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

Advance Care Planning Workshops and Special Wellness Presentation

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Announces Advance Care Planning Workshops and Special Wellness Presentation in Honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day.Advance Directives, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

As National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) approaches on April 16th, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health reaffirms its commitment to empowering individuals and families in making informed healthcare choices. NHDD serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of advance care planning, encouraging open discussions about healthcare preferences and ensuring those wishes are respected.

In alignment with the mission of NHDD, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is pleased to announce a series of free workshops throughout the month of April. These workshops will be held during the Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at participating Grafton County Senior Centers, providing an accessible platform for individuals to learn and engage in advance care planning discussions.

The schedule for the workshops is as follows:

  • Thursday, April 3rd, 11:15am-12:30pm: Orford Area Senior Services
  • Wednesday, April 9th, 10:30-11:30am: Horse Meadow Senior Center
  • Monday, April 14th, 11:30am-12:30pm: Plymouth Regional Senior Center
  • Thursday, April 17th, 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lin-Wood Area Senior Services

During these workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions through the process of filling out their Advance Directive and POLST forms. These sessions are offered free of charge, with all necessary forms provided.

“National Healthcare Decisions Day is a vital initiative, and we are proud to support it by offering these educational workshops,” said Aubrey Engle, RN, Executive Director at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “By providing resources and guidance, we aim to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare preferences.” Wellness Health & Happiness as we age workshop, Dr. Kristi Saunders, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health

Additionally, the Linwood Area Senior Services Center will host a special workshop, “Wellness, Health & Happiness as We Age,” on Monday, April 14th, from 12:30-1:30pm. This presentation, led by Dr. Kristi Saunders, Hospice Medical Director, will highlight the importance of holistic health as we age, focusing on the integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Dr. Saunders will discuss how true wellness and happiness contribute to overall health and longevity.

For more information about the workshops or to inquire about advance care planning, please contact Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health at 603-536-2232 or visit our website at www.pbhha.org.

Celebrating National Healthcare Decisions Day with Free Workshops

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Celebrates National Healthcare Decisions Day with Free Workshops

As National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) approaches on April 16th, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health reaffirms its commitment to empowering individuals and families in making informed healthcare choices. NHDD serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of advance care planning, encouraging open discussions about healthcare preferences and ensuring those wishes are respected.Advance Directives, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

In alignment with the mission of NHDD, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is pleased to announce a series of free workshops throughout the month of April. These workshops will be held during the Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at participating Grafton County Senior Centers, providing an accessible platform for individuals to learn and engage in advance care planning discussions.

The schedule for the workshops is as follows:

During these workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions while filling out their Advance Directive and POLST forms. These sessions are offered free of charge, with all necessary forms provided.

“National Healthcare Decisions Day is a vital initiative, and we are proud to support it by offering these educational workshops,” said Aubrey Engle, RN, Executive Director at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “By providing resources and guidance, we aim to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare preferences.”

For more information about the workshops or to inquire about advance care planning, please contact Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health at 603-536-2232 or visit our website at www.pbhha.org.

National Home Health and Hospice Month: “Courageous Conversations”

National Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Month: “Courageous Conversations” – Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Advocates for Open Dialogue.

November is National Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness and promote “Courageous Conversations” about end-of-life care. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of initiating open dialogues within your inner circle of friends, family, and care providers about your healthcare preferences and choices. These conversations can be a powerful way to ensure that your wishes are respected and honored.

In a world that often shies away from discussing topics related to mortality and end-of-life decisions, “Courageous Conversations” encourage individuals to break the silence and engage in meaningful discussions. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health believes that starting these conversations is an act of love and compassion, benefiting both you and your loved ones in the long run.

Initiating such discussions can be daunting, but it is an essential step toward ensuring that your values and preferences are understood and respected. Here are some suggestions for starting “Courageous Conversations”:

  1. “I know this isn’t a concern for us now, but I was thinking…” – This gentle approach allows you to express your thoughts without making it an immediate issue, giving your loved ones time to process and respond.
  2. “Remember when our (name of friend or family member) was sick/in the hospital? I’m wondering what you would have wanted if it were you.” – Relating your question to a shared experience can help open the conversation and make it feel less intimidating.
  3. Review and Update Advance Directives – Ensure your healthcare directives accurately reflect your current wishes and values. It’s crucial to keep these documents up-to-date, especially if there have been changes in your life circumstances or health status.
  4. The 5 D’s: Recognize that certain life events, such as Divorce, Death, Diagnosis, Decline, or Decade (significant milestone birthdays), can trigger the need to revisit your healthcare decisions. Use these events as reminders to update your preferences and inform your loved ones.
Conversation Starter kit for Advance directives
Click Here To Download Guide

