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

Healthy Aging Month: Small Steps Toward a Healthier Happier Life

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the positive aspects of growing older and encourage older adults to take steps toward maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.Healthy Aging month

At Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, we believe healthy aging is about more than simply staying physically active. It is also about nurturing meaningful relationships, caring for emotional health, staying engaged in the community, and asking for support when it is needed.

Tips for Healthy Aging

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health encourages older adults to consider these simple steps toward healthy aging:

  • Keep moving. Regular physical activity, such as walking, stretching, gardening, or participating in an exercise class, can help maintain strength, balance, flexibility, and overall health.
  • Stay socially connected. Spending time with family, friends, neighbors, and community groups can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Keep your mind active. Reading, learning something new, doing puzzles, playing games, or engaging in creative activities can help keep the mind stimulated.
  • Eat well and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and adequate hydration are important components of maintaining energy and overall health.
  • Prioritize preventive care. Keep up with regular medical appointments, screenings, and conversations with your healthcare providers.
  • Take care of your emotional health. It is normal to experience stress, grief, or other difficult emotions. Talking with others and seeking support can make a meaningful difference.
  • Ask for help when you need it. Whether you are caring for a loved one or coping with a loss, you do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

As part of its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of individuals and families in the community, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health offers several free support groups this fall.

Caregiver Support Group (First Wednesday every month)

Wednesday, September 2 at 10:00 a.m.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth

Caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging. This group provides caregivers with an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and receive encouragement and support from others who understand the journey.

Grief & Loss Support Group

Six-week session beginning Tuesday, September 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Plymouth Regional Senior Center
8 Depot Road, Plymouth

This six-week group offers a supportive space for individuals who are grieving the loss of someone or something significant in their lives. Participants will explore the many emotions and experiences that can be a normal part of the grieving process.

“A Space for Healing” Monthly Grief Support Group (Third Thursday every month)

Thursday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Linwood Area Senior Services Center
194 Pollard Road, Lincoln

This monthly grief support group meets on the third Thursday of every month. No preregistration is required. The group offers a welcoming space for individuals to come together, share, listen, and find support while navigating grief and loss.

“Healthy aging includes caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit,” said Anna Swanson, Business Development Liaison for Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “Staying connected and knowing where to turn for support can be just as important as maintaining physical health.”

For more information about Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health and its community programs and support services, please call 603-536-2232.

Supporting Families & Caregivers of Patients with Serious Illness

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health: Comprehensive Support for Families and Caregivers of Patients with Serious Illnesses.

When a loved one faces a serious illness, the journey can feel overwhelming for families and caregivers. At Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, we are committed to easing that burden by offering expert care and unwavering support. Our compassionate team of experienced nurses, physical therapists, and social workers is available day and night to provide guidance, answer questions, and address any concerns. Caregiver support from Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

“Our only regret is that people don’t reach out to us sooner, often waiting until they’re at a crisis point,” said Aubrey Engle, Executive Director of Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “We want families to know we’re here to help from the earliest stages of a diagnosis. Our goal is to focus on helping patients live comfortably and fully while providing caregivers with the resources and support they need.”

Pemi-Baker’s holistic approach prioritizes not just the physical health of patients but also their emotional, social, and mental well-being. Our team works closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to develop personalized care plans that adapt as needs change. Whether it’s pain management, physical therapy to maintain mobility, or emotional support through social work services, we ensure every aspect of care is covered.

For caregivers, we offer essential resources and guidance, recognizing the immense emotional and physical toll that caregiving can take. Our professionals provide education on managing symptoms, medication administration, and coping strategies, ensuring caregivers feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Engle emphasized the importance of early intervention: “By connecting with us sooner, families can take full advantage of our services, which allow them to focus on what truly matters—cherishing moments with their loved ones.”

With decades of experience serving the region, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is trusted by families to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. From providing answers to immediate questions to offering long-term support, we stand by your side throughout the journey.

To learn more about how Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health can help your family, visit www.pbhha.org or call us at 603-536-2232.

Who Cares for the Caregivers?

