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.
Social workers may be found in many different settings, from healthcare and mental health to education, local and state government, and social service agencies.
Social workers assist individuals and families in navigating the various challenges of life in different ways. For example, a social worker can help patients in hospitals or rehabilitation facilities transition back to their home or community. A social worker can help determine if an individual can resume activities of daily living in their home. Will the individual need short-term caregiver support for assistance with mobility, bathing, dressing or meal preparation? Or will the individual require long-term assistance and daily home care? A social worker evaluates current and future needs and puts a plan in place.
Social workers also:
- Help individuals and families navigate housing and other community resources;
- Provide mental health care for adults and children;
- Assist those who are experiencing food insecurity or malnutrition;
- Work to prevent, and address, neglect or abuse.
- Assist with foster care programs; and
- Help individuals manage and cope with chronic illness or disease.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has a team of licensed social workers who can provide guidance on a wide range of life changes and challenges. OCES is proud to provide independent, conflict-free assessments, care coordination, administrative support for in-home and community-based long-term services through many different programs including in-home behavioral health counseling. Working alongside OCES’ licensed social workers are care managers, protective service workers, administrative staff, and an extensive network of providers.
OCES’ expansive services offer support through more than 20 different programs including: a Nutrition Program with healthy meals planned by a Registered Dietician; a Healthy Living Program that includes management of chronic health conditions; and a Family Caregiver Support Program that provides caregiving resources. OCES provides community housing with supportive and congregate options. OCES’ Money Management Program offers budget and health insurance guidance. OCES’ Protective Services Program helps prevent, eliminate, or remedy situations involving the abuse of an elder.
Essentially, social workers provide guidance about a wide range of life changes and challenges – helping to prevent issues while presenting options for the future.
Join us as we celebrate social workers who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of so many in our community.
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
