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

New APRN, Jill Hunter, Joins Pemi-Baker Community Health

The term Hospice Care is widely known but many times people shrug their shoulders when asked about Palliative Care. Jill Hunter, APRN, ACHPN has recently joined Pemi-Baker Community Health (PBCH) as their Nurse Practitioner in Palliative and Hospice Care. PBCH is thrilled to have her join their mission to educate Central and Northern NH about Palliative Care and how a Palliative team can help families facing serious illnesses.

Jill Hunter has been a nurse practitioner for 23 years working in primary care, both family practice and internal medicine for the Indian Health Service in New Mexico, Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic and Concord Hospital. Most recently she has focused on palliative care, after becoming very involved with a particular patient in his late 40s, just diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). “I remained his PCP throughout his illness, managing his symptoms, coordinating with his specialists and educating his family. I celebrated his triumphs and supported him through disappointments. I eventually helped him to transition to hospice care 3 years after his initial diagnosis and remained involved in his care until he died. He taught me a lot about caring for seriously ill patients and their families. I feel that experience sparked a passion within me to become a palliative care provider,” said Hunter.

One of the biggest misunderstandings people have is thinking Palliative Care is the same as Hospice Care. Although it is a part of Hospice Care, Palliative care is specialized medical care for anyone living with a serious illness. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of the illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment. Pemi-Baker’s specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists work with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support focusing on providing relief from pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, shortness of breath and other stressors of the illness.

“Most of my experiences in palliative care have been in the hospital setting. Unfortunately, the patients I see are often far along in their journey with serious illness and could have benefited from symptom management and goals of care discussions much earlier. I think that there is a growing trend of trying to introduce palliative care earlier and one of the best ways to do so is in the home—meeting patients where they are and most often where they want to remain. Working with Pemi-Baker Community Health is going to allow me to do just that,” said Hunter.

With over 50 years of experience, serving clients from 28 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Community Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Palliative Care Services are just one of the home health services available to you through PBCH. We encourage you to talk to your doctor about getting palliative care and also encourage you to call PBCH with questions.  PBCH is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org   Visit our website: www.pbhha.org  and like our Facebook Page: @PBCH4

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.

~written by Anna Swanson

Dr. Kristi Saunders Joins Pemi-Baker Community Health

Pemi-Baker Community Health is excited to announce that Dr. Kristi Saunders, MD, has joined the team as their new Hospice Medical Director.

After working over twenty years in Family Medicine as a board certified OB/GYN, Dr. Saunders was drawn to palliative care and hospice by the desire to be more involved with her patients when facing serious illnesses and death. She became board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2012 and since then has been educating her patients about living and embracing the normalcy of dying.

Working with other agencies in New Hampshire and recently receiving hospice help for her mother in California, has highlighted common challenges that families face. “My past experiences of different cultures, needs and desires made me realize how important it is to really have the time to listen, watch, and not treat everyone like medicine normally does…like everyone else. We are all different and need our care individualized. We spend too much time medicalizing death and not spending more time in what is the hard part…saying goodbye,” said Saunders. Pemi-Baker Community Health’s mission and philosophy of supporting their patients and families with compassionate care follows closely with Dr. Saunders’ beliefs. “Our goal is to educate families that hospice is really about living, not death. It should be about smiles, hugs and bringing people closer to acceptance as we possibly can,” said Saunders.

“Dr. Saunders has been serving our community as one of our hospice physicians since January and we are delighted that she will be taking over as Hospice Medical Director upon Dr. Arsenault’s retirement. Her commitment to the highest standards of client care blended with her knowledge and compassion make her an ideal fit for Pemi-Baker Community Health,” said Danielle Paquette-Horne, Senior Director of Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice.

With over 50 years of experience, serving clients from 22 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Community Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, on-site physical and occupational therapy and aquatic therapy in their 90-degree therapy pool. 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.

PBCH is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org   Visit our website: www.pbhha.org  and like our Facebook Page: @PBCH4

~written by Anna Swanson

Dr. Diane Arsenault Retiring as Hospice Medical Director for Pemi-Baker Community Health

Please join Pemi-Baker Community Health (PBCH) in extending best wishes to Diane Arsenault, MD, FAAFP, HPM, HMDC, who is retiring as Hospice Medical Director for PBCH after 23 years of service. She will continue to serve hospice families at PBCH as well as her patients at Mid-State Health on a part time basis.

