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

PBH&HH Urging Vigilance Amid Rising Seasonal Infections

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Urges Vigilance for Those with COPD, Heart Failure, and Diabetes Amid Rising Seasonal Infections.

As seasonal infections surge across New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is urging residents, particularly those with chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Failure, and Diabetes, to take extra precautions to safeguard their health.Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health treating respiratory infections, Plymouth, NH

The winter season often brings a spike in respiratory illnesses, influenza, and other viral infections. This year, healthcare providers are witnessing an even higher rate of seasonal infections, posing significant risks to vulnerable populations.

“Individuals with chronic conditions are at a heightened risk of complications from common seasonal infections,” said Dr. Kristi Saunders, Hospice Medical Director at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “For patients with COPD, Heart Failure, or Diabetes, even a mild infection can lead to severe health deterioration, hospitalization, or worse.”

Key Health Tips for Staying Safe:

  1. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Ensure vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia are current. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness.
  2. Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding touching your face can prevent the spread of germs.
  3. Wear Masks in Crowded Areas: Wearing masks in public spaces, especially indoors, reduces exposure to airborne viruses.
  4. Monitor Your Health Closely: Keep track of your symptoms. Any sudden changes in breathing, heart rate, blood sugar levels, or overall health should prompt immediate medical attention.
  5. Manage Chronic Conditions Effectively: Adhere strictly to prescribed treatment plans, take medications as directed, and maintain regular check-ins with healthcare providers.
  6. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Proper nutrition and hydration strengthen the immune system.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health offers specialized support to help manage chronic conditions and provides guidance on infection prevention. Their team of skilled nurses, therapists, and health aides is dedicated to helping patients maintain their independence and health in the comfort of their homes.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs:

People with COPD, Heart Failure, or Diabetes should be vigilant for symptoms such as:

  • Increased shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • High or persistent fever
  • Unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen

“Prompt medical attention can make a critical difference,” added Saunders. “If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.”

Don’t wait to ask about how our compassionate staff can help your loved ones. To qualify for home health care, a person must have a physician’s order and demonstrate a need for skilled care that can be safely provided at home. Our focus is on providing comfort to patients and support to families, with our team available 24/7 to address any concerns. The call is free, and our professionals are ready to assist you! Call us today at 603-536-2232 to learn more.

 

Benefits of Home Health Care and Hospice Care for COPD Patients

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Highlights the Benefits of Home Health Care and Hospice Care for COPD Patients

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious condition characterized by damaged airways in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, low oxygen levels in the blood, persistent coughing, pain, weight loss, and an increased risk of lung infections. The emotional toll of COPD is significant, often resulting in depression, anxiety, insomnia, and social isolation.

At Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, we understand the complexities of managing COPD and are committed to providing comprehensive support through our home health care, palliative care, and hospice care services. Nurse helping COPD patient, Pemi-Baker Hospice & HOme Health, Plymouth, NH

Home Health Care: Enhancing Quality of Life at Home

Home health care offers personalized medical care in the comfort of a patient’s home. For COPD patients, this means access to skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy tailored to their specific needs. Our team works closely with pulmonologists and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care coordination. To qualify for home health care, a person must have a physician’s order and demonstrate a need for skilled care that can be safely provided at home. The benefits include:

  • Improved Symptom Management: Regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans help manage symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, more effectively.
  • Reduced Hospital Visits: Early intervention and continuous care reduce the likelihood of emergency hospital visits.
  • Patient and Family Education: Teaching patients and their families about COPD management empowers them to take control of their health. Counseling and support are offered to cope with depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

Hospice Care: Compassionate End-of-Life Support

For COPD patients in the advanced stages of the disease, hospice care offers compassionate support aimed at enhancing the quality of life. Our hospice services provide:

  • Pain and Symptom Management: Ensuring patients remain comfortable and pain-free.
  • Emotional and Spiritual Support: Offering counseling and support for patients and their families during this challenging time.
  • 24/7 Availability: Providing around-the-clock care and support to address any urgent needs.

The Importance of Comprehensive Care for COPD Patients

While pulmonologists play a crucial role in the medical treatment of COPD, the management of symptoms and stress associated with the disease requires a comprehensive approach. At Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, we believe in the power of integrative care that combines medical treatment with home health, palliative, and hospice services to offer the best possible outcomes for COPD patients.