On a recent (March 2, 2024) episode of the TV news “CBS Saturday Morning”, veteran correspondent Barry Petersen did a feature piece on the growing phenomenon of family members and friends caring for needful loved ones in their homes. The piece began by focusing on how the COVID pandemic heightened the need for caregivers themselves to have assistance and support. The TV story can be viewed online by Googling “Barry Petersen”.  Petersen himself came to the concern through his own experience, having cared for his wife until her death. He recounted his experience in a book entitled “JAN’S STORY: A love lost to the long goodbye of Alzheimer’s”, available through Amazon.Jans Story book cover

Petersen’s TV feature story interviewed persons engaged with DUET, a Phoenix-based organization committed to providing support to family/at-home caregivers. They do this locally in their area by offering in-person support groups as well as virtual support groups via ZOOM which now extend to fifteen states, Canada, and the Navajo Nation. Their website is duetaz.org. The feature included comments by DUET facilitators as well as group participants.

Some of the statistics are quite surprising. Here in our country, 38 million citizens are involved in family/home-based caring. The financial equivalent of their unpaid work (if it were done by nurses and other healthcare workers) is $600 billion dollars. Family/home-based caregivers often suffer from the stressors of isolation, loneliness, and isolation which can impact them physically as much as would smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Another significant stressor is “ambiguous loss”, caused by the physical presence but psychological absence of the one being care for. The caregiver has no way of knowing how long their caregiving responsibility will last since the patient’s end of life cannot be definitely predicted. The “not knowing” becomes a test of emotional and physical endurance since there is no sense of closure. Add to this the very human (and understandable) reactions of fear, frustration, anger, and guilt and you have a growing population of people who are emotionally hurting.

To assist caregivers in our area, PEMI-BAKER HOSPICE & HOME HEALTH offers an in-person support group which meets on the first Wednesday of every month. The gathering is held in the Conference Room at the agency’s Boulder Point site which can be accessed in the blue/gray building at Health Place. The entrance is right near the beautiful little gazebo and solar panels. Meetings begin at 10:00am and conclude no later than 11:30am. There is no cost to attend. Sessions are facilitated by Guy Tillson, Pemi-Baker’s Hospice Spiritual Counselor and Bereavement Coordinator. Interested persons are asked to pre-register by contacting him at gtillson@pbhha.org or by calling the agency ay 603 536-2232.

For more information about Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health and its services, visit www.pbhha.org.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 32 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.

Celebrating the Caregivers in Our Lives

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health offers monthly support groups!

Though National Caregiver Day is February 17th this year, we think every day is a good day to celebrate caregivers around the globe. We have a few ideas to inspire you as you take time to give back to the people who care for others all year long. We also want to invite any caregiver to our free Caregiver Support groups the first Wednesday of every month.

Who Are Family Caregivers?

Nearly 53 million people in the United States are providing some type of unpaid care for a family member or child. This means you probably have at least one person in your life who is an informal or family caregiver.

Challenges for Caregivers

All caregivers, whether informal or professional, face similar challenges. For example, caregivers are at high risk for caregiver fatigue or burnout. This is a condition that is rooted in stress and can result in serious health consequences ranging from high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, or increased physical illness.

Caregivers typically receive less help than they need to stay as healthy as possible, and they often put the needs of their loved ones ahead of their own. Unfortunately, this means that informal caregivers often skip their own annual doctor appointments or preventative care because they are overwhelmed coordinating care for their loved ones.

Gifts for Caregivers

There are many ways to celebrate a caregiver in your life. Even something small can go a long way and encourage them for days or months to come. For example:

  • An encouraging note or card telling them that you notice the hard work they do for others
  • A gift card to a local coffee shop so they can pick up their favorite treat
  • A subscription to a meal delivery service like Blue Apron or HelloFresh
  • A gift card to a local spa for a haircut, massage, or facial
  • A subscription to their favorite magazine so they can have one ready for when they have a quiet moment

Beyond traditional gifts, perhaps the most meaningful thing you can give a caregiver is the gift of time to themselves. You can offer to make life a bit easier and relieve some of their daily burdens by:

  • Making homemade meals they can freeze and then defrost when they are too exhausted to cook
  • Driving their loved one to a medical appointment
  • Grocery shopping for the week and dropping off the items at their home or at the home of their loved one
  • Taking their children to/from sporting or school events
  • Visiting with their loved one for a few hours so the caregiver can get out of the home and run errands, grab a coffee, or take a nap

Most caregivers feel quite alone, and your acknowledgment of their work, along with tangible help, can make them feel supported.

Here at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, we honor every caregiver we have the chance to work with daily. From the professional and well-trained caregivers, to the family members and friends who tirelessly advocate for their loved ones, we celebrate you.

