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

Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?

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 6th  and run 5 weeks through November 3rd.  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

 

Grieving Ahead of Time

The old adage “Forewarned is forearmed” is a way of saying “If you’re aware something is going to happen, you can prepare yourself for it”.  As with any cliché, there is an element of truth contained in it, but it certainly doesn’t tell the whole story.  We know that life is messy and that there are so many variables in any one given circumstance that fool-proof preparation is unlikely.

In considering the wide range of experience of human loss, there is a phenomenon called “anticipatory grief”.  It refers to the grieving and mourning that one undergoes when there is an expected and impending loss.  A common example is learning that the end-point of treatment for a terminal illness has been reached, that further treatment would be ineffectual (and even painful), and that the patient is at the end of their life.  If the patient is able to comprehend this news, both they and their support system (family, friends and acquaintances, and other caregivers) will probably experience anticipatory grief.  Death is likely, but when?  How much time is there before that happens?  What can we expect as part of the process of getting to that moment?  Is there anything we can do?

Because there is a big element of “not knowing” to this experience, the grieving BEFORE the ultimate loss has features that distinguish it from the grief AFTER the actual loss.  Added to the now familiar categories popularized by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) are feelings of dread, uncertainty, powerlessness, and disorientation.  There is often the feeling that this has no shape, form, or definition.  It is ambiguous and nebulous.  We might even use the word “squishy”, like Silly Putty.  At first there might be something that feels like temporary relief (“We’re OK for now.  We’re not at the end yet.”) which, depending on the duration of the “in between” experience, can morph into weary frustration (“When is this going to be over?”).  It can also include the ache and horror of witnessing the progressive alteration of our image of the loved one (“It hurts so much to see her like this.  That’s not my sister.”)  As time stretches out, the burden of caregiving and endurance become heavier.  These auxiliary losses of awareness, independence, strength, and functionality deepen our vulnerability to an event that has not yet happened.  Fatigue, impatience, avoidance, reluctance, and an overall depletion of emotional and physical resources can occur.  (“Waiting for the other shoe to drop”) can feel endless.

In a best-case scenario, the “in between time” can offer opportunities for the patient to get their affairs in order, to address “unfinished business” in personal and family relationships, to say goodbye, to prepare spiritually for death, and even to plan their own memorial service.  Caregivers can educate themselves about their loved one’s illness, seek out resources to help and support themselves and the loved one, and to plan for their own self-care for however long.  There is no guarantee, however, that these opportunities will be acted upon.  One or the other (or both) may not want or choose to do these things which can make the time more challenging.

It is helpful to know that anticipatory grief is not restricted to the event of an impending death.  You’ve been told that the company you work for is folding and that you will be out of work in sixty days.  Your diabetes has progressed to the point where it’s become necessary to amputate your right leg.  You and your spouse have come to the realization that there’s nothing more you can do to salvage your marriage and have decided to divorce.  After one too many fender benders, your physician and your family are advising you to stop driving.  Such experiences may not be life-threatening, but they curtail our familiar patterns of functioning in significant ways.  They summon us to relearning how to live our lives as we await the particular event of loss and change.

 In our current circumstances of living through the COVID19 pandemic, it’s as if we’ve been hit with a “double whammy”.  As with the experience of a death, something has definitely happened to alter our lives.  We’ve had to adapt and adjust as we hope for a resolution which hasn’t been discovered yet.  We are living with various losses imposed on us by this event.  There is this uncomfortable vagueness which arouses all sorts of reactivity- some cooperative, some hostile.  With a death, we know there are things to be done- settling the estate, canceling credit cards, closing bank accounts, etcetera.  With the ongoing pandemic, things aren’t that clean, direct, or explicit.  The notion of a “new normal” brings with it the possibility that there may be some patterns of living we might not be able to recover.  We are enduring a prolonged time of “not yet”.  It is an experience of anticipatory grief on a global scale.  It’s a hard place to be, and it may be awhile before we have any answers.

 As with any grief reaction, there are things we can do that can help to carry us through the process.  Reaching out to others for support is essential to assuage feelings of isolation and aloneness.  Sustaining your patterns of self-care is also important- make sure you’re eating, sleeping and resting, and exercising.  Indulging yourself in your recreational interests and activities keeps alive your vitality and creativity- walk, run, shoot hoops, do your woodworking, listen to music, read a junky novel, work on your craft projects, try that recipe you saw in a magazine, watch movies, play board games. or weed your garden.

This is only a smattering of information about anticipatory grief.  If you’re interested in learning more, Google will open up for you a wealth of articles and items about this topic and Pemi-Baker Community Health’s Palliative Care team and Caregiver support groups are also fantastic resources. 


~Guy Tillson, MDiv. MA, Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Counselor  

Guy’s professional background includes ministry, teaching, and mental healthcare.  He can be reached at gtillson@pbhha.org or at (603) 536-2232, Extension 218.    

Would Aquatic Physical Therapy Benefit You?

