We are excited to share important news: The Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE) has decided to designate OCES as the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) for Greater Plymouth County and the South Shore area. Starting July 1, 2026, OCES will serve an expanded region, including the following communities (new areas are highlighted in bold):

Abington, Avon, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanson, Hanover, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleborough, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, and Whitman.

OCES, South Shore Elder Services, and AGE are working together to ensure a smooth transition for both consumers and providers. We are developing a comprehensive transition plan, which will be shared with stakeholders as details become available. In the meantime, please note the following important updates:

• OCES currently serves Greater Plymouth County and will continue to do so without interruption.
• Effective June 1, 2026, OCES will be responsible for receiving all reports of suspected Elder Abuse for Protective Services in the expanded service area.
• Beginning June 1, 2026, OCES will process all new referrals for services in the expanded service area.
• If you are currently a South Shore Elder Services consumer, you will continue working with your assigned staff member until further notice. We do not anticipate any changes to your point of contact before July 1, 2026, unless you are notified otherwise.

OCES’s Staff, Leadership Team, and Board of Directors are eager to serve our expanded community. We look forward to building relationships with our new consumers and partners. Thank you for your continued support during this exciting transition.

Nicole M. Long, MSW, LICSW