Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?

September 11, 2020

Hospice volunteers know that helping others at the end of their lives is tremendously rewarding. Being part of a hospice team gives you the profound privilege of bringing comfort, peace and care to patients, caregivers, and their families during their transitional journey.

Volunteers feel a greater appreciation of life itself, a deeper understanding of what’s truly important, and an authentic sense of fulfillment.

Why volunteer? As a hospice volunteer, you become part of a person’s life when you are needed most. That sense of fulfillment is priceless. Also, without caring volunteers like you, there would be no Medicare-certified hospice programs. Medicare law requires that 5% of hospice care hours are provided by volunteers.

Who volunteers? People just like you. Adults, young adults, and in some cases mature teens from all backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. Effective hospice volunteers embrace the fact that their role is one of compassionate service.

What skills do I need? Most agencies like Pemi-Baker Community Health, will provide the training and orientation you need to feel confident and comfortable with whatever level of support you choose to give. Training can include things such as grief counseling, boundaries between the volunteer, the patient and the family, and emergency medical support.

Do you love music? Sharing stories? Playing cards? Whatever passions, talents, or interests you bring can also be valuable assets. The most precious asset, of course, is simply caring.

What does a hospice volunteer do? Ultimately, hospice care is about providing patients, caregivers, and families with the most comfortable and compassionate end-of-life experience possible.

Your responsibilities will vary. In many cases it’s as simple as companionship. Sitting and talking. Or just listening. Or playing a patient’s favorite music.

You may also assist patients with tasks they can no longer perform for themselves. It may include anything from light household chores to lending emotional support to the patient’s family during this difficult time.

If you prefer to work in a different capacity, some hospice providers have opportunities to help with administrative office tasks.

What is the time commitment? As with most things around hospice volunteering, your commitment can vary. It depends a lot on the time you’re willing to commit and the needs of the patients you are matched with. You can work all that out in advance when you apply.

I’m interested; how do I apply? The next free VIRTUAL Hospice Volunteer training will start Tuesday, October 6^thand run 5 weeks through November 3^rd. All the training is done via zoom meetings in the comfort of your own home. Contact Lauren Bell, Pemi-Baker Community Health’s Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 603-536-2232 or email her at lbell@pbhha.org.

~Anna Swanson

Would Aquatic Physical Therapy Benefit You?

August 18, 2020

Aquatic Physical Therapy is physical therapy that takes place in a pool under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional. Aquatic Physical Therapy is also known as aquatic therapy, water therapy, aquatic rehabilitation, aqua therapy, pool therapy, or hydrotherapy. Aquatic therapy continues to grow in popularity as a safe complement or alternative to traditional land-based therapy and it is suitable for children and adults of all ages and fitness levels. You do not need any swimming experience to gain benefits of the water.

Water therapy has been used for thousands of years throughout the world. Consider the following examples:

Ancient Greeks and Romans bathed in hot springs to improve circulation and promote relaxation.
Hippocrates recommended bathing in spring water as a way to treat sickness.
Swiss monks were known to use thermal waters to treat sick or disabled people in their community.
Japanese hot springs, or onsens, are said to have medicinal effects that include healing chronic pain, treating skin problems, and relieving constipation.

“The biggest benefit of aquatic therapy is that people who are injured, disabled or otherwise not capable of comfortably or safely performing exercises on land can easily do so in the water,” said Kaity Schwartzer, PT, DPT for Pemi-Baker Community Health. The natural buoyancy of water reduces stress on the body and helps patients exercise easier with less pain. Plus the natural pressure of water in therapy pools reduces joint and soft-tissue swelling and provides enough resistance to strengthen muscle.

Compared to other forms of physical therapy, aquatic therapy results in a higher client compliance rate and less pain throughout the recovery process. “Any opportunity to significantly minimize the pain a client experiences should be taken seriously because with less pain, a client can enjoy a higher quality of life,” said Schwartzer.