Dr. Arsenault has had an extraordinary career as a family physician, working in low risk obstetrical care for the first 20 years of her career before changing her focus to the care of the middle aged and the elderly for the last 20+ years. She felt that hospice care was just a natural extension of her role as a family physician providing care from birth to death. “Just as pregnancy and birth involve a process of anticipation, planning and intense work at the end, the end of life and process of dying have a similar journey and work. My personal experience with my father’s death in 1993 and my mother’s death in 2004, both on Hospice, allowed me to experience firsthand the joys and burden of caregiving for a dying loved one. I aspire to care for patients and families on their Hospice journey, as I and my family were supported,” said Dr. Arsenault.

When Dr. Arsenault started as Hospice Medical Director for PBCH in 1998, she had less than 10 patients at any given time. Community awareness of Hospice services and what PBCH can provide has grown over the years, increasing that number four fold. “For many years Dr. Arsenault has been the only Hospice physician in the Pemi-Baker area. Her dedication to our staff and our patients, to be available night and day, has been invaluable,” said Amy Dennis, Interim Executive Director for PBCH.

Dr. Arsenault will continue her role as Family physician at Mid-State Health Center as well as part time Hospice physician for PBCH but her schedule is now 6 weeks working then 6 weeks off. As she eases into retirement she looks forward to traveling with her husband to national parks in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Maritime provinces, as well as spending as much time as possible with her 3 preschool aged grandchildren and their families.

“Our organization has grown and become stronger thanks to Dr. Arsenault’s commitment to our mission, vision and values. She has touched many lives in the process. Her kindhearted manner, undeniable professionalism and many achievements will not be forgotten. We wish her the best in the next steps of her journey,” said Danielle Paquette-Horne, Senior Director of Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice at PBCH.

Grief and Bereavement Support Group- 6 Week Session

Pemi-Baker Community Health is pleased to resume offering its in-person community-based support group for grief and bereavement. We will be starting a 6 week series with meetings being held at the Boulder Point Conference room of Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.

Because of COVID19 restrictions on social gatherings, many persons are living with unresolved and unprocessed issues of grief and loss due to abbreviated funeral or memorial services. We hope this will be a first step toward helping people come to terms with that bereavement and other issues of loss that have been neglected during the height of the pandemic. We will be making use of GRIEF ONE DAY AT A TIME by Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. Dr. Wolfelt is a noted grief educator, having written several books about healing personal grief. His expertise derives from his compassionate interaction and caring service with mourners, listening to and reflecting on their responses to loss. He is the Founding Director of The Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. Although our group is offered for support rather than clinical intervention, the use of reading materials for the purpose of self-care and personal growth and healing is sometimes called bibliotherapy. The books will be made available at our first session of the group. We ask, if possible, for group members to make a donation toward defraying the cost of purchasing the books which group members will be able to keep for themselves. No one will be turned away if they are unable to make a donation.

Grief and Bereavement Support Group (Six Week Session)

Starting: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021- September 7th, 2021 (11:30am-1pm)

The first session of the Grief and Bereavement Group will meet on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 11:30am. We will meet in the Conference Room at the Boulder Point site of Speare Memorial Hospital. Participants will need to comply with checking in there. We are limiting the group to ten participants in order to allow for ample social distancing in the meeting area. Participants are also asked to have masks with them for use. At our first meeting, we will review some basic guidelines for group participation, introduce ourselves to each other, and share the nature of the loss that brought us to the group. Using Dr. Wolfelt’s book, we will look at the meditation for that day, letting that be the springboard for our discussion and interaction. To prepare for the next session, the “homework” for participants will be to read each daily meditation throughout the following week. Our discussion at each session will emerge from our responses and reactions to the week’s meditations- what we liked or did not like, what was helpful or not. The energy of the group will determine the length of the gathering, but we will conclude before 1:00pm. The Grief and Bereavement Group will meet for six sessions, concluding on September 7, 2021.  After some weeks’ break, we hope to be able to begin a new Grief and Bereavement Group on October 12, 2021.

You MUST pre-register in order to participate.  Please do so BEFORE WEDNESDAY, July 21, 2021. To register, please contact the facilitator, Guy Tillson, PBCH Hospice Spiritual Counselor and Bereavement Counselor, online via email at gtillson@pbhha.org or by phone at 536-2232, XT 318.  He will get back to you as promptly as possible. If you would prefer to participate virtually by ZOOM, please indicate that, and we will attempt to accommodate you. The group is limited to TEN persons, so registrations will be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.

~written by Guy Tillson

The Chaplain? What For?