If you’re looking for support, we offer caregiver conversation, education and support at our free meetings the first Wednesday of every month. You will be able to connect with others, learn more about the ups and downs of at home caregiving, and discuss any issues related to the monthly topic. For more information about our meetings please email Guy Tillson: gtillson@pbhha.org or call 603-536-2232Caregiver Support Groups at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

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

Celebrating the Holidays While on Palliative or Hospice Care

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health teams help the Caregiver too!

The holiday season can be a difficult season for family caregivers. When your loved one is living with a serious illness, you want to carry on traditions with friends and family but the grief and responsibility of caring for them can greatly diminish the usual holiday cheer. Spending the holidays with a loved one receiving palliative or hospice care is a balancing act between maintaining traditions and not overstimulating.

Caregiving may include lifting, bathing, delivering meals, taking loved ones to doctor visits, handling difficult behaviors, and managing medications and family conflicts. This level of care can result in lost work hours, high stress, and serious declines in physical and mental health. If you are caring for someone receiving palliative or hospice care, however, it is important to know that the Pemi-Baker team will help you in this challenging role.

Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of an illness. As your loved one’s illness advances, they transition into hospice care near the end of life. Pemi-Baker’s goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family during both stages.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Caregiver Support

  • They will keep you informed. Knowing what to expect can help a caregiver prepare appropriately for the ups and downs of an illness. Families are invited to every meeting so that everyone is on the same page exploring goals, treatment options and pain management.
  • They will equip you with practical tools and resources. The Pemi-Baker team will give you tips for taking care of your loved one, connect you with community resources, and make sure that you are able to take care of your own physical and emotional health. Attending Pemi-Baker’s free caregiver support group on the first Wednesday every month will provide you with conversation, education and support.
  • They will help you deal with stress too. Your loved one may be feeling frustrated and stressed. You may be feeling the same way. Our specialists take the time to listen to patients and caregivers, to answer their questions, hear their frustrations and help them take the necessary steps to feeling healthier and more focused in their roles.

During the holidays it’s important to continue traditions that are important to your family, however, overstimulating patients with lots of people, sounds and activity can cause your loved one to tire quickly and feel uncomfortable.

Don’t forget to decorate-There’s nothing like favorite lights, cookies baking and ugly sweaters to make someone’s personal space feel more festive.

Celebrate the service– If a religious service is an important part of a patient’s normal celebrations, perhaps the family could celebrate with them by performing a worship at home. As always, you can reach out for spiritual support from our Chaplain, Guy Tillson, MDiv, MA.

Avoid Over-stimulation– Remember that the patient might not be able to keep up with the pace of a regular celebration. The family should make sure that they are not overwhelmed by people who would like to see them, especially since a break in routine can be upsetting for dementia patients.

Prepare for guests-If you are having lots of visitors over to open presents or share memories, you should take steps to ensure that decorations, accommodations and activities don’t interfere with the space, equipment or care that are necessary for patient care.

We should do our best to honor favorite holiday traditions, but remember to ask the patient how they would like you to incorporate their favorite songs, movies and rituals. The patient may prefer a lower key celebration. Whatever you decide, the staff at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year!

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

Palliative & Hospice Care Teams Helping Those with Sarcoma Cancer

July is National Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month

July is National Sarcoma Cancer Awareness month and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health (PBH&HH) would like to shed some light on this cancer and how their Palliative & Hospice team can help those affected. Sarcomas are cancers that arise from the cells that hold the body together. These could be cells related to muscles, nerves, bones, fat, tendons, cartilage, or other forms of ‘connective tissues.’ There are hundreds of different kinds of sarcomas, which come from different kinds of cells.

According to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, sarcoma accounts for 1% of adult cancers diagnosed in the United States and 15%-20% of childhood cancers. Every cancer treatment can cause side effects or changes to your body and how you feel. For many reasons, people do not experience the same side effects even when they are given the same treatment for the same type of cancer. This can make it hard to predict how you will feel during treatment.

As you prepare to start cancer treatment, it is normal to fear treatment-related side effects. It may help to know that your health care team will work to prevent and relieve side effects. Doctors call this part of cancer treatment “palliative care” or “supportive care.” It is an important part of your treatment plan, regardless of your age or the stage of disease. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home health offers free consultations to explain the benefits of having a Palliative Care team on your side. This can be done over the phone or in person.

