World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th. “March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Brockton and Plymouth.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. To recognize this, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has launched a WEAAD campaign including events in both Brockton and Plymouth.
OCES encourages organizations and the public to join the “March Against Elder Abuse” events:
In Brockton on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OCES in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), Plymouth County Sheriff's Department and Plymouth County District Attorney's Office will hold a FREE March to increase awareness of elder abuse. Registration will be at 10:30 a.m. and the short March will begin at 11 a.m. at the COA, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton, then proceed around Belmont Street and back. Lunch will follow at the Shaw’s Center. Registration is required. To register, please call the Brockton COA at 508-580-7811 or register online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pksmemn
In Plymouth on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OCES in partnership with the Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County District Attorney and the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department will hold a FREE one-mile March along the Plymouth waterfront to raise awareness of elder abuse. Please gather for the March at 10:30 a.m. outside Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The March will begin at 11 a.m. proceeding down Water Street then back to Tavern on the Wharf for a light lunch. Off-street metered parking is available. To register, please call Terri Kourtz, 508-584-1561 ext. 255 or register online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/v39ytqy
“Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older adults experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation according to the National Council on Aging,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’ which is why raising awareness of elder abuse and its signs are so important. We encourage the community to join us at these events to increase awareness and help to end elder abuse.”
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, 40,127 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2023. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living stated that an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 adults aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.
OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults, or their designees, to prevent, eliminate, or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.
If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.
To learn more about WEAAD, please visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/
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.
