Providing compassionate in-home and out-patient care in Plymouth, NH

Palliative & Hospice Care Teams Helping Those with Sarcoma Cancer

July is National Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month

July is National Sarcoma Cancer Awareness month and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health (PBH&HH) would like to shed some light on this cancer and how their Palliative & Hospice team can help those affected. Sarcomas are cancers that arise from the cells that hold the body together. These could be cells related to muscles, nerves, bones, fat, tendons, cartilage, or other forms of ‘connective tissues.’ There are hundreds of different kinds of sarcomas, which come from different kinds of cells.

According to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, sarcoma accounts for 1% of adult cancers diagnosed in the United States and 15%-20% of childhood cancers. Every cancer treatment can cause side effects or changes to your body and how you feel. For many reasons, people do not experience the same side effects even when they are given the same treatment for the same type of cancer. This can make it hard to predict how you will feel during treatment.

As you prepare to start cancer treatment, it is normal to fear treatment-related side effects. It may help to know that your health care team will work to prevent and relieve side effects. Doctors call this part of cancer treatment “palliative care” or “supportive care.” It is an important part of your treatment plan, regardless of your age or the stage of disease. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home health offers free consultations to explain the benefits of having a Palliative Care team on your side. This can be done over the phone or in person.

Coping with physical side effects

Talk with your Pemi-Baker Palliative health care team regularly about how you are feeling. If they know how you are feeling, they can find ways to relieve or manage your side effects to help you feel more comfortable and potentially keep any side effects from worsening.

Sometimes, physical side effects can last after treatment ends. Doctors call these long-term side effects. They call side effects that occur months or years after treatment, late effects. Treating long-term side effects and late effects is an important part of survivorship care.

Hospice care for cancer patients is a special kind of care that provides comfort, support, and dignity at the end of life, typically when you or your loved one’s life expectancy is six months or less. Hospice cares for the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Coping with emotional and social effects

You can have emotional and social effects after a cancer diagnosis. This may include dealing with difficult emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger, or managing your stress level. Sometimes, people find it difficult to express how they feel to their loved ones. Some have found that talking to PBH&HH’s social workers or chaplain can help them develop more effective ways of coping and talking about cancer.

Caring for a loved one with cancer

Family members and friends often play an important role in taking care of a person with sarcoma. This is called being a caregiver. Caregivers can provide physical, practical, and emotional support to the patient, even if they live far away.

Caregivers may have a range of responsibilities on a daily or as-needed basis, including:

  • Providing support and encouragement
  • Talking with the health care team
  • Giving medications
  • Helping manage symptoms and side effects
  • Coordinating medical appointments
  • Providing a ride to and from appointments
  • Assisting with meals
  • Helping with household chores
  • Handling insurance and billing issues

It is important to care for yourself as well as your loved one with cancer. Caregiver burnout is very common but PBH&HH can help through their free ‘Caregiver conversation, education & support group’ held the first Wednesday of every month from 10am-11:30am. You can join the support group in person at their facility on Boulder Point Drive or by Zoom. Pre-registration is required through Guy Tillson, Chaplain at gtillson@pbhha.org or by calling 603-536-2232. We hope you will join us!

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups, Grief and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask-A-Pemi-Baker Nurse senior center programs. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

 

Summer Safety Tips For Seniors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and injury. When we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature because older adults do not sweat as much as younger adults, and sweat is the body’s most important heat-regulating mechanism. Older adults also store fat differently, which can further complicate heat regulation in the body.

This can cause issues in the summer because when the outside temperature rises, so does the body’s internal temperature. Which is why seniors suffer from heat stroke in the summer more often than younger people.

Therefore, seniors have health risks that need to be monitored, especially in the heat of the summer. Below are tips to keep seniors safe and healthy in the rising temperatures of the summer months.

Stay hydrated.

Drink eight or more glasses of water and/or fruit juices every day to stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee and tea as they can leave you dehydrated quickly. Increase your intake if you are doing any physical activity or if the weather is particularly hot.