Whenever a person is about to be admitted to hospice end-of-life care, a social worker meets with the patient, family, and other caregivers to advise them of the various supportive services that are part of hospice. One of these services is Spiritual Care, provided by the Spiritual Counselor or Chaplain. The whimsical title used above is a fairly common response to the social worker’s inquiry regarding including Spiritual Care in the treatment plan. Generally speaking, only about a third of our prospective hospice patients and the families are receptive to the visits of the Chaplain. There are a number of factors that figure into this.

First off, when people hear “Spiritual Care” they probably think “Religion” “Church” “Preaching” and “Praying”. We live in a time when these values are not well-accepted. Statistics from some years ago reported that only about 35% of New Hampshire citizens identified themselves as being affiliated with a religious denomination or formal spiritual practice. That percentage squares rather nicely and neatly with the average amount of people who respond positively for spiritual support as part of their hospice care, at least in our area. For whatever reasons, many people choose not to participate in these values that were formerly a major characteristic of our American way of life. Perhaps they had bad experiences associated with religious and spiritual practice. Perhaps they are members of recent younger generations who have never been exposed to these values, and are lacking in knowledge or awareness of what they can mean and signify in our human lives. Recent research has called this group “the Nones” meaning they check “None” on any surveys that inquire about spiritual and religious practice or affiliation.

A second factor is that, since hospice is end-of-life care, the image a Spiritual Counselor or Chaplain conjures up is that of the Angel of Death, or at least one of its minions. Persons and their caregivers have already taken a huge step in agreeing to hospice care. They are already in a mode of mourning as they prepare for the death that will occur. Perhaps declining the services of the Chaplain is perceived as a way to forestall that awesome but inevitable reality, at least for a little bit.

So, what does the Hospice Chaplain do?

The Hospice Chaplain does not interfere in the active religious practice or formal affiliation of those patients and families who subscribe to these things. If they wish to rely on their own clergy for their end-of-life spiritual care that is something hospice care encourages. If they have fallen away from their connection to their religious fellowship and wish to renew it, the Spiritual Counselor can function as a liaison in helping that to happen. In some instances, the patient may wish to have the Chaplain serve as an auxiliary to their own clergy. Hospice will do this in consultation with the clergy person involved. If the patient identifies generally with a religious tradition, but does not wish to reestablish a formal link to that tradition, the Chaplain will try to respect that tradition in his or her service to that patient and care giving system.

In my three years of service as Hospice Chaplain for Pemi-Baker Community Health, I have been able to draw upon the interfaith background of my own family heritage. Although I am most aligned with Roman Catholic, Anglican/Episcopalian, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox practices, I have family-­related experience with Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Pentecostal beliefs and practices. I grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in New York’s mid-Hudson Valley. I have lived in metropolitan areas where religions of other cultures were present. I see ecumenical respect and reverence as a central feature in my responsibilities as the Spiritual Counselor for Pemi-Baker’s Hospice Program. I am not out to convert anyone. I do not preach at anyone. I will pray with anyone, read the Scriptures, and even sing hymns to anyone if that is their request. But I do other things, too- and a patient does not have to be religiously disposed to engage my services.

Hospice practice usually regards Spiritual Care broadly.

That can sound squishy and fluffy to some people, but since hospice is end-of-life care, a great deal of my work is facilitating what is called “life review”. What is the unique story of this person’s life? Where are they from? Where did they grow up? What did they do for work and livelihood? Whom did they love? What was important to them? What did they enjoy and find interesting? Sometimes there are deeper existential questions. “Why is this happening to me?”, “Is God punishing me?”, or “Have I lived a good life?” and “Have I done anything worthwhile?” So I listen a lot. I affirm their accomplishments. I try to soothe any regrets they may have. I celebrate the memory of their joys. If there is “unfinished business” with family members or acquaintances, I can offer to be a bridge toward resolving and healing those things.

To offer you some specific examples, there are these.

For the lady who loved gardening, I will take a book of photographs of flowers and trees and we will look at it together. I will read a book about World War II to the Naval veteran who served in the South Pacific. I will listen to classical music to the patient who loves a particular symphony or opera. I will talk recipes with the woman who likes to watch different TV cooking shows. I will read Morning Prayer for the Episcopalian who can no longer see well enough to use his prayer book. I will spend longer time with a patient whose caregiver may need some time to go out to pick up a few groceries, giving that person some often-needed respite. When a patient is actively dying, I will “sit vigil” with them regardless of whether or not they can engage in conversation with me. I think you can see that the bulk of my work is not what is usually understood as “religious” or “spiritual”.