Another important advantage of aquatic therapy is that it can often begin before land-based therapy. For athletes looking to get back into competition, or busy professionals who want to recover from surgery as quickly as possible, this makes a water-based program the natural choice.

Pemi-Baker Community Health’s specialty-trained aquatic therapists will help you reach your goals. They provide safe, hands-on effective, customized care for patients with any of the following:

Difficulty walking or limited weight-bearing capacity
Fibromyalgia, Bursitis, Tendonitis
Extremity injuries which prevent regular conditioning on normal surfaces or in athletic participation
Spinal cord injury, Scoliosis, lower back pain
Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis
Total hip/knee/shoulder joint replacements or reconstruction recovery
Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain
Cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury

Aquatic therapy is different from aquatic exercise because it is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty that requires the involvement of a trained professional. Aquatic Therapy is covered by most insurance providers and you do not have to know how to swim. Common goals of aqua therapy programs include improving flexibility, balance and coordination, building muscle strength and endurance, enhancing aerobic capacity, assisting with gait and locomotion and reducing stress while promoting relaxation.

PBCH’s licensed therapists will meet one on one with you, orienting you to the pool and changing rooms and assisting you around the perimeter of the therapy pool. COVID-19, CDC guidelines are strictly followed with clinicians and clients wearing masks and therapy sessions scheduled to prevent overlapping of clients in the locker rooms. We invite you to come by our facility to view the pool and get a tour!

~Anna Swanson

The Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care Can be Confusing

July 27, 2020

Many people have heard of hospice care but they mistakenly think that it’s just a way to help cancer patients be more comfortable at the end of their lives. Fewer people have heard of palliative care, and they may have no idea what it is. The truth is that hospice and palliative care are related but used for different reasons at different times, and everyone should be well-versed in what they offer. PBCH can help clarify some points of confusion.

What is palliative care? Palliative (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) care is supportive care. It is specialized medical attention, provided by a specially trained, interdisciplinary team of medical experts to help people who have serious, often painful illnesses. The care covers management of physical and emotional pain, as well as stress relief and feelings of helplessness. The palliative care team works to provide quality of life for the patient as well as the patient’s family.

Where is palliative care provided? Since palliative care can be offered alongside curative treatments such as chemotherapy, the services are available in a hospital setting, a clinic, a care facility or in the comfort of your own home.

Who is on the palliative care team? A typical team would include a doctor trained in palliative care and, often, board-certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Additionally, the team generally includes a palliative care nurse, a social worker, a chaplain or someone who can help with spiritual support if the patient requests it, plus a patient navigator or someone who can coordinate the process. PBCH and NANA work collaboratively with MidState Health Center’s Provider: Dr. Diane Arsenault, MD, FAAFP, HPM, HMDC.

When does palliative care start and who qualifies? Palliative care can be provided as soon as a diagnosis is made and any time throughout an illness. It’s probably best known for cancer patients, but people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, or other illnesses that cause chronic pain or discomfort can also qualify. The focus of palliative care is to provide relief from the symptoms of the disease and even the treatment side effects, as well as help with emotional and spiritual issues. Palliative care is not curative but can be used alongside curative methods such as chemotherapy.

So, what is hospice care? Hospice care is also supportive comfort care. The focus is to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort to people who are in a terminal condition, as well as for the family. The main difference with palliative care is that with hospice care, curative treatment is stopped. Through hospice, people who choose to end treatment that has perhaps stopped being helpful and often adds pain to their existence, can then navigate the end of their lives in a pain-free, dignified manner.

What hospice is not– Many people, including some doctors, will say, “Well, there’s nothing we can do now so you may as well go on hospice care.” That is misguided thinking. Hospice care is not giving up. Hospice is an active choice to provide people who have been diagnosed as terminal with a pain-free life for the time that they have left. They can enjoy family and friends in a setting of their choice. When the time comes, patients die naturally, with dignity, and with loved ones by their side if they choose.