Coping with physical side effects

Talk with your Pemi-Baker Palliative health care team regularly about how you are feeling. If they know how you are feeling, they can find ways to relieve or manage your side effects to help you feel more comfortable and potentially keep any side effects from worsening.

Sometimes, physical side effects can last after treatment ends. Doctors call these long-term side effects. They call side effects that occur months or years after treatment, late effects. Treating long-term side effects and late effects is an important part of survivorship care.

Hospice care for cancer patients is a special kind of care that provides comfort, support, and dignity at the end of life, typically when you or your loved one’s life expectancy is six months or less. Hospice cares for the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Coping with emotional and social effects

You can have emotional and social effects after a cancer diagnosis. This may include dealing with difficult emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger, or managing your stress level. Sometimes, people find it difficult to express how they feel to their loved ones. Some have found that talking to PBH&HH’s social workers or chaplain can help them develop more effective ways of coping and talking about cancer.

Caring for a loved one with cancer

Family members and friends often play an important role in taking care of a person with sarcoma. This is called being a caregiver. Caregivers can provide physical, practical, and emotional support to the patient, even if they live far away.

Caregivers may have a range of responsibilities on a daily or as-needed basis, including:

  • Providing support and encouragement
  • Talking with the health care team
  • Giving medications
  • Helping manage symptoms and side effects
  • Coordinating medical appointments
  • Providing a ride to and from appointments
  • Assisting with meals
  • Helping with household chores
  • Handling insurance and billing issues

It is important to care for yourself as well as your loved one with cancer. Caregiver burnout is very common but PBH&HH can help through their free ‘Caregiver conversation, education & support group’ held the first Wednesday of every month from 10am-11:30am. You can join the support group in person at their facility on Boulder Point Drive or by Zoom. Pre-registration is required through Guy Tillson, Chaplain at gtillson@pbhha.org or by calling 603-536-2232. We hope you will join us!

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups, Grief and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask-A-Pemi-Baker Nurse senior center programs. 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.

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

 

Free Summer Support Groups Offered by Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health

Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health will be offering two new Grief and Loss Support Groups, beginning on Tuesday, July 5, 2022.  The groups will deal with issues pertaining to loss and grief as these experiences impact the lives of individuals.  The six sessions will draw on insights from the works of David Kessler, Kenneth Doka, and Alan Wolfelt, three leading voices in the area of grief studies.

There will be TWO groups:

A morning group will meet at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center from 11:00am through 12:30pm.  We can accommodate TEN IN-PERSON participants.  Group members will sit socially-distanced from one another.  Masks are NOT required, but are recommended for those who wish to be cautious.  We can also accommodate persons virtually via ZOOM.

There will also be a late afternoon group from 5:30pm through 7:00pm.  The late afternoon group is ZOOM-accessible ONLY.

There is no cost for participating in these groups, though participants MUST pre-register by contacting Guy Tillson, Bereavement Coordinator, at gtillson@pbhha.org or by calling 603 536-2232.  Each group will go for six sessions.  The size of each group and the energy generated by discussion and sharing determines the length of each session.  Though we allow for an hour and a half, we normally go for about an hour.

Pemi-Baker also offers a monthly support group for at-home caregivers.  This group meets on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month at 10:00am.  We can accommodate FIVE IN-PERSON participants in the Conference Room at Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health, 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, in Plymouth.  In-person participants are required to wear masks.  Virtual participation is also available via ZOOM.  As with the grief and loss groups, please contact Guy Tillson at gtillson@pbhha.org or by calling 603 536-2232.

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. 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.

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

Celebrate Caregivers!

What would we do without caregivers? Not everyone is cut out to be a caregiver. It takes a special person to dedicate their time and energy to help another. Caregivers provide help with daily essentials along with the physical and emotional support needed by our loved ones late in life. But do we ever stop to take care of the caregiver? How often do we say “thank you” for being there for our loved ones, our clients, and the most defenseless in society? When do we take the time to ask how the caregiver is doing? Care-giving can be a gratifying experience but can also cause a great deal of stress. While caring for and focusing on another, a caregiver can neglect their own health, causing harm over time. Therefore, it is essential to provide tools and resources to help manage stress. If a caregiver doesn’t care for themselves, they can’t care for someone else.