One of my favorite memories in my service as Hospice Chaplain is about a woman who was initially suspicious about my coming to see her. Before I first met with her, her paid caregiver told me, “She mentioned when I was getting her up that “Some priest or minister is coming to see me. I’ll see what it’s like. I don’t think I’ll want him to come again.” We had a pleasant visit, mostly life review. I did not press her to pray. Somewhat surprisingly, she was willing to have me come back for companionship support. In subsequent visits, she tended to shy away whenever I tried to move toward conversation about faith and belief, so I chose to respect that. After four or five weeks of my seeing her, she had a mini-stroke, but was able to return to her home. When I saw her next, toward the end of the visit, she asked me rather matter-of-factly, “Can you say a prayer for me?” which I naturally did. It was the first opening I had in moving in the direction of assisting her with her faith, but I thought it was an isolated event. The next week, I went for my usual visit. One of her nieces was visiting with her. As the visit came to an end, I stood up to leave, but as I passed by her chair, she reached out and grabbed my forearm tightly, and asked, “No prayer?” I turned and looked at her niece and said, “The lady wants a prayer” so I knelt down right by her chair and offered a prayer.

So, if you’ve read this article, at some time in the future are ever involved in accessing hospice care for a family member (or even yourself), I hope you might pause before asking “The Chaplain? What for?” I’m rather easy to get along with. I’m caring and supportive. I’ll pray with you only if you want me to-though I’ll pray FOR you silently and quietly while I’m with you and as part of my own daily prayer routine and whenever I may think of you.

~written by Guy Tillson, Mdiv, MA, PBCH Hospice Chaplain

Skilled Home Health Care: What Pemi-Baker Community Health Can Do For You

November is National Homecare Month. What better way to celebrate it than to provide information about home care services thru Pemi-Baker Community Health, and what it can offer for a loved one? As we age, we still want our independence. Many older Americans are choosing to stay in their homes longer and “age in place.” This trend allows people to remain in their family home surrounded by familiar furnishings that make them feel comfortable and safe. But as we get older, certain activities that once seemed simple can become more difficult to manage.

So when do we need skilled home health care?

Skilled home health is care given to patients at home by medically trained and licensed professionals. It is an alternative to receiving care in a nursing home or hospital to regain health and independence.

What sort of people are served by home health?

Skilled home health care clients can be recovering patients who are ill with a chronic condition like heart failure or an acute health condition like surgery for a hip replacement, or who have sustained an injury. Home health care permits earlier discharge from a hospital, reduces hospital admissions and assists with rapid recovery. It’s less expensive, more accessible, and as effective as care from a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Skilled home health care can be for rehabilitation following a stay in the hospital or nursing home.  Patients may also be referred to Pemi-Baker Community Health by their own PCP’s for help managing a health condition. For example, your Mom might need skilled nursing after being hospitalized with a bout of pneumonia or Dad may need occupational and physical therapy when he gets home following knee surgery. The nurse can help your Mom learn to manage her medications safely and help her learn ways to manage her overall health more effectively. Occupational and physical therapy will provide training on the best exercises Dad can do to strengthen his knee so he can get back to doing the things he enjoys.

Long-term home health palliative or hospice services can be provided when your parent or loved one is suffering with a terminal illness. Our nurses and therapists work together with your doctors to provide coordinated, effective care.

How does a patient access skilled home health thru Pemi-Baker Community Health?

A referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant is necessary. If your loved one is being sent home from the hospital or nursing home, their staff physicians will typically write the referral. Your own PCP can also provide a referral.  Just let them know you would like to use Pemi-Baker Community Health, we service 22 towns in Central New Hampshire.

Who pays for skilled home health care?

Payment options for home health typically include a wide variety of insurances including Medicare, many Medicare Replacement plans, along with a whole host of private insurances.

Pemi-Baker Community Health has been in the business of ‘skilled’ home health care for over 50 years. We understand how hard it can be to get ready, travel to a certain facility to receive care and then travel back home again every time you have to go to an appointment. Home health care addresses this dilemma and Pemi-Baker Community Health can help you. There are many benefits of getting care at home and one of them is getting competent, one-on-one skilled care right where you live. Apart from this, you also save your time, energy and extra money because home health care is relatively cheaper than being institutionalized in a care facility.

Our team of responsible and reliable professionals will make sure that you or your loved ones receive the appropriate care at home. We offer skilled nursing, home health aides, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical social services and speech therapy. We are experts in our field and we have the necessary experience to make sure you are cared for correctly. You are in safe and caring hands with Pemi-Baker Community Health.

