MAY ARTICLE: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month - a time to create a better understanding of mental health issues and advocate for mental health services in our communities.
Times have changed. Mental health and self-care (caring for your own well-being) are now front and center on a national level. This is a good thing. However, it is important to continue the conversation and outreach on a local level to ensure that everyone has access to behavioral health services and supports.
Anyone can find it difficult to cope with stress, change, or challenging situations, but older adults who are confined to their homes due to disease or disability or who may not have family and friends nearby may find it more difficult. Lack of social contact or isolation can increase stress and bring feelings of sadness or loneliness.
Caring for Your Own Well-Being
While it is impossible to completely avoid stress, caring for your own well-being and having a self-care routine can help you cope. Self-care is about understanding your own needs and taking steps to stay physically, mentally and emotionally well.
Here are a few ways to practice self-care every day:
- Adopt a diet that is well-balanced and rich with various fruits and vegetables. Be sure to limit sweets.
- Exercise on a regular basis. Exercise not only keeps you physically healthy but it improves your mental health since it causes your body to release chemicals which can improve your mood.
- Try to get approximately eight hours of sleep a night. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day will help you develop healthy sleeping habits.
- Take part in an activity or find a project that you enjoy and look forward to doing.
It’s also important to keep up with your medical care. Avoid delaying appointments with your physician or other medical professionals.
Reach Out for Support
Grief, loss, and other mental health challenges are all part of life. If you are feeling sad, anxious, or not like yourself, it’s important to reach out. Talk with your healthcare provider or another trusted individual about how you are feeling.
Unsure of where to turn? Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Behavioral Health Services program staff can provide various options to support you through difficult times.
OCES has an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) that provides behavioral health and wellness resources to adults age 60+ and people with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. EMHOT supports people with complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term care management to improve overall well-being.
For resources and to learn more about OCES’ Behavioral Health Services, visit https://ocesma.org/programs-services/behavioral-health or call 508-584-1561.
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
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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
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OCES is Participating in the March for Meals Campaign - Nutrition Program in Urgent Need of Support
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by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Employees Honored with Milestone Awards
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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.
