“What Hurts? What Helps?” Next 6 week Grief and Loss Support Group Starting June 27th, 2023

June 20, 2023

Though clinical studies on the impact of bereavement and grief continue to abound, the real “experts” on grieving and mourning are the people who have suffered and are enduring a loss in their lives. Significant losses are not only deaths, but job loss, the end of a relationship, or geographic relocation.

The next six-week Grief and Loss Support Group to be offered by Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health is entitled “What Hurts? What Helps?” Participants will be guided and directed in using a journal to monitor their experiences and discoveries of what has been helpful or non-productive as they process their losses. Healing can come through sharing and dialogue with others about those awarenesses.

This group will begin on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 10:30am in the upstairs Art Room at the Plymouth Area Regional Senior Center. The Art Room is accessible by elevator or stairs. Except for the Tuesday Fourth of July holiday, the group will continue on Tuesday mornings through August 8, 2023. Participation is in-person.

There is no cost for participation in the group, but you must pre-register by contacting Guy Tillson, Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator, by email at gtillson@pbhha.org or by leaving him a message by phone at Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health at 603 536-2232.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. 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 Expands ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse’ Program at Participating Senior Centers

June 13, 2023

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, a leading healthcare provider in Grafton County, is pleased to announce the expansion of its program, ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse,’ designed to provide free medical guidance and support to seniors in the community. This program has been available at the Plymouth, Linwood and Littleton Senior Centers in collaboration with the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council. They are now adding dates at the Orford and Horse Meadow Senior Centers monthly as well.

The ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse’ program aims to address the health concerns and queries of older adults, offering them an opportunity to connect with experienced healthcare professionals from Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. Through this initiative, seniors can receive valuable medical advice, information on managing chronic conditions, guidance on medication management, and assistance in navigating the healthcare system.

The program is hosted at select Senior Centers across Grafton County, ensuring convenient access for seniors residing in the region. A team of compassionate and knowledgeable nurses from Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health will be available during designated days and times to address individual questions and concerns.

To find out the schedule for ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse’ sessions and the participating Grafton County Senior Citizens Council centers, interested individuals can visit the Pemi-Baker Community Health website at https://pemibakerhospicehomehealth.org/our-services/community-support-resources/. The website provides a comprehensive listing of days, times, and locations where the programs are available.

“We are thrilled about the success of our ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse’ program in collaboration with the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council,” said Danielle Paquette-Horne, RN, Executive Director of Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “By bringing our experienced nurses directly to the senior community, we aim to support and empower older adults in managing their health effectively. We believe that access to reliable healthcare information plays a crucial role in enhancing their well-being and quality of life. Many seniors talk to us about their fears leading up to surgeries, interpretation of lab results, how to work their insulin devices and some come to get their blood pressure checked.”

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health has been providing exceptional healthcare services to the community for over three decades. The organization remains committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care to individuals in need, ensuring they receive the support necessary to live life to the fullest. “There have been quite a few times over the last year that I have called a provider directly for the senior with me. Through my assessment skills as an RN, if I think they should see their health care provider sooner rather than later I will assist them in calling their provider right then and there,” said Paquette-Horne.

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

PBH&HH Expresses Gratitude to the Community & Businesses for an Exceptionally Successful ‘2023 Spring Auction’

June 2, 2023

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, a leading provider of compassionate end-of-life care and comprehensive home health services, is thrilled to extend its heartfelt appreciation to the community and local businesses for their tremendous support and overwhelming response to our online ‘2023 Spring Auction’. This annual event serves as our largest fundraiser, and this year, it surpassed all expectations, thanks to the remarkable generosity and enthusiasm of our sponsors and donors.

With the collective effort of our compassionate community members and forward-thinking businesses, the ‘2023 Spring Auction’ was an enormous triumph. We are elated to report that we received an incredible 31 business sponsorships, each playing an invaluable role in our mission to provide exceptional care to those in need. The backing of these remarkable sponsors underscores their commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in our community during challenging times.

In addition to the remarkable sponsorships, we were deeply touched by the outpouring of support from individuals and businesses who donated a staggering total of 146 items. Each donated item played an essential part in the success of the auction, enabling us to offer an exciting and diverse range of products and experiences to our bidders.