One way we can help is to spend a day honoring caregivers. On the third Friday of February, we can celebrate a group of people who selflessly provide support to our aging loved ones with patience and kindness. The Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies, PAHHHA, started National Caregiver Day in 2015 to recognize a profession that gives so much and often goes unappreciated. Caregivers spend time taking care of the essential needs of our vulnerable family members. A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need and can be a family caregiver or a professional caregiver. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 in 3 adults in the United States provides care as an informal caregiver to another adult.

Make sure you take time on February 18th to honor the people who care for our most vulnerable population. For example, you could give cards with encouraging words of appreciation or a small gift to show gratitude. You can also honor caregivers on social media using the hashtag #nationalcaregiversday and let people know what makes them special. Here are some suggestions for a small gift to the caregivers in your life:

  • Spa Gift Card
  • Scented hand lotion or Candles
  • Baked Goods
  • Take them to lunch

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show appreciation. Caregivers make a difference in the lives of others every single day so let’s take one day & make a difference in their lives. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health offers FREE Caregiver support groups the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am via Zoom. You will be able to connect with others, learn more about tools and resources to cope with the natural ebb and flow of your emotions and discuss any issues related to the monthly topic. Contact Guy Tillson to register at info@pbhha.org or call 603-536-2232.

With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. 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.

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

Virtual Healthy Aging Series-Hard Topics Made Easy for Seniors and Those Who Care for Them

Pemi-Baker Community Health, Mid-State Health Center and Speare Memorial Hospital are collaborating to provide The Healthy Aging Series: Hard Topics Made Easy for Seniors and Those Who Care for Them. The virtual series will be a mix of videos and podcasts designed to educate and assist seniors, caregivers, and the community about topics related to healthy aging.

Each month a new presentation will be available from an expert at Speare, Mid-State, or Pemi-Baker. The series launches July 1st with the first episode covering The COVID-19 Vaccine, presented by Mid-State Health Center’s Dr. David Fagan.

Future episodes will cover topics such as Home Funerals and Green Burials, Staying Fit Indoors and Out, Communicating with Your Aging Parent, Advanced Directives and more.

For a complete schedule of events, to learn more about the series, and to subscribe to episode notifications, visit www.virtualhealthseries.com.

If You Live With a Serious Illness, Learn How to Improve Your Quality of Life

If you have cancer, lung, heart or kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, or another serious illness, you should know about a medical team that can address your symptoms and stress.

The medical team is called palliative care and they’re available in a variety of medical settings. Pemi-Baker Community Health (PBCH) offers palliative care in your home, making it easy for you and your family members to ask questions and relay concerns. Their focus is on relieving the symptoms and stress of your illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. This is done by coordinating the patient’s care as well as providing support for the caregivers if they are experiencing caregiver burnout.

Pemi-Baker Community Health’s palliative care is provided by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in your illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.

Is Palliative Care right for you?

Answer the following questions to determine whether palliative care might be right for you or someone close to you. Remember, you can receive palliative care at any point in your illness.

  1. Do you have one or more serious illnesses such as:
  • Cancer
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Neurological diseases (e.g., ALS, Parkinson’s)
  • Dementia
  1. Do you have symptoms that make it difficult to be as active as you would like to be, or impact your quality of life? These symptoms might include:
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  1. Have you, or someone close to you, experienced the following:
  • Difficult side effects from treatment
  • Eating problems due to a serious illness
  • Frequent emergency room visits
  • Three or more admissions to the hospital within 12 months, and with the same symptoms
  1. Do you, or someone close to you, need help with:
  • Knowing what to expect
  • Knowing what programs and resources are available
  • Making medical decisions about treatment choices/options
  • Matching your goals and values to your medical care
  • Understanding the pros and cons (benefits/burdens) of treatments (e.g., dialysis, additional cancer treatments, surgery, etc.)
  1. Do you, or someone close to you, need help with:
  • Coping with the stress of a serious illness
  • Emotional support
  • Spiritual or religious support
  • Talking with your family about your illness and what is important to you

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you can benefit from palliative care. Ask your doctor for a palliative care referral with Pemi-Baker Community Health. Once PBCH receives the referral from your doctor they will contact you via phone to answer and ask questions and set up a meeting with you at your home.

What happens at a first visit with a palliative care team?

The first step is for the palliative care team to get to know you as a person and find out who else is important in your care. They will want to hear your narrative – who you are, what you enjoy doing, and what is most important to you in your day-to-day life. They’ll review your medical information, ask what symptoms are of concern, and how much these affect your quality of life. They’ll ask questions to see if there are any care needs at home. They may also ask questions to learn what you know about your medical condition, and what concerns you about the future so they can plan how to help over time. The team will also ask questions about who you would want to help make decisions if you aren’t able to do so for yourself. This person is called a health care agent or proxy.