“The people working at Pemi-Baker are terrific. I would highly recommend them for any home health care needs for yourself, family and friends. They take the time to meet your needs in a kind and sensitive way.” ~Deb

“I have had home-care after a hip replacement as well as physical therapy to recover and PT for other problems. Everyone is friendly, concerned, efficient, professional and cheerful. This organization is superior to others I have had over the years.”  ~Sheila

“Fantastic people!  Real people you can trust and feel comfortable with.  I can’t thank you enough for all the help you have given us while my husband is going thru cancer.  Thank you so much!”  ~Maxy

~Written by Anna Swanson

November is National Home Care & Hospice Month

During the month of November, the home care and hospice community honor the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our health care system and in homes across the nation. To recognize their efforts, we call upon all Americans to commemorate the power of caring, both at the home and in their local communities and ask them to join with Pemi-Baker Community Health in celebrating November as Home Care and Hospice Month.

In addition, Home Care Aide Week takes place the second full week of November. Join us in honoring these compassionate, tireless workers who play an invaluable role for their clients as caregivers, companions, and friends.

“Home care and hospice nurses, therapists, aides, and other providers choose to use their lives to serve our country’s aged, disabled, and dying. This noble work deserves our recognition and praise and we celebrate November as home care and hospice month for that very reason,” said National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) President William A. Dombi.

With 10 thousand Americans turning 65 every day, the need for health care will continue to rise, and costs will continue to skyrocket. This is where home care and hospice come in. As the preferred choice for most patients, it also offers the greatest cost savings. For example, Medicare pays nearly $2,000 per day for a typical hospital stay and $450 per day for a typical nursing home stay. Meanwhile, home care costs less than $100 a day and helps many U.S. seniors remain independent at home, enriching their lives, and staying in touch with those they love.

Fast Facts

  • Home care providers will travel about 8 billion miles to deliver the best health care in the world.
  • Ninety percent of Americans want to age in place, and home care is the preferred method of health care delivery among the disabled, elderly, and chronically ill.
  • Home care provides high-quality, compassionate care to more than 5 million Americans annually.

With over 50 years of experience, serving clients from 22 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Community Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, on-site physical, occupational and aquatic therapy as well as free community educational/support groups via zoom.

~by Anna Swanson

Chaplains and the Role of Spiritual Care in Healthcare

In celebration of National Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week, Pemi-Baker Community Health would like to acknowledge and thank Guy Tillson, MDiv, MA for being our Hospice Chaplain, an integral part of our hospice team. This year’s theme is ‘Collaborative Health Care: Chaplains Complete the Picture.’  By collaborating to provide holistic interdisciplinary care, our patients and families directly benefit from his presence and spiritual care services.

What a Home Care Chaplain Does A home care chaplain is a professionally trained clergy member who supports patients and staff with spiritual and religious concerns. He or she is clinically trained to help navigate the healthcare experience. Chaplains have similar skill sets to social workers, but are specially trained to support belief systems across faiths and cultures. In order to better meet the needs of patients, chaplains receive more than 1,600 hours of training focused specifically in healthcare settings.

Chaplains act not only as spiritual counselors, but as advocates for patients and staff. Dedicated chaplains influence better decisions about care, improve clinical outcomes, and enhance staff morale. The trust they establish with patients transfers to other members of the care team, leading to better care and better outcomes.

Expert guidance during serious illness (Palliative Care) A serious illness in your family includes coping with symptoms, stress and uncertainty. The experienced team from PBCH Palliative Care provides guidance and support focused on relieving physical, emotional and spiritual suffering of the patient as well as their entire family – so patients and families can enjoy life to the fullest despite the illness.

Expert guidance during life’s final months (Hospice Care) The final months of life can be more fulfilling if you or a loved one can focus on goals and wishes. The experienced team from PBCH Hospice Care will guide you with receiving expert medical care, as well as emotional and spiritual support.

Because chaplains are unbiased and part of the care team, they are valuable in providing a safe harbor and bridging difficult conversations. Guy Tillson, Chaplain at Pemi-Baker Community Health says, “Our most fundamental human condition is when we come face-to-face with our own mortality. As chaplains, we walk into some dark places and help bring in light.”

If you have more questions about Palliative Care, Hospice Care or what a home health Chaplain can do for you and your family, please call Pemi-Baker Community Health for more information today.

~Anna Swanson

The Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care Can be Confusing

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         

How a Hospice Team Supports Your Whole Family

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 7th 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

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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