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
APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, is a day to raise environmental awareness and take action to preserve and protect our planet.
Ensuring clean air, clean water and a healthy environment is essential. Everyone has a role to play and can make a difference. There are many ways to get involved on Earth Day. Attend an event, gain a better understanding about Earth Day and share that knowledge with others.
Read more … APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
by Kerry Zingaro
"March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) announced its participation in the 20th annual March for Meals Campaign. The month of March was recognized nationwide as the time when local Meals on Wheels programs come together to raise awareness and help demonstrate the importance of this vital program.
Read more … "March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults
by Kerry Zingaro
MARCH ARTICLE: Honoring Women in Social Work
March is both Women’s History Month and Social Work Month! In recognition of both, we’re honoring dedicated women in the social work profession
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES is Participating in the March for Meals Campaign - Nutrition Program in Urgent Need of Support
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in greater Plymouth County is participating in the March for Meals campaign, a national effort to raise awareness about senior hunger and the importance of nutrition services.
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Employees Honored with Milestone Awards
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) honored 24 staff members, including their Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long, with milestone awards during their annual staff meeting in January.
by Kerry Zingaro
FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Random Acts of Kindness
February is a month that celebrates care and compassion, highlighted by Valentine’s Day on February 14 and National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.
by Kerry Zingaro
JANUARY ARTICLE: MLK National Day of Service
Every year on the third Monday of January, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and activist. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a special holiday designated as an official National Day of Service that encourages volunteerism.
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Staff Supports Families in Need with Donations to Three Organizations
Staff at 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, are supporting those in need of assistance by providing food, gifts and other essential items during the holiday season.
Read more … OCES Staff Supports Families in Need with Donations to Three Organizations
by Kerry Zingaro
10 Local Caregivers Honored During National Family Caregivers Month
Ten local caregivers were honored with Caregiver Appreciation Awards at a special luncheon acknowledging National Family Caregivers Month in November. The luncheon was held at Fireside Grille in Middleboro, MA.
Read more … 10 Local Caregivers Honored During National Family Caregivers Month
by Kerry Zingaro
Raising Funds for Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs - Old Colony Elder Services Kicks Off #GivingTuesday Campaign
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest non-profit provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, kicks off this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign with a goal of raising $20,000 for their Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.