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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.

 

New Supportive Housing Program Launched at Southfield in PlymouthRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Celebrates Cape Verde Independence Day with Luncheon

OCES Supportive housing cape verde luncheon
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) serving seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county areas, recently held a luncheon at Campello High Rise, one of the Supportive Housing sites in Brockton, celebrating Independence Day for both the United States and Cape Verde.

The Independence Day celebration luncheon was part of OCES’ Supportive Housing Program, which provides supportive services to senior and disabled residents at Campello High Rise. OCES’ Supportive Housing Program enables them to live longer in the community and prevents premature institutionalization.

For the third consecutive year, the residents celebrated the Independence Day of two nations with a luncheon featuring Cape Verdean and American food, music and dancing. More than 40 people were in attendance.

The luncheon event was one of Supportive Housing’s structured social, educational and recreational programs for residents. These programs are incorporated following a resident needs assessment and as indicated through the provision of care management. They are meant to encourage and build a community atmosphere among the residents.

“The Supportive Housing Program is a win-win and the recent Independence Day celebration luncheon was just one example of its success. We’ve had a good response from residents and they are very comfortable with the program,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns 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. The organization’s 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 171 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Amanda Frates, LCSW to Adult Family Care Program Manager

Amanda Frates, LCSW

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has promoted Amanda Frates, LCSW to the position of Adult Family Care (AFC) Program Manager.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Frates previously held the position of AFC Program Care Manager at OCES for three years. In her new role as AFC Program Manager, she will oversee the entire AFC Program including quality assurance, administration and outreach as well as care management. Ms. Frates will manage the program’s supervisory and administrative staff.

Ms. Frates has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a resident of East Taunton.

OCES’ AFC program is a sensitive and economical alternative for persons who are faced with the prospect of no longer being able to manage alone. Call OCES for more information.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Amanda Frates, LCSW to Adult Family Care Program ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Encourages Individuals & Businesses to Take The 2012 Giving Common Challenge October 10 & 11

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is pleased to announce that they are participating in the Giving Common Challenge, which will take place over 36 hours (beginning at 8:00 a.m. October 10th and extending to 8:00 p.m. October 11th). OCES will join more than 500 other nonprofits to raise money and compete for prizes ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. If OCES is one of the first 10 nonprofits to get 50 donors, they will win a $1,000 prize. If OCES raises more funds than other nonprofits, they have a chance to win a grand prize of $25,000.

Donors have an impact on the quality of services provided to elders and individuals with disabilities living in the local community who are most in need. With donations from our generous donors, OCES is able to provide needed services and assistance to thousands of elders and individuals with disabilities so they can remain living in their homes.

Organizations taking part in the Giving Common Challenge will raise funds and compete for a total of $150,000 in prizes during the 36-hour event.
Mark your calendars because OCES needs your help! OCES may be found under the “Human Services” category of Giving Common at www.givingcommon.org.
About Giving Common

The Giving Common, an initiative of the Boston Foundation, is an innovative web-based resource designed to provide comprehensive and current information about nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts, and to make informed, online charitable giving easy, quick and meaningful. To learn more about Giving Common and the Challenge, visit the website at www.givingcommon.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 serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders About Fall Prevention

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Saturday, September 22nd was “National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” which is observed annually on the first day of Fall. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, shares specific information about fall prevention.

“National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” increases public awareness of how to prevent and reduce falls in elders. This year’s theme, Standing Together to Prevent Falls, sought to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES explained, “According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2008, there were more than 20,000 older adults who died from injuries related to unintended falls. Falls are not normally a part of aging and are preventable, yet far too many elders are admitted into hospitals and nursing homes each year due to falls.”

According to the National Council on Aging:
-Falls are NOT a natural or normal part of aging.
-Anyone can fall. Staying home and limiting activities does not prevent falls.
-It’s never too late to regain muscle strength and start (a physician approved) exercise program, which will help you increase strength and develop better balance.
-Walkers and canes are helpful aids as long as they have been properly fitted.
-Vision loss can increase the risk of falls. Be sure to have your eyes examined annually.
-Elders should also have their medications reviewed periodically.
-Elders should consult with a health professional and have a fall risk assessment done.
“Reducing the number of trip hazards in the home and adopting a physician-approved exercise regimen to strengthen muscles and improve balance are two key ways that elders can reduce the incidence of falls. We need to stand together as a community and raise awareness of preventive measures that can keep elders safe in Massachusetts,” noted DiGiorgi.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.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 elders, 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, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Educational Class for Family Caregivers in October

Are you a caregiver to a spouse, parent, relative or friend? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving elders, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, is offering “Powerful Tools For Caregivers”, a six-week educational program for family caregivers.

The educational program is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. The class meets on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Easton Council on Aging, located at 15 Barrows Street. The classes are from October 3 to November 7, 2012. There is no fee to attend.

Attendees will learn how to: reduce stress; communicate more effectively; take care of themselves; reduce guilt, anger and depression; set goals, problem-solve and relax. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the Caregiver Helpbook.

Class size is limited and registration is required. Call Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Supervisor and Class Leader, to register (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

“Powerful Tools For Caregivers” is presented by OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program and is sponsored by the Easton Council on Aging.

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 elders, 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, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Patrick Administration Proposes $2.1 Million Cut In Elderly Home Care Rates

A statewide elder advocacy group will testify this Friday that the Patrick Administration has proposed “unreasonable” rate cuts that will cut $2.1 million in support for home care for low-income seniors—at a time when more than 2,200 elders are on a wait list for care.

Al Norman, the Executive Director of Mass Home Care, will testify on Friday, September 7th before the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy in Boston, that its proposed rates are “unreasonable and inadequate.”

“We should be investing more money to keep elders at home,” Norman said, “not less.”

According to Mass Home Care, there are currently roughly 2,200 elders on home care waiting lists due to insufficient funding. This year, home care accounts are $15 million lower than in FY 2009. Old Colony Elder Services, the regional Aging Services Access Point covering Brockton and 22 surrounding communities, currently has 173 people on wait lists who cannot access needed services per Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

The rate hearing Friday is part of the implementation of Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2008, which requires the Administration to pay human services agencies rates which are “reasonable and adequate to meet the costs which are incurred by efficiently and economically operated social service program providers.” Mass Home Care says the Administration’s proposal “undermines the purpose of upgrading rates for human services programs.”

“Chapter 257 was written by human services advocates,” Norman said. “The whole point of the law was to give programs the money needed to run an efficient program. These proposed rates are not based on any analysis of the true cost of providing care to the elderly.”

The cuts to home care are based on a DHCFP methodology that uses expenses from fiscal year 2010. But such expenditures are backed into based on an annual appropriation level—not on an actual build-up of what it costs to run a program.

According to Mass Home Care’s own calculations, the home care Case Management rates should be increased by 8.6 percent over current levels—not cut by 4.5 percent.

Norman said the Patrick Administration has presided over one of the largest cuts in home care appropriations in the history of the program.

“For a state that touts its ‘community first’ approach to senior care,” Norman concluded, “seniors have lost millions of dollars in state support—at a time the population in need is growing faster than the rest of the population. The Governor should commit to growing these community programs—not shrinking them.”

SEE ATTACHED TESTIMONY

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, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Outlines the Signs of Dehydration and Shares Recommendations

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Should dehydration concern elders?

Yes, according to Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County.

“Dehydration is a major cause of elders being hospitalized. Many infections in elders have been linked to dehydration and, if not diagnosed early enough, the mortality rate can be as high as 50 percent. One of the factors that can cause loss of fluids is hot and humid summer weather,” states Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Seniors have about 10 percent less fluid content in their bodies than younger adults. When the body doesn’t have enough water and electrolytes to carry out normal functions, dehydration is a health risk. If the body becomes dehydrated, there is a decrease in total blood volume, which causes constriction of blood vessels, resulting in an increase in the heart rate. Without sufficient blood the heart is unable to pump efficiently, resulting in a decrease in the amount of blood to the brain, liver, and kidneys. Left untreated, dehydration will eventually result in failure of multiple organs and ultimately death.

Dehydration can also be caused by side effects from medications such as diuretics and laxatives. Other medical conditions like high blood sugar, heat exhaustion, and sometimes exercising, can cause dehydration. Some elders develop swallowing disorders which will greatly impact their intake of fluid. Some may even decrease their intake of fluid because of the fear of incontinence.

DiGiorgi explained, “The signs of dehydration can be very similar to dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as confusion, muscle weakness, constipation, sunken eyes, dizziness, pneumonia, low blood pressure and increased heart rate.”

A good way to monitor dehydration of an elder is to monitor his/her body weight on a daily basis. Dehydration is mild if the weight loss is reduced by 2 percent; it is severe if there is a 5 percent (or more) loss of body weight.

OCES shares these recommendations for detecting, avoiding and treating dehydration:

· If an older person shows minor signs of dehydration, provide water and encourage the person to drink it. Also encourage replenishment of electrolytes, found in fruit juices, sports drinks, milk, and many fruits and vegetables, like potatoes and avocados.

· In case of severe dehydration, the person should receive medical help. Some complications of dehydration are kidney failure, coma, shock, electrolyte abnormalities, and other heat related diseases.

· Older adults should drink 8 glasses of water per day. Juices and soda do not count—just plain drinking water. Seniors should also choose foods that have high water content such as fresh fruits, vegetables, watermelon, yogurt, or Jell-O. They should be encouraged to drink often during the day, even though they do not feel thirsty.

· If you believe an elder you know may be at risk for dehydration, give them small amounts of fluid often, write down how much the person drinks and eats, make sure their room is not too hot or cold, and make certain that he/she is wearing the right kind of clothes for the temperature in the room.

Dehydration is a preventable illness that can be very dangerous if not treated.

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, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Outlines the Signs of Dehydration and Shares RecommendationsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “It’s About Time” Program for Caregivers on March 22 at Plymouth COA

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, will hold their second “It’s About Time” free workshop for caregivers on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plymouth Council on Aging, 10 Cordage Park in Plymouth. (In the event of snow, the workshop will be rescheduled to March 29th.)

The workshop will teach caregivers techniques and strategies for managing time and reducing stress. The topics and class leaders are:
Meal preparation with Claudia Denelle of That’s Tasty!
Time Management with Sharon Fisher of Come to Order
Relaxation Techniques with Dee Lyon of Real Life Yoga
“The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops teach strategies which help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential care-giving services,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

The ‘It’s About Time’ workshop is offered in partnership with the Plymouth Council on Aging. OCES received a generous grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation to help fund this program.

Attendees will receive lunch and a companion book for the yoga program. Class size is limited so pre-registration is required. Respite care is available upon request.

Caregivers may register for the workshop by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “It’s About Time” Program for Caregivers on March 22 at Plymouth COARead More