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

How Home-Based Palliative Care Can Help You or a Loved One

If you or a loved one are living with cancer, heart or lung disease, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney or liver diseases or another serious illness, you may need help managing symptoms, improving your quality of life, or reducing stress. Palliative care through Pemi-Baker Community Health can help.

Whether receiving palliative care at a hospital, outpatient clinic, or at home (home-based palliative care), there are options for getting the care that you or your loved one needs. In this article, we explore one of the options – home-based palliative care – with answers to some commonly asked questions.

What is Palliative Care? Is Home-Based Palliative Care Different?
Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people living with serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists, who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.

Palliative care is available in various settings, so that the person living with a serious illness can receive it where they need it. Whether that’s at home or in a hospital, the goals are the same. And home-based palliative care can help you avoid unnecessary hospitalizations by managing complex symptoms before they get worse.

 

What can I expect from home-based palliative care?
You or your loved one would have a specially-trained team — which may include a doctor and a nurse — dedicated to helping improve your quality of life. They would work with you, your family, and other doctors to treat symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and more. The team would get to know you as a person and provide care tailored to your needs and what you would like in addressing your symptoms, emotional stress and spiritual needs. In many cases, they can help arrange for necessary medical tests to be done at your home, such as x-rays or blood work. And the palliative care team also communicates with your other doctors to make sure everyone is aware of your needs and care.

Will the home-based palliative care team listen to me as a patient?                                                           Pemi-Baker’s palliative care team will spend time listening to you, and getting to know you and your family. They want to learn what’s important to you; and based on that, they’ll develop a treatment plan.

How do I know if home-based palliative care is available where I live?
Originally, palliative care was only available to patients and families within the hospital. But now that doctors see the many ways that palliative care can help, and the Affordable Care Act was passed, it is becoming more widely available in other settings.

While availability is growing, it’s not yet an option everywhere. If you or a loved one are having difficulty with a serious illness, it’s important to talk to your doctor about palliative care to learn what services are available where you live. A referral is typically necessary.

How to Get Palliative Care with Pemi-Baker Community Health     Ask your doctor for a palliative care referral with Pemi-Baker Community Health (PBCH). PBCH services the following 22 towns: Alexandria, Bristol, Bridgewater, New Hampton, Meredith, Moultonborough, Sandwich, Center Harbor, Holderness, Ashland, Plymouth, Hebron, Groton, Campton, Rumney, Wentworth, Waterville Valley, Thornton, Ellsworth, Warren, Woodstock, Lincoln and other towns upon request. 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.

Covid-19 Guidelines                                                                                                  As members of your local community, we strive to act in the best interests of patient, employee and community by complying with CDC guidelines and taking precautions as necessary. Appropriate PPE are worn by our visiting nurses, doctors and social workers and our infection control team conducts daily screenings according to the CDC.

To learn more about Palliative Care and how it can help you, please contact Pemi-Baker Community Health.  We are located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Plymouth, NH. Please call:  603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org

~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!!!!

“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 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.
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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