For more information on how Pemi-Baker Community Health can help please call 603-536-2232 or email us at info@pbhha.org.

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. Visit our website: www.pbhha.org  and like our Facebook Page: @PBCH4

~written by Anna Swanson

Hospice care with Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

“I would give your hospice team 10 stars if I could!”

They were truly amazing. We called on a Sunday, and they sent someone out that very afternoon to begin care and stayed by our side as Mom's health declined. We are especially grateful for Alexa, who went above and beyond to attend to our mom's needs and support us as caregivers. She was exceptionally knowledgeable, compassionate and simply an incredible human to be around. We couldn't have done this without her and will be forever grateful for her care. We also want to acknowledge Gretchen and Dr. Saunders, who guided us through some very challenging moments and took the time to truly listen, support us and answer all of our questions. I cant' say enough about our experience with hospice. We are deeply grateful for their care, compassion and support during this time.

Liz L.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2019-11-07T12:26:12-05:00

Liz L.

Hospice care with Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH
They were truly amazing. We called on a Sunday, and they sent someone out that very afternoon to begin care and stayed by our side as Mom's health declined. We are especially grateful for Alexa, who went above and beyond to attend to our mom's needs and support us as caregivers. She was exceptionally knowledgeable, compassionate and simply an incredible human to be around. We couldn't have done this without her and will be forever grateful for her care. We also want to acknowledge Gretchen and Dr. Saunders, who guided us through some very challenging moments and took the time to truly listen, support us and answer all of our questions. I cant' say enough about our experience with hospice. We are deeply grateful for their care, compassion and support during this time.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health home visit

“Triple bypass and still going strong!”

I was a mess after having a triple bypass BUT the people at Pemi-Baker helped me so much. Each one were kind, caring, helpful and very sincere with their care. I am so grateful for this service. I did have family members that helped me through this time, but I really needed the love and care that the people at Pemi-Baker gave me. I miss them but am well and in Cardiac Rehab now. Thank you all!!!!

Barbi S.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2026-01-21T08:52:19-05:00

Barbi S.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health home visit
I was a mess after having a triple bypass BUT the people at Pemi-Baker helped me so much. Each one were kind, caring, helpful and very sincere with their care. I am so grateful for this service. I did have family members that helped me through this time, but I really needed the love and care that the people at Pemi-Baker gave me. I miss them but am well and in Cardiac Rehab now. Thank you all!!!!
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Physical Therapist in the home

The Physical therapists were amazing!

The physical therapists who visited after my total knee replacement were amazing! The communication was excellent. They phoned in advance to confirm their arrival times. Each PT provider was professional, supportive, and guided me through the appropriate exercises necessary in order for me to be ready to leave my house and continue with physical therapy outside the home. I am very grateful.

Karen M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2026-01-21T08:04:41-05:00

Karen M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Physical Therapist in the home
The physical therapists who visited after my total knee replacement were amazing! The communication was excellent. They phoned in advance to confirm their arrival times. Each PT provider was professional, supportive, and guided me through the appropriate exercises necessary in order for me to be ready to leave my house and continue with physical therapy outside the home. I am very grateful.

“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.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health physical therapy

“Everyone is so helpful, supportive and kind!”

I had two hip replacements within 10 months and the VA referred me to Pemi-Baker for rehab in my home. They were all amazing! I had PTs and OTs help me exercise and strengthen my hips and legs quickly. They also helped me to acquire the equipment such as canes, leg lifters, sock helpers, and walkers to fit each stage of my healing. Call them they will help you!

Linda M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2026-01-21T08:18:35-05:00

Linda M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health physical therapy
I had two hip replacements within 10 months and the VA referred me to Pemi-Baker for rehab in my home. They were all amazing! I had PTs and OTs help me exercise and strengthen my hips and legs quickly. They also helped me to acquire the equipment such as canes, leg lifters, sock helpers, and walkers to fit each stage of my healing. Call them they will help you!

“Kind, professional, competent services every step of the way”

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in 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
5
2020-01-17T12:31:13-05:00

Paula W.

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in 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.

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
5
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.
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Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
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Home Care Hospice Alliance NH
IPRO Quality Award