Through a grant from the Maine Community Foundation, Pine Tree Hospice has been holding ongoing events to increase the support available to caregivers in our communities. “This really is important work.” Says Amy Madigan-Dube of Pine Tree Hospice. “Caregivers in our community are under recognized and under supported. Our aim is to show them that they are valued. Being a caregiver to someone who is ill is very difficult and isolating work, especially at home.”

Caregivers who attended were given the opportunity to try massage with Chris Tilton, Bob Grace, Lucille Potter, acupuncture with Dr. Nancy Driscoll, Therapeutic Touch with Kirstie Pratley, Reiki with Holly Beliveau, Janet Weatherbee and Sherry Corbin, as well as aromatherapy with Marcia Walden.

Participants also learned relaxation techniques to help them when they are feeling stressed. Speaker Liza Russell taught both brief and longer techniques for relaxation. Lunch was catered by Soup's On in Rockwood, and all caregivers left with a complimentary gift bag to help them with relaxation and stress management at home.

The next opportunity to participate in Pine Tree Hospice's Caring for the Caregiver series will be on April 9, when speaker and performer Susan Poulin will share her talents. If you would like to learn more about our caregiver series, please feel free to contact Pine Tree Hospice at 564-4346 or email wecare@pinetreehospice.org