FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration
OCES is commemorating their “50 Years of Care and Collaboration” by highlighting others who are also striving to create a better community. We urge you to nominate a colleague or organization who deserves recognition.
OCES helps keep individuals healthy, safe, and independent so that they can thrive at home and in their community. Last year alone, OCES provided essential services and supports to more than 25,286 older adults and people with disabilities living in greater Plymouth County.
For example, older adults in need of light housekeeping, laundry, and grocery shopping may receive homemaker services. Personal care assistance is available for those who need help with bathing and dressing. Older adults who are having difficulty balancing their checkbook and keeping track of monthly expenses and bill paying, may receive Money Management Program assistance. Homebound individuals who are unable to prepare their own meals or who need medically tailored meals (low sodium, cardiac, etc.) can benefit from nutritionally-sound home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels).
These are just a few in-home services that OCES, in collaboration with our service providers, offer to consumers in need.
OCES provides life-supporting care through a broad range of services and programs such as Adult Family Care, Behavioral Health, Caregiver Support, Community Housing Options, Adult Protective Services, Health Insurance and Budget Guidance, Life Planning at Any Age and Nutrition.
Milestones
Founded in 1974, OCES continues to grow and evolve. There have been many milestones over the years including creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University. In 2013, the first annual Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton.
In the years that followed, Healthy Living Workshops, Buried in Treasures Workshops, Caregiver Support and other programs were established. OCES opened a second office in Plymouth that features a dedicated Volunteer Center for volunteer recruitment for OCES, other nonprofits, schools and agencies in Southeastern MA. And in 2023, OCES established a Behavioral Health and Wellness Program with an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) that provides behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and people with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.
Creating Better Futures
OCES is dedicated to creating better futures for everyone we serve and communities at large.
As OCES celebrates “50 Years of Care and Collaboration”, we will recognize others who are also striving to create better futures. OCES will spotlight outstanding individuals and organizations whose actions and/or leadership have exemplified care and collaboration.
We invite you to nominate any individual or organization that has positively impacted any community in OCES’ service area; whose actions and/or leadership align with OCES’ mission and vision; and that exemplifies one or more of OCES’ core values.
For full details and to nominate an individual or organization, click here.
Recent News
Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage.
Full Article Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds
JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon
The 1969 Stonewall Uprising served as a catalyst for the global movement for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In June, we celebrate Pride Month commemorating this important time in history.
Diversity enriches our community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living. OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive organization that removes barriers creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.
Full Article JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon
“March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th and “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, the Plymouth Center for Active Living, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
Full Article “March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June
Community Options Ep. 309 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel
In June we hosted a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel featuring:
Teresa Kourtz, OCES Protective Services Director
Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton
District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County
Christina Long, Brockton Council on Aging
Full Article Community Options Ep. 309 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel
MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), which leads the nation’s observance of this special month, has announced this year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging”, will focus on “transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging”.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that by 2030, all Baby Boomers will reach age 65 or older; by 2040, this demographic is expected to make up 22 percent of the American population.
Full Article MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging
In May we spoke with Dottie Slack, Outreach Coordinator and Shine Counselor at the Brockton Council on Aging highlighting the grand re-opening and programs and activities at the COA.
Full Article Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging
APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Full Article APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
In April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and honor the countless individuals who generously donate their time, skills, and energy to make a lasting impact in their communities. At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), we proudly acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers who work tirelessly to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others across the 23 communities we serve.
We discussed our Volunteer programs with:
- Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES
- Mike Pauley, OCES Volunteer
Full Article Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
During March, we celebrate Social Work Month and the many contributions of social workers.
Social workers are dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Social workers also help people of all ages cope with life’s challenges. A major part of a social worker’s job is advocacy. Social workers stand up for equal rights of all people and work to ensure that services are provided to all who need them.
Full Article MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital Programs
OCES a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services.
