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
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
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
by Kerry Zingaro
Community Options Ep. 323 - Summer Health & Safety for Older Adults
Patricia Clabough, Nursing Services Manager at OCES joined Community Options to discuss how older adults can stay healthy and safe during the summer months.
Read more … Community Options Ep. 323 - Summer Health & Safety for Older Adults
by Kerry Zingaro
Beat the Heat: Find a Cooling Center Near You
As temperatures rise, it's important to take steps to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness. Older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
To help you stay safe, OCES has provided a list of cooling centers throughout our service area to make it easier to find a location near you. You can also dial 2-1-1 anytime for free assistance in locating the nearest cooling center or other community resources.
by Kerry Zingaro
March Against Elder Abuse in Brockton and Plymouth. Local marches held in June raise awareness of elder abuse.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
by Kerry Zingaro
Alexandra Strangis of OCES Named “40 Under 40” Honoree
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
Read more … Alexandra Strangis of OCES Named “40 Under 40” Honoree
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES is expanding to serve more and Welcomes New Talent – Expansion to 11 South Shore Towns Drives Job Growth
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 with offices in Brockton and Plymouth, is growing.
by Kerry Zingaro
JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
June is Pride Month, a time to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, an event that sparked a global movement for the rights and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Join OCES in remembering this important time in history and in celebrating Pride Month.
Read more … JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
