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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

OCES, Brockton COA and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Monday, June 15th

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has joined forces with Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 12 p.m. starting at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way. The event will be held rain or shine.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15, 2015; in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, OCES, Brockton COA and HarborOne Bank have organized the march down Main Street. Community members are invited to join the “March Against Elder Abuse” starting at the Brockton COA and walking down Main Street to OCES at 144 Main Street, then returning to the COA. Participants will receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last).

Following the walk, a complimentary lunch and a special presentation will be held at the Brockton COA. Guest speakers include Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA; Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services and Money Management Director; and Pat Foley, OCES’ Protective Services Intake & Outreach Worker. The OCES Protective Services department, as well as those who have assisted elders in the community, will be recognized during the event.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. We can make a difference and encourage the community to join our ‘March Against Elder Abuse’ on Monday June 15th,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES.

OCES encourages supporters to wear purple on June 15th to show awareness.

There is no cost to attend the lunch, but reservations are required. RSVP by June 8, 2015 to Lisa Mullin by calling 508-584-1561 extension 220 or email lmullin@ocesma.org, or call the Brockton COA at 508-580-7811.

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 215 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.ocesma.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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Old Colony Elder Services to Set Up Information Booths at Supermarkets and Pharmacies On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Elder abuse is on the rise. Last year, Old Colony Elder Services’ Protective Services department staff assisted over 800 abused or neglected elders within the service area. OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver; types of abuse include physical, verbal, psychological and financial. To keep elders living safely in their homes, Protective Service Workers provide assessments, advocacy and resources.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Friday, June 15, 2012. OCES will have information booths set up at local pharmacies and supermarkets in Brockton, Stoughton, Plymouth, Rockland and Wareham. OCES’ Protective Services staff will provide educational and outreach materials and be available to answer questions.

“We are taking a local outreach approach by setting up information booths in a few of our communities with the goals of increasing public awareness about what constitutes elder abuse, how to recognize it and how to assist elders in need,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Information booths will be set up from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following locations:

• Walmart, 700 Oak Street, Brockton MA

• Stop & Shop, 683 Belmont Street, Brockton MA

• Walmart, 300 Colony Place Road, Plymouth MA

• Walgreens, 413 Washington Street, Stoughton MA

• Walgreens, 75 Market Street, Rockland MA

• Stop & Shop, 2991 Cranberry Highway, Wareham MA

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, OCES staff will be wearing purple ribbons; everyone is encouraged to wear something purple to show their support to end elder abuse and neglect.

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES’ Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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 Sponsors Event on June 15th at Brockton City Hall to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect

June 15, 2010 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD),and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), is sponsoring a special event that day at Brockton City Hall to create greater awareness of elder abuse and neglect.

Mayor Linda Balzotti will commemorate the day at the Brockton City Hall event which is being held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Opening remarks will be made by Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and speakers include: Ann Hartstein, Secretary of Elder Affairs; Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County District Attorney; Tom Donahue, Brockton Elder Police Officer; Deborah Fogarty, Director of Protective Services; Patricia Foley, Protective Services Intake Specialist and Terri Kourtz, Protective Services Supervisor.

During the event, an elder’s story will be read and ribbons and educational material will be given out. OCES staff will recognize the importance of the day by wearing the color purple.

The event is open to the public and will be held at Brockton City Hall at 45 School Street at 2:30 p.m.

According to the World Health Organization, the population of those aged 60 and over will more than double by 2025. As the elder population grows, so will the number of elder abuse cases.

Elder Abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES outlines warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse.

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns

Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes

Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property

During the last 11 months, OCES has helped 794 abused or neglected elders within their service area. OCES has a Protective Services staff of 11 with 71 years of combined experience. The Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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

OCES offers these programs 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.

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.

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