Don’t wait too long to go on hospice– Many people actually improve once they are on hospice care because of the support they receive from the hospice team. That is why hospice workers say the most frequent comment they hear is, “We wish we hadn’t waited so long.” The misconception that going on hospice means giving up is the reason why so many families wait until the last weeks of a patient’s life to obtain help when they could have had several months of care.

People often live longer when receiving supportive comfort care. Researchers have found that people diagnosed with cancer who receive palliative and hospice care often live longer. Most choose to spend more time with family and friends. Some travel. Many plan the funeral or life celebration that matches their specific wishes. Palliative and hospice care allow each person to live the best life possible until their health takes them close to the end of their lives. When that time comes, people die comfortably and with dignity.

~Anna Swanson

Expert Secrets to Aging Well

July 6, 2020

This fantastic webinar explains how we have control over many factors when it comes to aging well:

The webinar includes information on diet, exercise, experimental new drugs, sleep, mental health and things we can do TODAY to stay healthier longer, even late in life.

How a Hospice Team Supports Your Whole Family

June 29, 2020

As your family member or loved one grows older, you treasure each moment spent with them. When the time is right for hospice care, you want to find compassionate people to help your loved one cope with illness and feel safe and comfortable. Likewise, you — and each member of your family — deserve the support of a whole team of people to guide you through this challenging time.

Hospice care is not merely a service that helps you and your loved one make the most of your time together. It also offers emotional and spiritual healing for the whole family. Having a hospice care team means your family can lean on the deep compassion and endless support of a group of specialists who will guide you through this journey.

Meet Your PBCH Hospice Care Team—As you prepare to help your loved one transition into hospice care, take comfort in knowing that your family will be supported every step of the way. Your hospice care team is made up of health care experts and compassionate people who can help your loved one feel whole physically, mentally and spiritually. Each person on your hospice team — from doctors to hospice staff to trained volunteers — will work with your family to ensure you are always the leading voice in your loved one’s hospice experience.

Your Loved One’s Primary Caregiver–You may be your loved one’s primary caregiver, or it may be another family member, a loyal friend or a hired caregiver. This person provides necessary daily care to your loved one with the support of the entire hospice care team.

Your Physician–Your doctor has been there with your loved one every step of the way. He or she may continue to do so throughout hospice care, if you so choose. Your loved one’s physician is already intimately familiar with their medical history, which helps them to care for your loved one during hospice, too.

Hospice Physicians/APRNs–Hospice physicians are the compassionate people who coordinate your loved one’s care plan. These doctors work closely with other hospice team members and your loved one’s physician to manage physical symptoms with care.

Hospice Nurses–Hospice nurses coordinate your loved one’s care plan with the physician and the rest of the hospice team. They manage symptoms and pain to ensure that your loved one is as comfortable as possible. Your hospice nurse also educates your family members on the use of medical supplies and equipment, along with how to properly administer medications.

Home Health Aides–If your loved one is seriously ill, even a simple task can become challenging. Home health aides fill an important role by providing personal, in-home care to your loved one. Your aide may help with bathing, grooming, preparing light meals, changing bed linens and bandage changes.

Chaplains–Spiritual caregivers are key parts of your hospice care team and support the traditions and beliefs of all cultures and religions. Your chaplain can discuss spiritual matters, answer questions, pray with you or help meet religious or spiritual obligations. If needed, they can also assist with funeral plans and services.

Social Workers–Depending on your loved one’s needs and concerns, they may want to talk about their priorities, may need help resolving a family or personal conflict, or may need help understanding their illness or health condition. A social worker can help your loved one in each of these areas, as well as help complete advance care planning, connect families to community resources and provide emotional support and counseling for increased emotional comfort.

Brook Rose, Pemi-Baker Hospice Volunteer cooking meals for clients

Trained Volunteers–Specially trained Hospice volunteers may assist with many needs and tasks that make your day just a little bit easier. They can do activities such as run errands, do light housekeeping, provide companionship and play cards or read a book to your loved one. If necessary, volunteers can stay with your loved one, allowing you to take a breather before returning to your loved one’s care.