The ‘2023 Spring Auction’ was met with tremendous enthusiasm and engagement from the community, and we are proud to announce that, together, we far exceeded our initial fundraising goal. The funds raised through this event will enable us to continue providing comprehensive, compassionate care to our patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being during their most vulnerable moments. The generosity of our community members and businesses has truly made a profound impact on the lives of those we serve.

We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all the businesses and community members who supported our ‘2023 Spring Auction’. Your contributions have touched countless lives and helped us create a lasting impact within our community. Together, we are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of those facing end-of-life care and home health challenges.

For further information about Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, our services, or future fundraising events, please visit our website www.pbhha.org or contact our office at 603-536-2232.

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 Sheds Light on Stroke Awareness

May 24, 2023

May is recognized globally as Stroke Awareness Month, and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is taking this opportunity to educate the community about the importance of stroke prevention, recognition, and recovery. As a leading provider of home-based healthcare services, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is dedicated to raising awareness about strokes and offering specialized care to help individuals recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to the sudden loss of brain function. It is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. A stroke happens in America every 40 seconds, and someone dies of it every four minutes.

Recognizing the significance of stroke prevention and recovery, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health employs a team of highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals, including nurses, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, who are experienced in providing expert care and support to stroke patients. These professionals play a vital role in helping individuals regain their independence, improve their quality of life, and enhance their overall well-being.

“Our dedicated team at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health understands the challenges faced by stroke survivors and their families,” said Danielle Paquette-Horne, Executive Director at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “We aim to raise awareness about stroke prevention and provide comprehensive, personalized care to stroke patients in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Our nurses, occupational therapists, and physical therapists work collaboratively to develop customized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual, helping them regain their strength, mobility, and independence.”

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health offers a wide range of services to support stroke patients during their recovery journey. These include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medication management, pain management, emotional support, and caregiver education. By delivering these services directly to patients’ homes, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health ensures convenience, comfort, and personalized attention throughout the recovery process.

During Stroke Awareness Month, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health encourages everyone to educate themselves and their loved ones about the warning signs of stroke. Prompt recognition and immediate medical attention can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. Remember to think “FAST” and look for the following signs:

Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Time to call emergency services: If any of these symptoms are present, call emergency services immediately.

By raising awareness about stroke prevention, recognizing the signs of stroke, and highlighting the importance of home-based care, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health aims to make a positive impact on the lives of stroke survivors and their families. For more information about their services or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.pbhha.org or call 603-536-2232.

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

May is Arthritis Awareness Month: Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Encourages Exercise for Better Balance and Flexibility

May 17, 2023

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is reminding the community that exercise can help those affected by arthritis. Contrary to popular belief, exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis symptoms and can improve their overall health and quality of life.

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, making it difficult for people to move and perform daily activities. While there is no cure for arthritis, proper exercise and physical therapy can help manage symptoms and reduce pain.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health has a team of experienced physical and occupational therapists who can help patients with arthritis come up with a safe and effective exercise plan. Our therapists work with patients to design individualized exercise programs that can be done at home. Even if you are homebound, our therapists can still help you stay active and healthy.

Regular exercise has been shown to:

Reduce joint pain and stiffness
Improve joint flexibility and range of motion
Strengthen muscles and bones
Improve balance and reduce falls
Boost energy and mood

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health encourages all people challenged with arthritis, to talk to their doctor about incorporating exercise into their treatment plan. Our team is here to support you and help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

To learn more about our home health physical and occupational therapy services, please visit our website or call us at 603-536-2232.

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 Launches Online Auction Fundraiser to Support Free Community Services

May 1, 2023

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is pleased to announce our upcoming online auction fundraiser in support of our free community services. The auction will run for one month, starting from May 1^st to May 31^st, 2023, and will feature over 120 items from local businesses.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our business sponsors who generously contributed to this event. Their support has made this auction possible, and we are grateful for their dedication to our cause. Thank you to Speare Memorial Hospital, Dumont Construction, Waterville Valley Realty, Northway Bank, Mid-State Health Center, Bank of New Hampshire, Paquette Signs, Noyes Insurance, R.M. Piper Inc., Meredith Village Savings Bank, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, New England Employee Benefits Company, Roper Real Estate, Insurance24, Mainstay Technologies, Horne Electric, The Edge of Town Tavern, Mountain Fare Inn, Wild Heart Yoga & Wellness Studio, Boulder Suites Group, El Mariachi Restaurant, the Vascak Family, Van Sickle Family, Varin Family, Jagoda Family and the Curran-Konrad Family.

