(1888PressRelease)
June 21, 2008 - PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON, EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA -The Supportive Housing program, which operates from a 10 story building housing 266 residents at 105 Bel Air Street, gives senior residents and those who are under 65 years old and disabled, more enhanced services that are meant to help them “age in place”.
There are four key components of the program which help seniors and those who are disabled remain at home longer as opposed to entering a nursing home: medication reminders; safety checks; escort to meals five times a week at a congregate meal site and 24/7 emergency response services.
A Supportive Housing specialist will have an office in the building and oversee the program five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional care services such as housekeeping, personal care, lifeline and assistance with food stamp and Mass Health forms will be available to the residents. OCES will also bring in social, recreational and education programs such as arthritis exercise programs and guest speakers.
All seniors and those who are under 65 and disabled living in the building will have access to the Supportive Housing program.
OCES has partnered with Medical Resources, the Brockton Housing Authority and BAMSI in bringing the Supportive Housing program to Bel Air.
An Open House was held on May 28th to kick off the program. Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and Tom Thibeault, Chief Operating Officer of the Brockton Housing Authority outlined the Supportive Housing program for residents and attendees.
“The Supportive Housing program is a win-win. We’ve had a good response from residents and they are comfortable with the program,” noted Barbara Brenton, Supportive Housing Program Specialist. For more information about the Supportive Housing program, contact OCES at 508-584-1561.
About Old Colony Elderly Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
OCES serves the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. The agency has 110 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oc-elderly.org.
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