Bereavement Counselors–When you or another family member needs guidance in navigating grief, even before the loss of a loved one, bereavement counselors are here to help. Important members of your hospice care team, bereavement counselors are available during hospice care and beyond, providing individual and group grief support to your entire family.

Focusing on the Beauty of the Journey–The goal of hospice care is to make the transition through the final stages of a life-limiting or serious health condition more comfortable and peaceful for your loved one — and the whole family. This can be a very challenging and difficult journey for everyone involved. Working as a team with hospice can help comfort your family and allow your loved one to have the peace and dignity they deserve during their most difficult days.

Hospice Care You Can Count On–While your family member or loved one is in hospice, we want you to be able to focus on your loved one and know that you can rely on your Pemi-Baker Community Health hospice team to help with the rest.

Become a Trained Hospice Volunteer—Pemi-Baker Community Health is starting their next 5 week, volunteer training on July 7^th from 4-6pm. Become a trained hospice volunteer from the comfort of your own home. This FREE training will be virtual, by computer. Contact Lauren Bell, SW at: lbell@pbhha.org or call 536-2232 for more details.

~Anna Swanson

Improving Your Life Through Physical Therapy

June 23, 2020

One of the side effects of social distancing unfortunately, has been a slowing down or stopping of our normal exercise routines. With that comes less flexibility, balance and strength. Physical therapy is often thought of as something we do after an orthopedic injury or surgery, but in reality, physical therapy can help us remain independent and agile as we age. For seniors PT plays a significant preventative role and the physical therapists at Pemi-Baker Community Health know just how to help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a third of all people over the age of 65 fall each year, making it the leading cause of injury in seniors. Every year, tens of thousands of older people are hospitalized with hip fractures. As many as 20 percent of them die within a year of the injury, while the rest never return to their prior level of function.

As we age, our bodies undergo a natural decline in flexibility, strength and balance, making it harder to maintain desired activity levels, and making us prone to falls. The National Institutes of Health cites physical therapy as a means to mitigate those losses, as well as to increase overall fitness. Fitness equates to independence.

Pemi-Baker Community Health’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Director, Matt Scagliarini, PT, DPT says, “We want the community to know that as an essential service, Pemi-Baker is continuing to provide rehab therapy regardless of what challenges come our way. We are following CDC guidelines to prioritize our patients and keep them safe during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic by staggering schedules, reducing traffic flow and proper cleaning between patients. We have been and will continue to provide physical therapy care to our clients while maintaining a safe environment throughout the coronavirus pandemic.”

Rehab services at Pemi-Baker include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Together, these services treat a span of ailments that commonly affect people in their senior years: orthopedic, pre and post-surgical care, cardio-pulmonary rehab; speech and movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease, stroke or other neurological conditions.

“A lot of clients experience chronic pain,” adds Scagliarini. “Having lived a full, active life tends to leave you with aches and pains from repeated use. Our heated therapy pool can help reduce the strain on your joints, allowing you to work on your balance and improve your strength safely and comfortably.”

Physical therapy can also help control the pain of many age-related problems, like arthritis and fatigue. “Physical therapy along with medication management by your PCP, provides a way to manage pain and maintain current levels of function, without falling into the trap of medication dependency,” says Scagliarini.

Among the 11 Pemi-Baker home health therapists and 9 outpatient therapists, their specialties include: Geriatrics, Myofascial & Cranio Sacral Therapy, Visceral & Neural Manipulations, Active Release Techniques (ART), IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization), PelviDry Needling, Vertigo & TMJ, and the LSVT BIG program for their Parkinson’s clients.