Don’t wait to ask about how our compassionate staff can help your loved ones. Our focus is on providing comfort to patients and support to families, with our team available 24/7 to address any concerns. The call is free, and our professionals are ready to assist you! Call us today at 603-536-2232 to learn more.

Early Intervention & Compassionate Care for Serious Illness

Early Intervention and Compassionate Care: Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Supports Patients and Families Facing Serious Illness. Explaining medication to hospice family, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

Living with a serious illness can present numerous challenges, not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health recognizes the importance of providing support early in the journey of illness. By seeking and receiving palliative and/or hospice care at the appropriate time, patients and families can experience significant benefits in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Are you or a loved one facing the complexities of a serious illness such as Cancer, Diabetes, Stroke, COPD, ALS, Emphysema, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Congestive Heart Failure, Liver or Kidney Disease, Dementia, or any other serious progressive condition? Do symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety, depression, lack of appetite, or nausea hinder daily activities and impact your overall well-being?

Families consistently express regret for not reaching out to us earlier. Act promptly and contact Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health without delay. Understanding the urgency, our devoted team is committed to delivering personalized support. We work closely with your primary care provider to address not just the main symptoms but also commonly neglected issues such as fatigue.

Early intervention can positively influence the trajectory of illness by addressing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Palliative care focuses on managing pain, discomfort, and other distressing symptoms, regardless of the stage of the disease or treatment plan. By integrating care early on, patients can experience enhanced symptom management and better quality of life.

Hospice care provides comfort measures during the final phases of life for patients who have decided to no longer receive chemotherapy, radiation treatments or surgeries. By engaging with hospice services early, patients and families gain access to a team of professionals who provide compassionate care, emotional support, and practical assistance. Hospice care prioritizes the comfort and dignity of the patient, empowering them to live their remaining time with dignity and meaning.

“We understand the challenges that patients and families face when dealing with serious illness,” said Melissa Smith, Director of Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “Our compassionate team has years of experience and is committed to providing holistic support that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By starting care early in the illness journey, we aim to improve quality of life and ensure that every moment matters.”

Take the first step and call us today for a free consultation, 603-536-2232. We also have more information about our services and commonly asked questions on our website: www.pbhha.org

How to Manage Fatigue When Living with a Serious Illness

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health introduces newest Palliative Team member, Krissy Carr, APRN.

When living with a serious illness, it’s important to know that feeling easily and constantly tired—or fatigued—is a common symptom. In fact, many people experience fatigue, no matter if they are living with cancer, COPD, kidney disease, or another serious illness. Fatigue may make you or your loved one feel forgetful and unable to stay focused or have energy to do everyday things. This may include activities like seeing friends, pursuing hobbies, or even pursuing treatment for the serious illness.

While fatigue is not always easy to recognize, learning about its symptoms is a good place to start. Since fatigue can impact quality of life, it is important to get it under control so that you or your loved one can start to feel better. If you aren’t sure where to start or need support along the way, palliative care from Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health can help.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the 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.

How Can Palliative Care Help?

If you notice that you or your loved one are constantly tired, unable to focus, withdrawn, or just not doing things you normally enjoy, let your doctor know. They will ask you questions and try to figure out what may be causing it.  This could mean anything from low blood count, pain, medications, anxiety and/or depression, and more. There are different ways to treat fatigue, depending on the cause. Either way, your doctor can refer you to palliative care, to help manage the fatigue and get back to doing what is most important to you.

During your first visit with the palliative care team, let your doctor, nurse, or social worker know that you’ve been feeling fatigued. They will continue to evaluate your fatigue by asking about sleep disturbances, pain, nutrition, emotional distress, and more. And they will work with you to come up with ways to start feeling better.

This may mean following a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine, choosing relaxing activities before bed, and more. But it all depends on the root cause, and you will figure this out together.

Kristina Carr, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, APRN

Krissy Carr, APRN has recently joined the Pemi-Baker Palliative Care team. She brings over 27 years of Hospice and Palliative care experience to the Plymouth area and is eager to meet the community. For more information on how palliative care can help you or your loved one please call Pemi-Baker and ask for a free consultation.

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

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

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!
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