By Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW 

CEO of Old Colony Elder Services 

Maintaining and celebrating independence as we age

As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it also reminds us of another meaningful form of independence, one that is deeply valued across all cultures and communities, including the Cape Verdean and Asian communities, where older adults are honored for their wisdom, resilience, and important role within the family. Maintaining independence while aging is not only about remaining at home safely, but also about preserving dignity, cultural connections, and quality of life.  

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is proud to celebrate more than half a century successfully supporting the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities through the provision of essential services and information that promotes healthy and safe living.

In fact, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts. Below are a few ways that OCES helps older adults maintain their independence.

Significant life-supporting care

OCES assists individuals to safely live within the community as independently as possible for as long as possible while preserving dignity and quality of life. OCES helps individuals, who may otherwise require nursing facility placement, remain in their homes. OCES operates several housing and home care programs that are designed to meet individuals where they are.

OCES can provide guidance regarding housing options. For adults who are unable to live alone, Adult Family Care is a program that brings people together in a shared, comfortable home environment. In the Congregate Housing program, older adults have a private bedroom, with access to kitchen and living room areas in a shared living environment. Through the Supportive Housing program, each older adult lives in a private apartment at a local housing authority site with integrated community resources and services. Researching housing options can be overwhelming and there are many alternative housing resources that are available in addition to those mentioned. The OCES team is here to help older adults understand and navigate the available options.

In-home services, otherwise known as Home Care, help older adults live independently with dignity, while avoiding unnecessary hospitalization or long-term care placement. Services provided at home may include homemaker services to assist with housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Other services may include personal-care assistance with dressing, bathing, and hygiene; transportation to medical appointments; automated medication dispensing systems; home delivered meals through Meals on Wheels; and more.

OCES’s care management team assesses an individual’s needs, creates a personal-care plan, and coordinates support to assist with daily living activities.

Promoting connection

A great number of older adults, including many who live alone, continue to live independently in their own homes. Older adults who stay engaged in their community are less likely to experience loneliness and social isolation. It’s important to connect with others. Councils on aging and adult community centers provide opportunities to socialize and stay active in the community. A wide variety of daily and weekly activities are offered, including yoga, line dancing, painting, crafts, chess, bridge, mahjong, and more. Educational programs, social clubs, and group activities are also available, giving individuals many opportunities to stay active, engaged, and connected.

OCES supports everyone without exception and strives to empower individuals to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential. OCES’ Information and Referral Department is the entry point to help guide you through your options.

To learn more about OCES’s comprehensive programs and services, visit ocesma.org.

About the Author: Nicole Long is the Chief Executive Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). Founded in 1974, OCES is a private, non-profit organization proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.