Stay indoors during extreme heat.

In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation slows down and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Keep in mind, the sun is the most intense between 10 am and 4 pm. If you can, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and the evening.

Stay in an air-conditioned place.

Air-conditioning is important when it is hot and humid outside. If you do not have air-conditioning in your home, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or family member’s home or a community senior center are all good options. You can contact your local Area Agency on Aging for help finding a local cooling center during extended periods of extreme heat.

Know the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

The best clothing to wear in the summertime is loose-fitting and lightweight clothes in natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. Dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.

Protect your skin and eyes.

Wearing sunglasses can block your eyes from harmful UV rays and protect your vision. When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Know the side effects of your prescriptions.

Some medications can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Look over your medications and talk with your doctor about any concerns or questions you have.

Know the early signs of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hyperthermia, etc.

Signs to look for may include disorientation, dry skin, excessive tiredness, headache, lethargy, nausea, a flushed face, high body temperature, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion. Take immediate action if you feel any symptoms coming on.

Maintain communication with friends, family, caregivers and emergency contacts.

Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy-to-access area in case needed.

As a caregiver or loved one, you can help seniors beat the heat by:

  • Visiting at least twice a day.
  • Watching for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Making sure they have access to air conditioning.
  • Helping them limit their exposure to the sun.
  • Making sure they are getting enough fluids to keep them hydrated and have a normal body temperature.

Pemi-Baker’s Ask-A-Nurse: A collaboration with the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council (GCSCC)

If you have questions or need a place to cool off why not visit your local senior center? In addition to virtual and in-person activities and meals offered by the 8 senior centers of GCSCC, three are hosting Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health’s ‘Ask-A-Nurse’ program. This is a free service manned by a Pemi-Baker Registered Nurse and/or Social Worker where you can get your blood pressure checked, ask medical questions, fill our your advance directive forms or just swing by and say hi!

Ask-A-Nurse Days & Times:

Mondays 11:30-1pm @ Plymouth Regional Senior Center-8 Depot Street, Plymouth

Wednesdays 11:30-1pm @ Lin-wood Area Services- 194 Pollard Road, Lincoln

Every Third Thursday 11:30-12:30 @ Littleton Area Senior Center- 77 Riverglen Lane, Littleton

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

Free Summer Support Groups Offered by Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health

Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health will be offering two new Grief and Loss Support Groups, beginning on Tuesday, July 5, 2022.  The groups will deal with issues pertaining to loss and grief as these experiences impact the lives of individuals.  The six sessions will draw on insights from the works of David Kessler, Kenneth Doka, and Alan Wolfelt, three leading voices in the area of grief studies.

There will be TWO groups:

A morning group will meet at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center from 11:00am through 12:30pm.  We can accommodate TEN IN-PERSON participants.  Group members will sit socially-distanced from one another.  Masks are NOT required, but are recommended for those who wish to be cautious.  We can also accommodate persons virtually via ZOOM.

There will also be a late afternoon group from 5:30pm through 7:00pm.  The late afternoon group is ZOOM-accessible ONLY.

There is no cost for participating in these groups, though participants MUST pre-register by contacting Guy Tillson, Bereavement Coordinator, at gtillson@pbhha.org or by calling 603 536-2232.  Each group will go for six sessions.  The size of each group and the energy generated by discussion and sharing determines the length of each session.  Though we allow for an hour and a half, we normally go for about an hour.

Pemi-Baker also offers a monthly support group for at-home caregivers.  This group meets on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month at 10:00am.  We can accommodate FIVE IN-PERSON participants in the Conference Room at Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health, 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, in Plymouth.  In-person participants are required to wear masks.  Virtual participation is also available via ZOOM.  As with the grief and loss groups, please contact Guy Tillson at gtillson@pbhha.org or by calling 603 536-2232.

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Raises Critical Funds for Patients Through Online Auction

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health (PBH&HH) celebrated another successful fundraising auction this spring thanks to the generosity of community sponsors, donors and bidders.

