Celebrating Independence in July
In July, we celebrate independence! Along with Independence Day on July 4th, Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) is proud to support different cultures in their independence. One example is the Cape Verdean community who celebrates July 5th as their recognized Independence Day for Cape Verde. This holiday honors Cape Verde's independence from Portugal on this day in 1975 and is the nation's birthday.
Remain Independent with Community Based Services
Did you know? OCES recently celebrated 49 years of serving people in the greater Plymouth County community. OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in the southeastern part of Massachusetts. Our agency offers significant life-supporting care which helps enable individuals to live within the community as independently as possible for as long as possible while preserving dignity and quality of life. From Adult Family Care, Family Caregiver Support, Options Counseling, to Home Care Services, Information and Referral and much more! OCES helps individuals (who may otherwise require nursing facility placement) to remain independent with dignity for as long as possible.
Nutrition Services
Older adults who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals may benefit from OCES’ Home Delivered Meals or “Meals on Wheels” which provides a delicious, nutritious, hot meal delivered to their home each day. In this way, Meals on Wheels enables older adults to maintain their independence while also serving as an essential connection to the community.
Have you heard? Caribbean meals are offered at Community Dining site and as a home delivered meal option in Brockton. We also support independence through many languages, including Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, and Spanish.
Staying Connected
There are many older adults who continue to live independently in their own homes and who may live alone. It’s important to stay connected. Engaging in the community offers opportunities for socializing while also providing a sense of belonging. Here are a few suggestions:
- Attend local activities such as Farmer’s Markets, free concerts, parades, senior centers, and library events.
- Join a local club. For example, a book club or the local garden club.
- Support your local youth or adult sports teams. No need to travel far to enjoy a great baseball game on a summer evening.
- Volunteer at a local organization. How about at a food pantry or an animal shelter?
Get to know others in your community and let them get to know you. Staying engaged and connected is important when it comes to maintaining well-being and independence.
Whether you need assistance or are interested in helping others remain independent, OCES is here to support you! Learn more at www.ocesma.org.
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring attention to ageism in society and its impact on individuals and communities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) in recognizing Ageism Awareness Day and promoting age-inclusion.
Read more … OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Expansion to Serve More - The organization now serves 34 communities across Plymouth County and the South Shore
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has expanded its territory to serve 11 additional towns in the South Shore.
by Kerry Zingaro
Putting the Spotlight on Local Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month – OCES Encourages Caregiver Nominations through October 12th
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, recognizes the dedication and compassion of family caregivers in our communities.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, one in four adults, 63 million Americans, are family caregivers. A significant number of family caregivers care for adults with complex medical conditions or disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
by Kerry Zingaro
For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
For the fourth consecutive year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, has been named as one of the “2026 Best Places to Work” by Cape & Plymouth Marketing.
Read more … For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
by Kerry Zingaro
SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Making it Grand. 5 Tips for Transitioning Routines to Support Back-to-school Schedules.
National Grandparents Day is a special day dedicated to honoring grandparents and recognizing the important roles they play in our families and communities. It is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which falls on September 13th this year.
by Kerry Zingaro
AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
Did you know that it’s National Wellness Month? This month, we celebrate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
It’s all about making self-care a priority, fostering healthy habits and reducing stress.
Read more … AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding area, has announced the schedule for the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program.
The monthly Saturday brunch program, operated and supported by OCES’ Nutrition Program, is for LGBTQ+ older adults who live on the South Shore and in the greater Plymouth County area.
Read more … OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
by Kerry Zingaro
Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June, two Marches Against Elder Abuse events brought hundreds together to raise awareness about elder abuse.
Read more … Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
by Kerry Zingaro
JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it also reminds us of another meaningful form of independence, one that is deeply valued across all cultures and communities, including the Cape Verdean and Asian communities, where older adults are honored for their wisdom, resilience, and important role within the family. Maintaining independence while aging is not only about remaining at home safely, but also about preserving dignity, cultural connections, and quality of life.
Read more … JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
by Kerry Zingaro
Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
A conversation with Armindo Rocha, Volunteer & Healthy Living Program Manager, Michelle Fontes, Adult Family Care Intake & Assessment Supervisor and Tremeda Martin, Home Care Transition Support Supervisor from OCES about National Minority Mental Health Month.
Read more … Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
