SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Celebrating Grandparents!
Every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, people celebrate National Grandparents Day in honor of grandparents.
Grandparents hold a special role in their grandchildren’s lives – a role that includes sharing their wisdom and experiences. Grandparents are a source of strength and oftentimes are their grandchildren’s greatest advocates.
When parents are unable to raise their children, grandparents are frequently the ones stepping up and providing grandchildren with a sense of security.
Raising grandchildren can have many rewards yet taking grandchildren into one’s home requires significant adjustments. Grandparents become full-time caregivers who are responsible for their grandchildren’s daily activities like homework, meals, sports, financial commitments and more.
Many people may not realize that caregiving at any age often takes a financial, emotional and physical toll on caregivers. For older adult caregivers, such as grandparents who may be dealing with their own age-related health issues, caregiving can be quite challenging.
One of the critical components of caregiving is self-care. Caregivers must be as dedicated to caring for themselves as they are committed to caring for their loved ones. Below are a few tips for caregivers:
Take care of yourself first and never ignore your own health. Be sure to keep up with all your doctor’s appointments and routine and special tests.
Get enough rest. Healthy sleep habits include going to bed at the same time every night and incorporating a relaxing bedtime routine.
Eat nutritious meals and snacks. Food provides the energy you need to get through your day, so avoid skipping meals.
Take steps to manage stress. Did you know that one way to contend with stress is through laughter? Try for a daily dose of laughter. Swap funny stories with a friend, watch a silly pet video, read an entertaining article, or stream a comedy show.
Find time to exercise. Aim for a 30-minute walk several times a week. If your schedule is too busy, consider taking three shorter 10-minute walks each day. Regular physical activity, as in brisk walking, can relieve stress and anxiety according to the American Heart Association.
Learn more about family caregiver support programs. These programs are specifically designed to help people retain their health while caregiving. They provide support and resources so that caregivers can maintain physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) assists and supports caregivers of all ages, including grandparents raising grandchildren. OCES’ FCSP assists caregivers in developing a self-care plan and helps to identify alternative caregiving options so caregivers can have respite to prevent burnout. FCSP also connects caregivers to in-person and virtual support groups. Caregivers can learn techniques to help with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving, relaxation and much more. Learn more about FCSP at www.ocesma.org/programs-services/caregiver-support or call 508-584-1561.
Source:
American Heart Association. (2024, April 22). Working out to relieve stress.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/working-out-to-relieve-stress
Recent News
Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage.
Full Article Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds
JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon
The 1969 Stonewall Uprising served as a catalyst for the global movement for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In June, we celebrate Pride Month commemorating this important time in history.
Diversity enriches our community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living. OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive organization that removes barriers creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.
Full Article JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon
“March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th and “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, the Plymouth Center for Active Living, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
Full Article “March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June
Community Options Ep. 309 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel
In June we hosted a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel featuring:
Teresa Kourtz, OCES Protective Services Director
Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton
District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County
Christina Long, Brockton Council on Aging
Full Article Community Options Ep. 309 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel
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!
Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging
In May we spoke with Dottie Slack, Outreach Coordinator and Shine Counselor at the Brockton Council on Aging highlighting the grand re-opening and programs and activities at the COA.
Full Article Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging
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.