With over 125 items to bid on and specialty services to donate towards, they hit their fundraising goal and raised the critical funds needed to continue their important work in supporting the members of 29 communities who need medical aid at home. All proceeds from the auction support patients and families with little or no health insurance. Some of the auction donations are specific to palliative and hospice services including: therapeutic massage, hospice and dementia comfort cubs, therapeutic music and hospice comfort kits.

PBH&HH would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for sponsoring the auction: Dumont Construction, the VanSickle Family, Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, Waterville Valley Realty, Speare Memorial Hospital, Northway Bank, Bank of New Hampshire, Mid-State Health, Noyes Insurance, Meredith Village Savings Bank, R.M.Piper Inc., New England Employee Benefits Company, Insurance 24, Mainstay Technologies, Hannaford, Horne Electric, Tom & Donna Wall, Wild Heart Yoga & Wellness Studio, Tartaglia’s Pizza and Bovill Bros. Logging Inc.

Would you like to support Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health? Visit their website, www.pbhha.org, to make a donation or join their ‘Circle of Friends’. This special group of good as gold supporters, make small, monthly donations to provide ongoing funding so PBH&HH can mobilize care, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Just $10 a month will help ensure that every family can find the compassion, education and assistance necessary to help their loved one. You can make a difference to a friend or family member today with less than the amount you spend on lunch!

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

Pemi-Baker Kicking-Off Spring Auction!

May first is the kick-off date for Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health’s month long, online auction and they are inviting you to be a part of their largest fundraiser of the year!

The auction has something for everyone with gift certificates and specialty services from local businesses, breweries, restaurants, yoga studios, gift baskets with toys for the kids, champagne and chocolate picnics, Father’s Day baskets, camping supplies, spa day and golf packages, pontoon boat rentals, jewelry, local art ….the items are endless and with bidding options all month you can walk away with a steal!

The auction is online for the month of May at www.32auctions.com/PBHHH22.

All of the items have been donated by local businesses and friends of PBH&HH allowing all money raised to go to their uninsured patients as well as toward their free community programs (Coffee w/ Caregivers, Loss & Grief Support, Fill Out Your Forms) and free patient services: Therapeutic Comfort Cubs, Hospice Comfort Kits, Therapeutic Massage and Music Therapy.

“It is important for us to continue to support the members of our community who need medical aid at home and we are so appreciative of the businesses who helped us by being sponsors or by donating items to make this auction possible,” said Danielle Paquette-Horn, Executive Director.

PBH&HH would like to thank Dumont Construction, Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, The Vansickle Family, Mid-State Health Center, Waterville Valley Realty, Speare Memorial Hospital, Northway Bank, Bank of New Hampshire, Noyes Insurance, R.M. Piper General Contractors, Meredith Village Savings Bank, NE Employee Benefits Company, Insurance 24, Mainstay Technologies, Horne Electric, Wild Heart Yoga & Wellness Studio, Tartaglia’s Pizza, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty and Tom & Donna Wall for their sponsorships.

Let’s Celebrate Our Hospice Volunteers!

National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 18th- April 22nd!

April 18th-22nd is National Volunteer Appreciation week and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health (PBH&HH) would like to recognize and say thank you to their 20+ hospice volunteers. Their volunteers come from a variety of professional backgrounds and represent many of the 29 towns PBH&HH serves.

The spirit of hospice volunteering is borne from a genuine desire to give comfort, peace and care to patients, caregivers and their families during end of life.  Many volunteers have had a personal experience with someone who has benefited from all that hospice offers and have a strong desire to give back to other families in their community.

Hospice volunteers help in a variety of ways: holding vigil, writing letters, reading to patients, light housekeeping, relieving family caregivers, helping with outside chores, grocery shopping, dog walking and holding meaningful conversations.  No amount of time is too small; some volunteers give 1-2 hours per week, some give 1-2 hours per month.  “We are always looking for wonderful people who have a passion for working with others.  Our volunteers are so important to our non-profit organization and to those families we serve,” said Shannon Cassidy, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator for PBH&HH.

