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

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

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

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

She is a native of East Bridgewater, MA.

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

Amy Diman Joins Old Colony Elder Services as Money Management Program CoordinatorRead 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 Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Mother and daughter team - Korin Kane (an Old Colony Elder Services employee) and her mother Mae Nicoli attend Old Colony Elder Services recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, recently recognized 450 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to Old Colony Elder Services and to helping elders in the community.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was several weeks ago at the agency’s expansive conference center in Brockton. Volunteers from the Nutrition Program, Money Management Program and it’s Advisory Board, Senior Options Cable Program, Fundraising Events, and the Board of Directors were invited in recognition for their service to Old Colony Elder Services and seniors in the community. Jodie Gilson of J. Gilson Greenhouses in Groton MA was the special guest speaker at the event. Fresh flower centerpieces were given to winners of drawings. All volunteers were given plants donated by Home Depot and Lowes.
Old Colony Elder Services Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of Old Colony Elder Services congregate meal sites. Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help seniors keep track of income and expenses. Senior Options is a cable television program for the city of Brockton. Senior Options is a collaboration between Old Colony Elder Services and the Brockton Council on Aging. Programs focus on addressing the needs and resources available to Brockton’s seniors. Old Colony Elder Services Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are also comprised entirely of volunteers.
“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. 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 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.

Old Colony Elder Services 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, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. 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 www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation LuncheonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer Luncheon

Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES
Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton recently recognized over 300 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) and to helping elders in the community.

The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon’s apt theme was “Volunteers are Treasures”. More than 300 volunteers in the Nutrition and Money Management programs and on the Board of Directors as well as those who volunteer for the Money Management Program Advisory Board and the local cable television program known as Senior Options were presented with Scrolls of Recognition for their service to OCES and seniors in the community. Gift certificates were presented and various raffles were held. All enjoyed entertainment by one-man-band Dave Burbank and a buffet lunch was served in OCES’ newly renovated conference room and catered by Lindley Food Service.

OCES Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of OCES congregate meal sites.

Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of income and expenses. OCES Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are comprised entirely of volunteers. Senior Options is a local Brockton Cable T.V. show which is a collaboration between OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging. Local Brockton volunteers run the entire cable show which includes filming, producing, directing, sound, interviewing, etc.

“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 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, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 130 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 www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer LuncheonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services in Desperate Need of Meals on Wheels and Nutrition Volunteers

Many frail and home bound elders throughout the community rely on the Nutrition Program at Old Colony Elder Services, Inc. (OCES) in Brockton, a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that provides valuable programs and services to elders, their families and caregivers.

But, the non-profit elder services agency needs more volunteers to help prepare and pack meals and deliver them to residents.

“We are in desperate need of Nutrition volunteers.  Right now we are stretched to the limit, with only a few volunteers trying to cover a number of delivery routes so every elder is ensured a healthy meal every day,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Nutrition volunteers are needed to set up, bag and distribute meals at congregate Nutrition Sites.  Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to elders throughout the Plymouth county area. Drivers typically deliver 15-20 meals a day, between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage.  Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, yet they may help out for any number of days per week that they
can.

OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enhance elders’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age and those less than 60 but disabled are eligible.

Anyone who is able to volunteer at a meal site or deliver meals for two hours, at least one to two days a week, please contact the Nutrition Department at OCES at (508) 584-1561.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, OCES is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services in Desperate Need of Meals on Wheels and Nutrition VolunteersRead More