The funds raised from this auction will help support Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health’s mission to provide compassionate end-of-life care, grief & caregiver support, ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse’ days and home health services to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

We invite everyone to participate in this exciting event and bid on the wide range of items donated by local businesses. From gift cards to home goods, there is something for everyone at this auction.

To view and bid on the items, please visit our auction website at www.32auctions.com/Pemibaker23.

Thank you in advance for your support of Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, and we look forward to your participation in this online auction.

Grief & Loss Support Group Offers Comfort and Connection for Those in Need

April 1, 2023

6 Week Series Offered by Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health

Beginning Tuesday, April 25th, 2023

Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health will begin a new Bereavement Support Group series on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Our Bereavement Support Groups include a brief educational component to stimulate sharing and discussion among participants who are seeking to process grief from any kind of loss. In an effort to be available to a wider sector of our communities, Pemi-Baker’s Bereavement Support Groups are offered in the morning in-person at the Plymouth Area Senior Center at 11:00am. The group will meet for six weeks.

Kubler-Ross: 5 Stages of Grief

This particular series offering is entitled “KUBLER-ROSS: BEFORE AND BEYOND”. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) have filtered down into our common awareness since they were first proposed in the 1960s.

There were other grief theorists prior to her work, including Sigmund Freud himself, “the father of modern psychology”, in the 1920s. In the 1940s, Erich Lindemann suggested moving toward an emotional detachment from the deceased, readjusting to one’s environment where the deceased is no longer present, and establishing new relationships as a plan toward dealing with loss. Coming after Kubler-Ross, in the 1970s, John Bowlby and Colin Murray Parkes developed their four-stage grief work model. In the 1980s, J. William Worden described four tasks of mourning and Therese Rando formulated her six R’s of Bereavement (recognize, react, recollect, relinquish, readjust, and reinvest).

Simon Rubin, in the 1990s, submitted for consideration his notion of two tracks of bereavement while Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut proposed their dual process model wherein the bereaved person is challenged both by loss-related stress and the stress of moving toward restoration as life around the bereaved continues to go on. Alan D. Wolfelt devised a listing of six needs of mourning.

As grief studies continue to develop, we are learning that the process of mourning is unique and profoundly personal. Though there may be common elements in the process, no two persons will grieve in the same way at the same pace.

Pemi-Baker’s Bereavement Support Groups hope to provide a safe setting in which mourning persons can meet and speak their experience of working through their grief. Listening to others share their own discovery of what has been helpful, can provide group members with points of commonality and connection which may help in ongoing growth and healing.

Again, the groups are intended to assist in the processing of any loss, not just loss occurring following upon a death. There is no cost for attendance. Interested persons MUST pre-register prior to the first session on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Please contact the group facilitator, Guy Tillson, Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health Bereavement Services Coordinator by email at gtillson@pbhha.org or leave a phone message at 603 536-2232.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse’ days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. 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

~written by Guy Tillson

FREE Advance Directive Workshops in April

March 31, 2023

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Empowers Individuals to Make Informed Healthcare Decision by Offering FREE Workshops at Local Senior Centers in April

National Healthcare Decision Day is an annual event that takes place on April 16th to encourage individuals to make decisions about their healthcare in advance of a medical crisis. This day aims to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, reduce confusion and stress for families, and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare for everyone.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of making healthcare decisions in advance. Many people have had to make critical decisions about their health and the health of their loved ones in a matter of minutes or hours. The stress and confusion of these situations can be overwhelming, making it difficult to make informed decisions that align with an individual’s values and wishes.

National Healthcare Decision Day provides an opportunity for individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions before a medical crisis occurs. This day reminds us all of the importance of discussing our healthcare wishes with our loved ones, healthcare providers, and designated agents. This open dialogue can help ensure that our healthcare choices are respected and followed in the event we cannot speak for ourselves.