All hospice volunteers complete a free 5-week training course via Zoom with Shannon and other members of the hospice team. The course covers the hospice philosophy, listening and communication skills, confidentiality, family dynamics, and bereavement support for clients and their families.

Next Training: Tuesdays, 2pm-4pm, May 3rd-May 31st

For more information about hospice training and to register, please contact Shannon Cassidy, BSW, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 603-536-2232 or by email at info@pbhha.org.

 

Spring Grief & Loss Support Groups Starting April 26th!

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health (PBH&HH) would like to welcome you to their FREE grief support groups being held on Tuesday mornings, 11-12:30pm, at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center. There is also a Zoom only group that meets later in the day from 5:30-7pm. Anyone who has lost a loved one is welcome. Topics include the stress of grief, tips for coping during the holidays and what helps when grief hurts.

Pre-registration is required for this 6 week session and the in-person, Tuesday morning meetings require a mask. Please call Guy Tillson, Hospice Chaplain at 603-536-2232 or email him at info@pbhha.org to register or learn more. We hope you will join us and find strength with others walking a similar path.

Tuesdays, April 26th-May 31st: 11am-12:30pm or 5:30pm-7pm

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts.

In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Palliative Care for People Living With Parkinson’s Disease

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month!

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness month and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health would like to shine the light on how a palliative care team can help those living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive illness of the central nervous system that affects muscles and movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in one hand. While hand tremors are the best-known sign of Parkinson’s disease, the disorder also causes muscle stiffness, slowing and jerking.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system. It damages the system of nerves that the brain uses to tell the body’s muscles what to do. Brain activity is also affected by the loss of dopamine, an important chemical messenger that helps the neurons in the brain do their work.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms get worse as the condition progresses over time. Although the disease cannot be cured, medications can improve the symptoms. So can palliative care.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative (pronounced “pal-lee-uh-tiv”) care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. It focuses on providing you with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness like Parkinson’s disease. The goal is to improve quality of life for both you and your family.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers and other specialists who work alongside your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of your illness. You can have it together with curative treatment.

Your palliative care team will help you to match your treatment choices to your personal needs and goals. That will allow you to have more control over your life. In all ways, the palliative care team helps you to better cope with the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease.

Treating the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease–How Palliative Care Can Help

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are a growing number of treatments that can provide you with relief from its symptoms. People with Parkinson’s disease are often prescribed a combination of levodopa and carbidopa, which helps replenish the brain’s shrinking supply of dopamine.

A new therapy uses electrodes surgically implanted inside the brain, and a small electrical device called a pulse generator to provide electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS). Parkinson’s patients also benefit from the expertise of physical, occupational and speech therapists to help them manage practical issues in their daily lives.

Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include a variety of motion-related issues, as well as sleep disturbances, fatigue (feeling weak or tired), constipation and other gastrointestinal problems, and low blood pressure.

Decisions about nutrition and feeding tubes eventually may become an issue, but the palliative care team will be able to provide guidance on this difficult subject. The social worker on your palliative care team can work closely with you to help you cope with the changes in your health. Sometimes just talking with an expert about what’s happening can be a great relief.

Another whole area of Parkinson’s symptoms is called cognitive decline, whereby ravages of the disease affect thinking and other uses of the brain. These include troubling mood disorders like depression and anxiety, unclear thinking, difficulty concentrating on a task and the potential emergence of dementia.

Some people become more disabled and dependent over time despite the best treatments. They may come to need so much help with the routine tasks of living that they require 24-hour care. This care may be provided at home or in a setting like assisted living, where they get the personal care they need.

Your palliative care team will talk with you about your hopes and preferences, and what may be possible for you to get the support you need to continue living life to the fullest. Because of the long course of Parkinson’s disease, the palliative care team can help you to clarify your goals and set up treatment plans far in advance. There are personal decisions you can make about how to live the life that remains, no matter what direction the disease takes-(Advance Care Planning).