Having clarity about what is important to you in terms of your medical care can significantly ease the burden on those who may need to make decisions on your behalf. It provides them with the reassurance that they are acting in accordance with your wishes.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health offers support and guidance for those who want to initiate “Courageous Conversations” with their loved ones. Our team of healthcare professionals is available to provide information, resources, and advice on advance care planning and end-of-life decisions.

This National Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we encourage everyone to take the first step in having “Courageous Conversations” about their healthcare preferences. By doing so, we can ensure that each individual’s dignity and choices are respected, providing peace of mind for both patients and their families.

Advance Directives, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NHFor questions about advance directives or hospice call 603-536-2232 or visit us at one of our Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse drop in days at your local senior center. For days and times please check our website calendar.

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.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Promotes ‘Write Your Will Month’ Emphasizing the Importance of Advance Directive Forms

Advance Directives, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NHPemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is excited to announce the observance of ‘Write Your Will Month’ throughout August, urging individuals to consider not only their financial wills but also their living wills, or Advance Directive Forms. The organization is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of planning for one’s future healthcare decisions to ensure peace of mind and a smooth transition during challenging times.

A will is a crucial legal document that outlines how a person’s assets and possessions will be distributed after their passing. However, alongside financial planning, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health recognizes the importance of preparing an Advance Directive Form, commonly known as a living will. An Advance Directive is a legally binding document that allows individuals to express their medical preferences and appoint a healthcare proxy/agent to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to communicate.

To support the community in taking proactive steps toward securing their future, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is organizing a free Advance Directive Workshop on August 22nd, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The workshop will take place at the Newfound Area Senior Services/Bristol: Bristol United Church of Christ, located at 15 Church Street, Bristol, NH.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of Advance Directives, the elements that constitute a comprehensive living will, and how to designate a trusted healthcare proxy/agent. Pemi-Baker’s social workers will be neutral guides helping you reflect on and identify the values, beliefs and goals that shape the way you make health care decisions. Pemi-Baker’s social workers will also be able to notarize your advance directive upon completion.Susan Varnum, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

“We believe that taking the time to create both financial and living wills is an essential aspect of responsible life planning,” said Susan Varnum, Director of Home Health, Palliative & Hospice Care at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “By offering this free Advance Directive Workshop, we hope to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their medical care and ensure that their wishes are respected in any situation.”

To attend the free Advance Directive Workshop, interested individuals are encouraged to pre-register by calling 603-744-8395.

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.

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

~written by Anna Swanson

FREE Advance Directive Workshops in April

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Empowers Individuals to Make Informed Healthcare Decision by Offering FREE Workshops at Local Senior Centers in April

National Healthcare Decision Day is an annual event that takes place on April 16th to encourage individuals to make decisions about their healthcare in advance of a medical crisis. This day aims to empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, reduce confusion and stress for families, and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare for everyone.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of making healthcare decisions in advance. Many people have had to make critical decisions about their health and the health of their loved ones in a matter of minutes or hours. The stress and confusion of these situations can be overwhelming, making it difficult to make informed decisions that align with an individual’s values and wishes. Advance Care Planning at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

National Healthcare Decision Day provides an opportunity for individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions before a medical crisis occurs. This day reminds us all of the importance of discussing our healthcare wishes with our loved ones, healthcare providers, and designated agents. This open dialogue can help ensure that our healthcare choices are respected and followed in the event we cannot speak for ourselves.

The theme for this year’s National Healthcare Decision Day is “Planning for your Future: It’s Always Too Early Until It’s Too Late.” We urge everyone to take the time to consider their health care wishes and make plans for the future. This can involve completing an advance directive, naming a healthcare agent, and discussing these decisions with family and loved ones.

Pemi-Baker is offering three Advance Directive workshops during the month of April, collaborating with the Grafton Senior Citizens Council:

  • April 5th, 10-11:00am: Orford Senior Center (603-353-9107)
  • April 12th, 10:30-11:30am: Lin-Wood Area Senior Services (603-745-7446)
  • April 19th, 10:30-11:30am: Plymouth Regional Senior Center (603-536-1204)

These group workshops are free. Our Pemi-Baker social worker will be a neutral guide helping you reflect on and identify the values, beliefs and goals that shape the way you make health care decisions. Advance Directive forms will be available for use and we ask that you pre-register by phone, before the event, using phone numbers listed above.