Therapy at Pemi-Baker is actually a way of life. As Scagliarini sums it up: “We want to be involved in client’s lives at their homes as well as at our location on Boulder Point in Plymouth. We will work with you to keep you as active and healthy as possible.” Call your PCP today to ask for a referral for physical therapy at Pemi-Baker Community Health. Appointments are available.

~Anna Swanson

National Healthcare Decision Day. Have You Signed Your Forms Yet?

April 16, 2020

COVID-19 crisis puts thoughts of health care decisions in different light.

Pemi-Baker Community Health can help!

National Healthcare Decisions Day has been held on April 16 for twelve years. Yet, April 16, 2020 is a very different time than any of those previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way Americans are living – and the focus on advance care planning has taken on a profound meaning for many people.

Pemi-Baker Community Health and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization want to acknowledge NHDD by stressing the importance of talking with your loved ones about your health care wishes and documenting those wishes by completing an advance directive. In fact, given the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the country, completing your advance directive – or reviewing and updating your care preferences if you have an advance directive – could be timely.

“Given the uncertainty that we find ourselves coping with during the COVID-19 public health crisis, taking time to talk about the care you would or would not want with your loved ones is a worthwhile activity for all of us to undertake,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach. “Far too many Americans put off talking about their health care wishes and then they find themselves in a medical crisis and it may be too late to ensure that you get the care you want.”

Advance care planning includes completing an advance directive (also known as a living will) and appointing a healthcare power of attorney (someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to speak for yourself). Then, most importantly, sharing your decisions with your family and loved ones.

Visit the Pemi-Baker Community Health website www.pbhha.org to download these free resources. Lisa Fortson, MSW, Pemi-Baker’s Hospice and Palliative Care Supervisor, stated that, “Pemi-Baker’s Social Work department is available for questions about the forms by calling 603-536-2232. It’s also important to remember that having these thoughtful discussions with your family and documenting your wishes can be a gift to your loved ones should you become critically ill and unable to speak for yourself. Your priorities will be clear to them.”

~ by Anna Swanson

Protect Your Hands-You Only Get Two!

February 21, 2020

The saying goes “work smarter, not harder.” These are words to live by when protecting the fragile joints of your wrists and hands, especially if you have arthritis. There are many techniques you can learn to get through your day without injuring yourself further.

Remember to be proactive. Balance work and rest, making sure you rest before you’re tired and before pain starts. Prioritize what’s important for the day, setting realistic goals and completing more difficult activities when you feel strongest. For some the morning is best, for others the afternoon is better when they’ve loosened up.

When you’re in the middle of your task, try to maintain proper posture, use both hands when possible and avoid a tight grip, using the palms of your hands for lifting and pushing instead.

When working in the kitchen there are many cooking tips and gadgets to make it easier on your hands. Setting a bowl on a sponge or washcloth can prevent bowls from turning, so you don’t have to hold them. Large culinary scissors can be used to open plastic bags and cut up vegetables. Use tongs instead of forks to turn or lift foods, and if you have a spiked cutting board, your steak will stay put. Electric can openers and jar openers do most of the work for you. Keep knives sharp so you can use your other hand to provide pressure on top of the knife to cut items. Carry groceries in your arms, close to your body. By doing this, bag handles won’t cut into your hands and fingers, and your back will thank you, too.

There are many things we do every day not realizing how much strain we are putting on our fingers. When you’re

done with the dishes, press water out of sponges with your palm, not by squeezing. Drip dry your hands or pat them, instead of wringing them in a towel. Slip foam over a pencil or use the eraser end to dial the phone, holding the pencil like an ice pick. When inserting tacks don’t put all that pressure on your thumb; use a small hammer. Place extensions or grippers on door knobs or water faucets. Many of these items can be found at your local hardware or dollar store.

Hopefully these aforementioned tricks will help. Just remember, that if your hands are already fragile or injured, these are good guidelines to follow. If preserving hand strength is your goal, talk to your Pemi-Baker Physical or Occupational therapist for strengthening exercises.

