Chi helps improve flexibility, strength and balance. It promotes better breathing which facilitates relaxation, and provides an opportunity for older adults to engage socially in a group setting.

The classes are led by Donna-Marie Forand and Patricia Livie, Outreach and Education Specialists at OCES. Both are trained in leading evidence based programs for OCES’ Healthy Living Programs and received Tai Chi training through Brookline Tai Chi. Brookline Tai Chi received a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation to provide leader trainings.

“Tai Chi can help older adults increase mobility and utilize the skills they learn in daily activities. Tai Chi Forms can be beneficial to those with arthritis or repetitive stress conditions affecting the arms, hands, or wrists,” noted Diana DiGiorgi Executive Director of OCES. “The Tai Chi for Healthy Aging pilot program has been a success and we’ve received positive feedback from participants.”

For more information about Tai Chi for Healthy Aging classes, contact Christine McLaren at (508) 584-1561 extension 309.

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 179 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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60 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton

OCES March Against Elder Abuse IMG_7122Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined forces with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse”. On June 13th, 60 members from the community and the three organizations marched down Main Street in Brockton in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.

June 15th of each year has been designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

After the march, participants gathered at the Brockton COA where guest speakers Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA; Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES; Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES; Pat Foley, Protective Services Intake Worker at OCES; and Bill Carpenter, Mayor of Brockton, shared information on how to assist elders in need and answered questions.

Last year, OCES’ Protective Services Department assisted more than 800 abused or neglected elders. OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. Types of abuse include physical, verbal, sexual and financial. When there is a report made to OCES, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. As individuals, and working together, we can make a difference,” noted Diana DiGiorgi.

If you know, or suspect, that an elder is being mistreated or neglected, call OCES’ Protective Services staff at 508 584-1561, or call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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 179 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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