Your palliative care team can help you with all this and more. The team will be your sounding board and your first line of defense against any symptoms of pain, discomfort, depression or anxiety.

The team specialists will help you and your loved ones to make both large and small decisions. They will enhance communication between you, your family and your other doctors, and help you to clarify your goals for care.

How to Get Palliative Care

If you or a loved one is facing Parkinson’s disease, ask your doctor about the benefits of a palliative care team or call Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health for a FREE consultation to help you make sense of the situation. PBH&HH also offers free Advance Directive help, helping you fill out your forms via Zoom. We hope you call or email us today for more information.

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Loss Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

What do Hospice & Palliative Care Social Workers do?

March is National Social Worker month and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health wants to celebrate their social workers- Shannon Cassidy, BSW and Lauren Bell, BSW by explaining the details of Palliative and Hospice social work. The mission of hospice and palliative care social workers is to help clients and their families manage difficult situations and illnesses with dignity and peace of mind.

The Difference between Hospice and Palliative Care

While related, hospice and palliative care are distinct from each other in several key ways. Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and at the same time as treatment. Palliative care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness. Palliative care also applies to patients who require non-curative remedies for painful or debilitating symptoms in their daily lives.

Hospice care begins after treatment of the disease is stopped and when it is clear that the person is not going to survive the illness. Hospice care involves caring for patients who are suffering from terminal illnesses that have progressed to the point that they have fewer than six months to live.

What Does a Hospice or Palliative Care Social Worker Do?

The main responsibilities of Palliative and Hospice care social workers include conducting psychosocial assessments, coordinating care, providing counseling and psychotherapy, intervening in client crisis situations, and educating clients and families about their treatment plan and the resources and support systems available to them. Patients and their families are experiencing a number of hardships, including anger and anxiety; depression; financial strain; intense physical pain or discomfort; social isolation; and family conflict.

  • Psychosocial assessments- Hospice and palliative care social workers conduct assessments of clients and their families to determine their psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs. This information is important for the larger hospice and/or palliative care team to develop an effective and compassionate care plan.
  • Care coordination- Hospice social workers coordinate the care of patients with a team of medical and human service professionals. With their knowledge of systems of care and support within medical settings and the larger community, hospice and palliative care social workers are often the point of contact between different care providers, as well as the liaison between clients and their treatment team. Hospice and palliative care social workers also play an important role in patient intakes and discharges. During the intake process, they gather data from patients upon their enrollment in a care program (through the psychosocial assessment), orient patients and their families to the hospice or palliative care environment and communicate with the treatment team regarding patients’ ongoing needs. They advocate on behalf of the patient and the family helping them understand their treatment plan and how to be vocal about their needs.
  • Counseling- Hospice and palliative care social workers also provide emotional support, counseling and psychotherapy to clients and their families who are experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties in the face of terminal, debilitating illness or both. Social workers may employ a combination of clinical social work modalities to help their clients evaluate and manage their thoughts and emotions and overcome various behavioral challenges.
  • Patient education and resource navigation services- Hospice social workers help clients and their families navigate planning for end-of-life care, educating the patient and family on filling out Advanced Directives and/or obtaining guardianship. They also help clients and their families understand their treatment plan and the processes involved in hospice and palliative care. They help families navigate relevant resources and assistance available to them connecting them with local resources, such as cancer or terminal illness support groups, pro bono counseling services and religious communities.
  • Crisis intervention-Social workers help intervene in a crisis and can connect families to other support services and resources near them.

Hospice and palliative care social work is challenging work, as it involves helping people through difficult and stressful times of their lives. However, the rewards include making strong connections with people, learning and celebrating their life stories, and having a positive impact on clients and their families. “As Hospice and Palliative care social workers we strive to provide the best resources, education and assistance to clients and their families. Our primary goal is to ensure you and your loved ones are presented with options and education based on your current and long term needs to create the best possible outcome” said Lauren Bell, BSW, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health’s Hospice & Palliative Care Supervisor.

