Pemi-Baker Community Health is pleased to resume offering its in-person community-based support groups for at-home caregivers. Meeting will be provided at the Boulder Point Conference room of Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.

Caregivers Support Group:

First Wednesday of every month

Starting: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 (11:00am)

Our monthly Caregivers Support Group will begin its in-person offerings on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 11:00am. This group will meet in the Conference Room at the Boulder Point site of Speare Memorial Hospital. The challenges of being an at-home caregiver (or even a long-distance one, as in the case of an adult child coordinating the care of a parent from some distance away) can be overwhelming, daunting, and exhausting. The experience naturally alters one’s freedom for social interaction beyond the home, and this reality was exacerbated as we lived through the height of the current pandemic. Although caregiving is an expression of love and concern, the constant vigilance required from the caregiver can be emotionally draining and the stress of it can have physical ramifications. Consequently, self-care is an important quality for caregivers to cultivate.

Connecting with other caregivers can help to lighten the emotional load imposed by this ever-increasing phenomenon that has become a part of contemporary American life as our population ages. We hope this gathering will allow for opportunities of sharing, brainstorming, problem-solving, and supportive listening.

The group will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:00am. As they become available, relevant handouts and other materials will be offered. Participants for this group are also asked to check in per Speare’s current practice and to bring a mask with them for probable use during the group. The group will end by 12:30pm at the latest, depending on the energy of exchange generated by the participants.

Please pre-register the week prior to the meeting by contacting the facilitator: Guy Tillson, PBCH Hospice Spiritual Counselor and Bereavement Counselor, online via email at gtillson@pbhha.org or by phone at 536-2232, x 318. If you would prefer to participate virtually by ZOOM, please indicate that, and we will attempt to accommodate you. Group size is limited to TEN persons, so registrations will be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.

Written by Guy Tillson, PBCH Hospice Spiritual Counselor and Bereavement Counselor

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.

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.

“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 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.

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!