The theme for this year’s National Healthcare Decision Day is “Planning for your Future: It’s Always Too Early Until It’s Too Late.” We urge everyone to take the time to consider their health care wishes and make plans for the future. This can involve completing an advance directive, naming a healthcare agent, and discussing these decisions with family and loved ones.

Pemi-Baker is offering three Advance Directive workshops during the month of April, collaborating with the Grafton Senior Citizens Council:

April 5^th, 10-11:00am: Orford Senior Center (603-353-9107)
April 12^th, 10:30-11:30am: Lin-Wood Area Senior Services (603-745-7446)
April 19^th, 10:30-11:30am: Plymouth Regional Senior Center (603-536-1204)

These group workshops are free. Our Pemi-Baker social worker will be a neutral guide helping you reflect on and identify the values, beliefs and goals that shape the way you make health care decisions. Advance Directive forms will be available for use and we ask that you pre-register by phone, before the event, using phone numbers listed above.

For more information on Advance Directive Forms please visit our website: www.pbhha.org

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and ‘Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse’ days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. 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

~Written by Anna Swanson

Preventing Caregiver Burnout

March 27, 2023

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Offers Tips and Resources for Those Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia

As the number of people living with dementia continues to increase, so does the number of individuals providing care for them. Caregiving for someone with dementia can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly challenging and exhausting. Caregiver burnout is a common phenomenon among those who care for individuals with dementia, and it can lead to serious physical and mental health issues. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to supporting caregivers and promoting their well-being. We offer the following tips to help caregivers avoid burnout when caring for someone with dementia:

Take care of your own health: Caregivers often put their own health needs aside while caring for their loved ones. However, it’s essential to prioritize your own health by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of yourself will help you be a better caregiver in the long run.
Seek support: Caring for someone with dementia can be isolating. It’s important to seek out support from friends, family, or a support group. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health provides monthly support groups for caregivers that allow them to share their experiences and receive support from others who are going through similar situations. A caregiver can attend in person or via zoom from the comfort of their home.
Take breaks: It’s essential to take breaks from caregiving to recharge and rejuvenate. This can include going for a walk, reading a book, or spending time with friends. If your loved one is on Pemi-Baker’s hospice services, their hospice volunteers offer respite care services that allow caregivers to take a break while ensuring their loved ones are receiving quality care.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Stay organized: Keeping track of appointments, medications, and other caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming. There are many online tools and educational classes to help caregivers stay organized and manage their responsibilities effectively.

At Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, we recognize the importance of supporting caregivers and promoting their well-being. We encourage caregivers to take advantage of the resources available to them and to prioritize their own health and well-being. Together, we can create a healthier, happier caregiving experience for both caregivers and those they care for.

Please contact Guy Tillson, Chaplain at info@pbhha.org or by calling 603-536-2232 to pre-register for the Free Caregiver Support Group. The Caregiver support group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 10am-11:30am.

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

Prioritizing Nutrition in Older Adults: A Key to Optimal Health & Well-being

March 20, 2023

As we age, the importance of good nutrition becomes increasingly crucial. Eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic diseases. Yet, older adults often face challenges that make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet.

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is a significant health concern for older adults. Poor nutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of falls and fractures. Additionally, it can contribute to cognitive decline, depression, and other mental health problems.

“Good nutrition is vital for older adults because their bodies require fewer calories, but they need more nutrients to maintain their health,” says Danielle Paquette-Horne, RN, Executive Director with Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “Unfortunately, many older adults struggle with eating a healthy diet due to a lack of appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and other health issues.”

To help older adults stay healthy, it’s essential to prioritize good nutrition. Here are some tips for older adults:

Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
Avoid empty calories from processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks.
Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating.
Talk to a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop an individualized nutrition plan.
Consider taking dietary supplements if recommended by a healthcare provider.

“Older adults need to be mindful of their nutrition and take steps to maintain a healthy diet,” says Paquette-Horne, RN. “By making small changes to their diet and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, they can live a healthy and fulfilling life.”

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