NOVEMBER ARTICLE: Caregiver Health is Important
November is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a time to recognize and honor family caregivers – spouses, partners, adult children caring for parents, grandparents caring for grandchildren, relatives, friends and neighbors - who step up to support their loved ones in countless ways.
Caregiving can be quite challenging. Family caregivers may feel that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done—including caring for themselves. It is essential that caregivers look after their own health.
According to the caregiver statistics at Family Caregiver Alliance, caregiving impacts caregivers’ physical, emotional and mental health. For example, among those who take care of loved ones with dementia, approximately 40 percent of caregivers experience depression. (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2016.)
Support for Family Caregivers
Family caregivers often help with activities of daily living such as meal preparation, dressing and bathing. They may provide mobility assistance or manage medical appointments, medication, and treatments. Family caregivers also assist with housekeeping, shopping, transportation and much more.
In addition to providing care, family caregivers may juggle a variety of other duties, such as working, caring for their home and family, as well as maintaining their own health. . For caregivers this can be a difficult balancing act.
Did you know? There is a program for caregivers that can assist them in navigating one of life's hardest yet most rewarding jobs. . Through OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), resources are available to assist family caregivers in their caregiving while also providing reassurance that they are not alone. There are multiple programs for home-based care which may include personal care, homemaking, grocery shopping, laundry, companionship and more. Family caregivers may be able to access these services and alleviate some of the stress of caregiving by letting others take on some of these tasks. For example, an older adult can receive a nutritious meal at home five days a week through Meals on Wheels, which can be very helpful to the family caregiver who prepares their loved one’s meals each day.
Every caregiving situation is unique. Essentially, the FCSP provides one-on-one support to create a personalized care plan outlining available resources that apply to the caregiver’s situation. The FCSP can also provide financial help for respite services, giving the caregiver a much-needed break while relieving some of the financial burden and/or the funds can be utilized to purchase items that will support the caregiver or their loved one. In addition, the FCSP can connect the caregiver to support groups and educational workshops.
Adult Family Care
Another program known as Adult Family Care, offers a range of in-home services and care management to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities. Essentially, this program includes a wide range of home-based services and supports that enable older adults to live independently in the community in the setting of their choice (their own home, with a family member or a friend, in elder housing or a private apartment) and avoid unnecessary hospitalization or delay long-term care placement. Through the Adult Family Care program, family caregivers may receive a stipend for providing care.
Family Caregivers are Heroes
Join us in celebration and appreciation of all family caregivers who are making such a positive difference in the lives of others.
OCES empowers caregivers by providing available resources to help with caregiving through OCES’ programs as well as through other resources in the community. To get started with either program or for more information, call 508-584-1561.
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Recent News
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!
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.
Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards
OCES the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored staff members with annual milestone awards. On November 20, 2024, a special luncheon was held at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth Harbor, where thirty-three staff members from OCES' Brockton and Plymouth offices received longevity awards.
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards
FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Taking Care of Your Heart
Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to heart disease and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk for this serious disease.
JANUARY ARTICLE: Serving Others and Your Community as a Volunteer. Join the Movement on Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service
On January 20th, 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.
Old Colony Elder Services Names New Senior Care Options & One Care Plans Quality Manager
Crystal Carvalho, LSW, a Berkley, MA resident, has been promoted to Senior Care Options & One Care Plan Quality Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton, MA.
OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families this Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s Keeper
Staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton and Plymouth are helping support those in need of assistance by providing gifts, grocery gift cards, and essential items this holiday season.