~by Pam Hixon, OT

Valentine’s Day-14 Helpful Acts of Kindness for a Friend in Need

February 14, 2020

It can be hard to know how to help during a time of desperate need.

Here are some supportive ideas for that family member, friend or over-extended caregiver:

Bare Basics. Grocery Shopping. Think paper towels, laundry detergent, bread, juice, eggs, bananas. Shop in-store or online, and have the order shipped to their home. Forget about brands, specific tastes or questioning whether it is something your loved one would like. Indecisiveness like that prevents your follow-through. When a family caregiver can’t be away long enough to run out an purchase toilet paper or milk to settle a patient’s queasy stomach, they will kiss you for bringing it to their door.
Offer Rides to Treatment. Many caregivers juggle full-time jobs and have added hurdles, such as busy meeting or travel schedules. Receiving the gift of transportation on a hectic day brings a huge sigh of relief.
Bring a Meal. Basic dishes that are easy to freeze and reheat become lifesavers. Recyclable aluminum pans or reusable plastic containers that don’t need to be returned are a plus. Since even well-meaning visitors can tire out a patient, and germs are a factor, offer to leave meals in a cooler outsider their door.
Pet-Sit or Plant-Water. It is expensive to board pets in a kennel. So if you know that a loved one has to go out of town for a procedure or appointment, offer to care for their furry family member. And should you be one of the green thumbs of the world wishing to help, volunteer to water interior or exterior plants.
Text an Inspiring Quote. We warriors need all the encouragement we can get, and hearing from you means the world to us. A few kind words—especially question-free messages not requiring a response—breaks up the day and lets us know that we are loved.
Consider the Caregivers. Their lives have dramatically changed, too. Invite them to a game, a car show, a round of golf, a cup of coffee, or a simple Sunday after-noon drive, just as you did before. Even if their patient is not feeling up to leaving the house, a short break means a lot to a caregiver. If it is not a good time for a break, they will let you know. They will appreciate the gesture and the glimpse of normalcy.
Mail a Gift Card. Unexpected expenses—extra gas for treatment travel, extra meals out, astronomical medical bills—take a huge toll on every patient’s budget. A gift card for gas, groceries, restaurants, hardware stores or hobby/craft stores is a welcome surprise. If your loved one appreciates reading or music, and Amazon or iTunes card could provide new entertainment to get them through long treatment sessions. A prepaid Visa gift card could be perfect for helping out with medical co-pays.
Take on Some Chores. Pay for a one-time service, or volunteer a few hours to help with cleaning, moving, snow-shoveling, washing windows or holiday decorating. This also could be a perfect service opportunity for a teen-ager. If the kids have adult supervision, the chores could be done while the patients and caregivers are at the hospital or clinic or out of town.
Donate Some Vacation. Unpaid leave from work is sure to cause additional financial hardship. If donating a vacation day or two is an option for you, ask some other co-workers if they also might be willing to donate time, too. This could be a huge help to a patient or a caregiver who has to be away from work.
Think Soft and Cuddly. If knitting is your thing, consider making a prayer shawl, soft cap or socks. Thoughtful gifts like a new set of slippers, pajamas, pull-on pants or v-neck shirts that allow chemo-port access would be a definite plus. Pamper your loved ones with items that are cozy and comfortable.
Send Snail Mail. Nothing brightens a day more than finding a hand-addressed note in the mailbox, among the medical bills. Recognizing the handwriting and return address will instantly bring you to your loved ones’ hearts.
Donate Blood in Their Name. Cancer and other illnesses prohibit patients from donating, so we appreciate those of you who donate in our honor.
Host a Scarf and Hat Party. If chemo is going to bring about hair loss or someone you love, bring together some close friends, serve some light refreshments and shower your patient with a variety of headwear options. It is sure to make the transition easier.
Help With the Kids. Taking the kids for an impromptu sleepover or a Saturday-morning outing may give your struggling loved one a little bit of rest and quiet that they desperately need.