Pine Tree Hospice supports caregivers

Last week a group of Pine Tree Hospice volunteers met to put together gift bags for caregivers. Bags were filled with self-care items such as lotions, candles, and homemade lap blankets, and other items such as a gift card to McDonald’s and a ticket to Center Theatre.

These gift bags have been given to caregivers connected with Pine Tree Hospice for the last two years as a way to recognize and support them. The idea came from volunteers in 2020, who wanted to find a way to celebrate caregivers that had previously been invited to “It’s All About You,” a day to pamper caregivers with manicures, massages, catered lunch, yoga, and more which had been canceled due to COVID-19.

Caregiving is often an ever-expanding role that people gradually find themselves in over time. Whether the care receiver has a cognitive or physical decline, dependence on the caregiver requires more and more time and personal sacrifice. What begins as helping occasionally, becomes a full-time role.

Pine Tree Hospice’s various programs provide support and education to caregivers throughout Piscataquis County and parts of Penobscot and Somerset counties. Knowledge is Power, an online dementia-focused series for caregivers, has allowed caregivers to join without having to leave their home.  This unique series, which has been offered twice in the past year, offers information and support as caregivers share their challenges and experience. While providing information about dementia it takes an open and honest look at the caregiver’s role and how the demands of caring can cause the caregiver to become overburdened and overwhelmed. Although this series just ended, if you are a caregiver of someone living with dementia or know someone who is, please reach out to us to be notified when the series will be held again.

Pine Tree Hospice’s core program connects a trained volunteer with an individual with a progressive life-limiting illness in need. For caregivers a volunteer’s visit means respite, a chance to go for a walk, take a relaxing shower, or get to a doctor’s appointment that they have been putting off. Pine Tree Hospice can also assist in identifying other resources that may ease the pressure and confusion of caring for someone through end of life including education on Advanced Care Planning options, navigating in-home care or placement qualifications, and general support.

Caregivers themselves are often living day by day and are unable to identify what they need for assistance. If you know of a caregiver that may be in need of respite or other support, please reach out to the Pine Tree Hospice office to learn more about our services by calling 207-802-8078 or emailing info@pinetreehospice.org.