For more information on Advance Directive Forms please visit our website: www.pbhha.org

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

~Written by Anna Swanson

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.

Advance Care Planning-An important home health service you shouldn’t overlook

FREE Zoom Workshops to help you ‘FILL OUT YOUR FORMS’, hosted by Pemi-Baker Community Health, in Plymouth, NH.

Have you wondered how to talk to your loved ones about what medical care you would or wouldn’t want in a medical crisis?  Does your health care provider want you to have these conversations and fill out your end of life wishes?  Would your wishes change if it was COVID-19 related?  Pemi-Baker Community Health can help with all your advance care planning needs.

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of understanding, reflecting on and discussing your experiences, values and beliefs in an effort to identify how you want to live if faced with a serious or life-limiting illness. It may include identifying the care you would want at the end of your life or the care you would want if you were too injured or ill to speak.

Download a Conversation Starter Guide

It is also important to choose someone to speak on your behalf if you are unable to make your own decisions, and take comfort in knowing that person will convey your wishes. This person is called a Health Care Proxy, in NH it is termed Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.  It could be your partner, a sibling or a close friend.

Download a Guide to Choosing a Health Care Proxy/Durable Power of Attorney

Once you decide what care you want and who to help voice your opinions, you will be ready to complete an ACP document, often referred to as an advance directive. This is the legal form from your state that puts your wishes on paper and legalizes them with witness signatures. When this form is complete, you will want to give it to and communicate your wishes to your family, friends, clergy, other advisors, physicians and other health care professionals to help ensure that your wishes are honored.

Download the New Hampshire Advance Directive

Take time to plan ahead now so future healthcare challenges don’t create difficult questions and unnecessary worry for family caregivers and decision makers. Pemi-Baker Community Health offers free monthly Zoom workshops to help you ‘FILL OUT YOUR FORMS’. Download the advance directive form from our website, poor a cup of coffee and join us for a group Zoom meeting to walk you through the form and answer any questions you might have.

Couple attending zoom workshop
Couple filling out advance directive forms with help from zoom workshop

Pemi-Baker’s Social Workers will be neutral guides helping you reflect on and identify the values, beliefs and goals that shape the way you make health care decisions.  As experienced facilitators, they will explain how important sharing this information is to others so that decisions can be made for you if you ever cannot speak for yourself.

 

~written by Anna Swanson

National Healthcare Decision Day. Have You Signed Your Forms Yet?

COVID-19 crisis puts thoughts of health care decisions in different light.

Pemi-Baker Community Health can help!

National Healthcare Decisions Day has been held on April 16 for twelve years. Yet, April 16, 2020 is a very different time than any of those previous years.  The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way Americans are living – and the focus on advance care planning has taken on a profound meaning for many people.

Pemi-Baker Community Health and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization want to acknowledge NHDD by stressing the importance of talking with your loved ones about your health care wishes and documenting those wishes by completing an advance directive. In fact, given the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the country, completing your advance directive – or reviewing and updating your care preferences if you have an advance directive – could be timely.

“Given the uncertainty that we find ourselves coping with during the COVID-19 public health crisis, taking time to talk about the care you would or would not want with your loved ones is a worthwhile activity for all of us to undertake,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach. “Far too many Americans put off talking about their health care wishes and then they find themselves in a medical crisis and it may be too late to ensure that you get the care you want.”

Advance care planning includes completing an advance directive (also known as a living will) and appointing a healthcare power of attorney (someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to speak for yourself). Then, most importantly, sharing your decisions with your family and loved ones.

Visit the Pemi-Baker Community Health website www.pbhha.org to download these free resources.  Lisa Fortson, MSW, Pemi-Baker’s Hospice and Palliative Care Supervisor, stated that, “Pemi-Baker’s Social Work department is available for questions about the forms by calling 603-536-2232. It’s also important to remember that having these thoughtful discussions with your family and documenting your wishes can be a gift to your loved ones should you become critically ill and unable to speak for yourself. Your priorities will be clear to them.”

~ by Anna Swanson

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!
0
0
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
Medicare Certification Logo
Home Care Hospice Alliance NH
IPRO Quality Award