JULY ARTICLE: July is Disability Pride Month!
Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislated in July 1990 to extend civil rights protections to people with disabilities. It is a time to celebrate people with disabilities and honor the history and achievements of the disability community.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) supports the independence of older adults and people with disabilities to thrive in their own homes and in the community.
Maintaining Independence with In-Home & Community-Based Services
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 enables individuals to live within the community as independently as possible for as long as possible while preserving dignity and quality of life.
Below are just a few ways that OCES helps people with disabilities and older adults maintain their independence:
Nutrition Services.
OCES offers home delivered meals (“Meals on Wheels”) to people who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals. A delicious, nutritious meal is delivered to their homes Monday through Friday. The OCES monthly menu is planned by a registered dietitian and includes medically tailored meals, with a doctor’s approval, and meals for those who have special diets. Having daily meals delivered provides an essential connection to the community while also serving as a safety check.
Home-based Care Services
Home-based care, otherwise known as “Homecare Services” help people remain safe and independent at home by helping them accomplish activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, assistance with laundry, grocery shopping and light meal preparation. Whether for short-term or ongoing needs, homecare encompasses a wide range of supports that may be provided in an individual’s own home, in elder housing or private apartment.
Homecare options include but are not limited to care management, personal care, homemaking, and transition support upon discharge from hospital or nursing facility. Transportation coordination for medical appointments and procedures is also part of homecare services. In addition to Nutrition and Homecare Services, OCES offers Adult Family Care, Family Caregiver Support, Behavioral Health, Options Counseling and Community Housing programs.
Looking for specific information or assistance? Unsure whom to contact with questions? OCES’ Information and Referral Department (I&R) is the entry point to help guide individuals through their options. Our team will gather information, assess needs, and review services that are available.
Community Connections
There are many older adults and people with disabilities who live alone and continue to live independently in the community. Staying engaged and connected is important when it comes to maintaining well-being and independence. Keeping in touch with friends, family and neighbors is important. Engaging in activities and attending community events are opportunities for socializing that also provide a sense of belonging.
OCES is dedicated to removing barriers and creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential. OCES supports everyone without exception!
If you need assistance, contact OCES at 508-584-1561.
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
