Featured Member: North Country Home Health and Hospice
Featured Member North Country Home Health and Hospice Agency (NCHHHA) is a pillar of support in the North Country, providing comprehensive in-home palliative and hospice care. NCHHHA is a trusted provider of in-home healthcare services across Coos and Northern Grafton Counties, New Hampshire, that serves over 1,500 residents annually. The agency specializes in delivering medical care, therapeutic services, and rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs.
Whether it’s skilled nursing, physical therapy, or support with daily living activities, NCHHHA ensures that patients can receive high-quality care in the comfort of their homes. This commitment to individualized service has established the organization as a cornerstone of health and wellness in the North Country region.
Expanding Hospice and Palliative Care Services
NCHHHA offers hospice care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for individuals facing terminal illnesses. With a team of healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers, the agency supports approximately 250 hospice patients annually. Recently, the agency expanded its offerings to include palliative care, addressing the needs of those with chronic or serious illnesses.
NCHHHA provides these services at no cost, helping to alleviate financial concerns for patients and their families. Beyond medical care, the agency also meets essential needs, such as providing food, clothing, and toiletries for those who may otherwise go without.
Supporting Families Through Bereavement
Recognizing the emotional toll of end-of-life care, NCHHHA launched bereavement and grief support groups earlier this year. These programs help families and loved ones navigate the grieving process with professional guidance and community support. The addition of these services underscores the agency’s commitment to holistic care, addressing not just the physical but also the emotional and mental well-being of those it serves.
Annual Gala: A Community Fundraising Event
NCHHHA’s annual gala, held each December at the historic Mount Washington Hotel, has become one of the most anticipated events in the North Country. This well-attended fundraiser draws approximately 400 guests, including caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community supporters. The gala features a cocktail hour, a silent auction, and heartfelt speeches from key clients, supporters and agency leaders. Event proceeds, which have surpassed $100,000 in recent years, directly fund hospice programs and patient care. These funds enable the agency to continue providing essential resources, particularly for patients who face economic challenges.
During the event, attendees often hear personal stories from families who have benefited from the agency’s services. These firsthand accounts illustrate the positive impact NCHHHA has on the community and highlight the importance of ongoing support.
Butterfly Releases: A Tribute to Loved Ones
NCHHHA hosts its annual Butterfly Release event in Littleton and Berlin each September. This community gathering offers individuals an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. The event features a short memorial ceremony where participants release Painted Lady butterflies as a symbolic gesture of remembrance. Names of the departed are read aloud, providing a moment of reflection for attendees.
The Butterfly Release has grown significantly in recent years, drawing over 300 participants to Littleton’s Remich Park in 2023 and doubling attendance in Berlin. While initially designed as a community awareness event, it has evolved into a fundraiser that supports the agency’s hospice programs.
Building Awareness and Community Engagement
Through its signature events and ongoing programs, NCHHHA actively engages with the community to build awareness about the importance of in-home healthcare and hospice services. These initiatives foster connections among residents, healthcare providers, and supporters, creating a network of care that extends beyond the agency itself.
By participating in events like the gala and Butterfly Release, community members contribute to the agency’s mission while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare landscape in Northern New Hampshire.
How NCHHHA Enhances Quality of Life
At its core, NCHHHA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families in the North Country. Through its broad range of services, the agency ensures that patients receive compassionate, professional care that meets their physical, emotional, and social needs.
Whether providing in-home clinical care, offering grief support, or hosting events that bring the community together, NCHHHA remains an essential resource for residents navigating health challenges. To learn more, visit northcountryhomehealth-hospice.org
