| The Supportive Housing program, which | | | | disabled living in the building will have |
| operates from a 10 story building housing 266 | | | | access to the Supportive Housing program. |
| residents at 105 Bel Air Street, gives senior | | | | |
| residents and those who are under 65 years | | | | Â |
| old and disabled, more enhanced services that | | | | |
| are meant to help them "age in place". | | | | OCES has partnered with Medical Resources, |
| | | | the Brockton Housing Authority and BAMSI in |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | bringing the Supportive Housing program to |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | Bel Air. |
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| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | An Open House was held on May 28th to kick |
|        | | | | off the program. Diana L. DiGiorgi, |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | Executive Director of OCES and Tom Thibeault, |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | Chief Operating Officer of the Brockton |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | Housing Authority outlined the Supportive |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | Housing program for residents and attendees. |
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| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | "The Supportive Housing program is a |
|        | | | | win-win. We've had a good response from |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | | | | residents and they are comfortable with the |
| Â Â Â | | | | program," noted Barbara Brenton, Supportive |
| | | | Housing Program Specialist. |
| There are four key components of the program | | | | |
| which help seniors and those who are disabled | | | | Â |
| remain at home longer as opposed to entering | | | | |
| a nursing home: medication reminders; safety | | | | For more information about the Supportive |
| checks; escort to meals five times a week at | | | | Housing program, contact OCES at |
| a congregate meal site and 24/7 emergency | | | | 508-584-1561. |
| response services. | | | | |
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| | | | About Old Colony Elderly Services |
| A Supportive Housing specialist will have an | | | | |
| office in the building and oversee the | | | | Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly |
| program five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to | | | | Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, |
| 4:30 p.m. Additional care services such | | | | non-profit Aging Services Access Points |
| as housekeeping, personal care, lifeline and | | | | (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of |
| assistance with food stamp and Mass Health | | | | Massachusetts. |
| forms will be available to the | | | | |
| residents. OCES will also bring in | | | |  |
| social, recreational and education programs | | | | |
| such as arthritis exercise programs and guest | | | | The organization's mission is to provide |
| speakers. | | | | services that support the dignity and |
| | | | independence of elders by helping them |
| Â | | | | maximize their quality of life; live safely |
| | | | and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary |
| All seniors and those who are under 65 and | | | | or premature institutionalization. |