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:

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

#MaskUpNew Hampshire

As part of a collaborative effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 across the state and keep New Hampshire healthy, we are joining together in a grassroots movement to encourage the use of face masks in public and work settings.  The initiative, #MaskUpNewHampshire, will strengthen the efforts led by the Common Man family and the Rotary Clubs of New Hampshire by helping to raise awareness around the importance of wearing masks, and how doing so along with other measures like hand washing, practicing social distancing and staying home when we are sick, can reduce the community transmission of COVID-19.

We encourage you to help do all we can to keep our state healthy and open, we would like to encourage you to do all you can to stay safe while out in the community.

Together, we can take steps to ensure the safety of ourselves and others by:

  • Avoiding close contact and practicing social distancing.
  • Staying home.
  • Washing your hands often and for 20+ seconds.
  • Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
  • Wearing a mask or cloth covering when in public.

If we all wear our mask regularly when out in public or at work, we can slow the spread, protect our vulnerable loved ones and keep New Hampshire healthy, safe and open.  Our economy depends on it, our communities depend on it, and our families and loved ones depend on it.

We must all remain vigilant and continue taking steps to mitigate the spread of the virus to protect each other and our loved ones. There is only one way we will get through this – together.

Yours in health,

Pemi-Baker Community Health

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

Improving Your Life Through Physical Therapy

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

PBCH & Mid-State Health Welcome Barbara Greenwell, ACHPN

Mid-State Health and Pemi-Baker Community Health have collaborated to create an innovative joint position to best serve patients in the Plymouth community. “We are excited to welcome back Barbara Greenwell, APRN, ACHPN, to our practice. Barbara was a member of our team back in 2013-2014 when she practiced as an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She has returned to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience as Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner. Barbara’s primary role will be to work closely with the Pemi-Baker Community Health team to build their Palliative Care Program,” reports Bob MacLeod, the CEO of Mid-State Health. 

Palliative care is a medical specialty designed to improve the health and quality of life for people with progressive illnesses.  As an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, Barbara will be working with the PBCH team to prevent and treat patient’s symptoms and side effects, as early as possible. Her twenty years of nursing experience in acute care and psychiatric nursing will benefit the patient’s psychological, social, and spiritual concerns as well. By offering face to face patient assessments in the office and in their homes, the hope is to prevent suffering and crisis that often result in hospitalizations.

“Palliative care is about improving the quality of someone’s life even when the disease cannot be cured. We may not be able to cure the disease but we can improve the journey by improving the symptoms so people can truly live,” said Barbara Greenwell.

Pemi-Baker Community Health has seen the need for a larger palliative care program in Grafton County for some time. Barbara Greenwell will be joining Dr. Diane Arsenault, MD, Board-certified Palliative Care Physician along with the nurses and social workers on their team.  “As we work collaboratively with Mid-State Health Center, Speare Memorial Hospital, and Newfound Area Nursing Association; having an APRN who is passionate and who is certified in both Palliative Care and Hospice, will greatly benefit our communities,” said Chandra Engelbert, CEO of Pemi-Baker Community Health.

With 52 years of experience, serving over 1000 clients from 18 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker community Health is the home care provider of choice for Grafton County.  Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, on-site physical and occupational therapy and fitness memberships including a fitness gym and fitness classes in our 90-degree therapy pool. PBCH is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, 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

Mid-State Health, ‘Where your care comes together.’  A health center on the leading edge of innovative, high-quality, patient-centered primary care. Two convenient locations:  Plymouth Office 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 1, Plymouth, NH  03264 (603-536-4000) and Bristol Office 100 Robie Road, Bristol, NH 03222 (603-744-6200), Visit our website: www.midstatehealth.org.

~Anna Swanson

No-Show Auction a Success!

Pemi-Baker Community Health Raises Critical Funds for Home care and Hospice Patients-

The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on Pemi-Baker Community Health’s plans for their Annual Auction and Brunch fundraiser but thanks to the generosity of community sponsors, donors and bidders, their ‘No-Show Auction’, an on line only event, was a success!

With over 85 items to bid on, raffles to invest in and specialty services to donate towards, they hit their fundraising goal and raised the critical funds needed to continue their important work in supporting the members of this community who need medical aid at home. Now, more than ever, PBCH patients need nursing and social work support for their sudden illnesses and hospice needs. Many of their patients are experiencing increased feelings of depression and isolation, as well as heightened anxiety, particularly because many are at high-risk for COVID-19.

As a non-profit for over 52 years, Pemi-Baker Community Health has served family, friends and neighbors in 18+ towns and they couldn’t have done it without the generosity of individuals and businesses alike. Pemi-Baker would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring the auction: Dumont Construction Inc., Mid-State Health Center, Northway Bank, Speare Memorial Hospital, NEEBCO, MatrixCare, Noyes Insurance, Service Credit Union, Insurance 24, Steve and Carole Osmer, Brian Weeks Electric, Highline Acoustics, Deb Hills Cleaning Services, Peabody & Smith Realty and Meredith Village Savings Bank.

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

~Anna Swanson, Outreach and Communications

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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