In recognition of National Write Your Will Month this August, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is urging community members to take this important opportunity to complete their ‘living will’ or Advance Directive. This essential document allows individuals to plan for unforeseen circumstances where they might be unable to make their own healthcare decisions due to serious illness or injury.

To assist the community in this vital task, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health will be hosting a series of free workshops at local senior centers in collaboration with the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council. These workshops, scheduled for August are designed to guide attendees through the process of filling out their Advance Directive forms, providing the necessary support and information to ensure that their healthcare preferences are clearly documented.

Liz Testa, LICSW, Medical Social Worker at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, emphasized the importance of these preparations. “An Advance Directive is more than just a form; it’s a way to ensure that your healthcare wishes are respected, even when you may not be able to voice them yourself. By planning ahead, you can relieve your loved ones of the burden of making tough decisions during stressful times. We encourage everyone, regardless of age or health, to take the time to complete their Advance Directive this National Write Your Will Month.”

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to supporting individuals and families in making informed decisions about their healthcare. The upcoming workshops will provide a welcoming environment for participants to ask questions and receive personalized assistance from experienced professionals.

Workshop Dates & Locations:

August 7^th, 2025: Orford Senior Services, Dartmouth College Highway, Orford, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
August 11th: Plymouth Regional Senior Center, 8 Depot Street, Plymouth, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
August 13th: Horse Meadow Senior Center, 91 Horse Meadow Road, North Haverhill, 10:30 AM- 11:30 AM

These sessions are open to all community members, please drop in!

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!