If you feel you or a loved one might benefit from Pemi-Baker’s Palliative or Hospice team, please call us for more information. You do not need a referral from your doctor and there is no charge for a consultation.

Currently, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is hiring for a part time home health and hospice social worker position. Call for details or visit our page on Indeed.

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

The Rewards of Being a Hospice Volunteer

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021.  When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community.  A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers.  My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida.  The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure.  I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others.  PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals.  Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.

Connie C.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2022-06-27T12:20:25-04:00

Connie C.

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021.  When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community.  A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers.  My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida.  The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure.  I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others.  PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals.  Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.

You give of yourselves day & night without end!

To the Pemi-Baker Hospice Team--Words really can't express my feelings-

Your help during one of the most difficult times of my life is SO appreciated.  I'm so grateful that because of you, Doug was able to get his wish not to spend the last of his days in a hospital, but at home with those of us who loved him.

And to be constantly reassured that if I needed anything you would be there-oh my gosh-ANYTIME!  Well, you people need to know how much you are appreciated.  You give of yourselves day & night without end!  God Bless you and thank you!

Pam O.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-06-11T07:31:14-04:00

Pam O.

To the Pemi-Baker Hospice Team--Words really can't express my feelings- Your help during one of the most difficult times of my life is SO appreciated.  I'm so grateful that because of you, Doug was able to get his wish not to spend the last of his days in a hospital, but at home with those of us who loved him. And to be constantly reassured that if I needed anything you would be there-oh my gosh-ANYTIME!  Well, you people need to know how much you are appreciated.  You give of yourselves day & night without end!  God Bless you and thank you!

“My home physical therapy was fantastic.”

Pemi-Baker provided very good home therapy. All their therapists were pleasant, helpful in offering suggestions for better functioning after surgery, and practiced good health protocols. They were also very prompt in showing up for scheduled appointments.

Elizabeth B.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2019-11-07T12:26:12-05:00

Elizabeth B.

Pemi-Baker provided very good home therapy. All their therapists were pleasant, helpful in offering suggestions for better functioning after surgery, and practiced good health protocols. They were also very prompt in showing up for scheduled appointments.

“Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know.”

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.

Terry W.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-01-17T12:43:19-05:00

Terry W.

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.

“Everyone is so understanding supportive and kind.”

From the director to the nurses to the health care workers.  So cheerful, helpful and accommodating.  This is our second time receiving assistance from Pemi-Baker and we are very lucky to have found this amazing group!  Thank you for your excellent care and compassion.

Leila L.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-01-17T13:19:24-05:00

Leila L.

From the director to the nurses to the health care workers.  So cheerful, helpful and accommodating.  This is our second time receiving assistance from Pemi-Baker and we are very lucky to have found this amazing group!  Thank you for your excellent care and compassion.

“Pemi-Baker Hospice services provided kind, professional, competent services every step of the way-and even vaccinated us all for Covid/19!””

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in (Cathy, Penny, Colleen) were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

Paula W.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-01-17T12:31:13-05:00

Paula W.

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in (Cathy, Penny, Colleen) were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

Your courage during Covid-19 does not go unnoticed

Hello. We just wanted to take a moment and let you know how much we truly appreciate all that you do for us in these trying times. You're commitment to the health of our community is a special thing, and we know that you are working under stressful conditions due to the Covid 19 crisis. We realize that in order for you to treat those who may be ill, you are putting you're own lives and even you're own families lives in danger, and that is truly a courageous and honorable thing to do. We want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. Thank you all for all that you do!

Bryan and Renee C., and our mom Joan

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-06-11T06:27:43-04:00

Bryan and Renee C., and our mom Joan

Hello. We just wanted to take a moment and let you know how much we truly appreciate all that you do for us in these trying times. You're commitment to the health of our community is a special thing, and we know that you are working under stressful conditions due to the Covid 19 crisis. We realize that in order for you to treat those who may be ill, you are putting you're own lives and even you're own families lives in danger, and that is truly a courageous and honorable thing to do. We want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. Thank you all for all that you do!
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