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.

According to a recent press release, Mass Aging Access (MAA), the advocacy organization representing the statewide ASAPs and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), calls for immediate funding to plug ongoing gaps in critical home care programs. OCES and other ASAPs urgently need supplemental funding for Fiscal Year 2025. MAA is informing state leaders of the significant budget shortfalls.

Meals, home health aide, personal care, homemaking and care management services are among the essential Home Care services provided to older adults that will be at risk without this supplemental funding. Home Care services are vital to enabling older adults to remain living independently in their homes and communities rather than in much more expensive nursing facilities.

“OCES provides support to over 20,000 older adults in Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The number of older adults in need of home care services is growing rapidly and we need this funding to meet their current and future needs. Without sufficient funding, vital services will be at risk and access to the care that is needed will be limited. Services support not only those receiving care, but also caregivers who rely on this help for the ability to work and/or respite care. There is a critical need for home care services.”

With the precarious budget situation, we urge everyone to take action to support older adults and help ensure funding for the essential Home Care Program. Ask your legislators to ensure sufficient funding for the Home Care Program in FY25 by visiting the MAA’s website: https://agingaccess.org/take-action/?snw=1&ref=15f2f833-91d2-4b01-8e98-0fc828f7571e#

Contribute to support OCES’ ability in providing care in the community and keeping people at home. To donate to OCES visit: https://ocesma.org/get-involved/donate

OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

For more information about MAA, formerly known as Mass Home Care, visit https://agingaccess.org

OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities