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

Dr. Kristi Saunders Joins Pemi-Baker Community Health

Pemi-Baker Community Health is excited to announce that Dr. Kristi Saunders, MD, has joined the team as their new Hospice Medical Director.

After working over twenty years in Family Medicine as a board certified OB/GYN, Dr. Saunders was drawn to palliative care and hospice by the desire to be more involved with her patients when facing serious illnesses and death. She became board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2012 and since then has been educating her patients about living and embracing the normalcy of dying.

Working with other agencies in New Hampshire and recently receiving hospice help for her mother in California, has highlighted common challenges that families face. “My past experiences of different cultures, needs and desires made me realize how important it is to really have the time to listen, watch, and not treat everyone like medicine normally does…like everyone else. We are all different and need our care individualized. We spend too much time medicalizing death and not spending more time in what is the hard part…saying goodbye,” said Saunders. Pemi-Baker Community Health’s mission and philosophy of supporting their patients and families with compassionate care follows closely with Dr. Saunders’ beliefs. “Our goal is to educate families that hospice is really about living, not death. It should be about smiles, hugs and bringing people closer to acceptance as we possibly can,” said Saunders.

“Dr. Saunders has been serving our community as one of our hospice physicians since January and we are delighted that she will be taking over as Hospice Medical Director upon Dr. Arsenault’s retirement. Her commitment to the highest standards of client care blended with her knowledge and compassion make her an ideal fit for Pemi-Baker Community Health,” said Danielle Paquette-Horne, Senior Director of Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice.

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. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org   Visit our website: www.pbhha.org  and like our Facebook Page: @PBCH4

~written by Anna Swanson

Dr. Diane Arsenault Retiring as Hospice Medical Director for Pemi-Baker Community Health

Please join Pemi-Baker Community Health (PBCH) in extending best wishes to Diane Arsenault, MD, FAAFP, HPM, HMDC, who is retiring as Hospice Medical Director for PBCH after 23 years of service. She will continue to serve hospice families at PBCH as well as her patients at Mid-State Health on a part time basis.

Dr. Arsenault has had an extraordinary career as a family physician, working in low risk obstetrical care for the first 20 years of her career before changing her focus to the care of the middle aged and the elderly for the last 20+ years. She felt that hospice care was just a natural extension of her role as a family physician providing care from birth to death. “Just as pregnancy and birth involve a process of anticipation, planning and intense work at the end, the end of life and process of dying have a similar journey and work. My personal experience with my father’s death in 1993 and my mother’s death in 2004, both on Hospice, allowed me to experience firsthand the joys and burden of caregiving for a dying loved one. I aspire to care for patients and families on their Hospice journey, as I and my family were supported,” said Dr. Arsenault.

When Dr. Arsenault started as Hospice Medical Director for PBCH in 1998, she had less than 10 patients at any given time. Community awareness of Hospice services and what PBCH can provide has grown over the years, increasing that number four fold. “For many years Dr. Arsenault has been the only Hospice physician in the Pemi-Baker area. Her dedication to our staff and our patients, to be available night and day, has been invaluable,” said Amy Dennis, Interim Executive Director for PBCH.

Dr. Arsenault will continue her role as Family physician at Mid-State Health Center as well as part time Hospice physician for PBCH but her schedule is now 6 weeks working then 6 weeks off. As she eases into retirement she looks forward to traveling with her husband to national parks in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Maritime provinces, as well as spending as much time as possible with her 3 preschool aged grandchildren and their families.

“Our organization has grown and become stronger thanks to Dr. Arsenault’s commitment to our mission, vision and values. She has touched many lives in the process. Her kindhearted manner, undeniable professionalism and many achievements will not be forgotten. We wish her the best in the next steps of her journey,” said Danielle Paquette-Horne, Senior Director of Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice at PBCH.

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.

“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.

“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.

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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Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health