Cornerstone VNA Expands Hospice Care with Reiki and Essential Oils to Support Comfort, Peace, and Emotional Wellbeing

Cornerstone VNA is proud to announce the expansion of its Hospice Care program to include two new specialty services aimed at enhancing comfort and emotional support for patients and their families: Reiki therapy and aromatherapy using essential oils.
 
These holistic services complement Cornerstone VNA’s expert clinical care by addressing the emotional, spiritual, and sensory needs of patients at end of life. Reiki services were introduced in late summer 2025, and aromatherapy officially launched on December 1, 2025.
 
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy therapy that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and a sense of peace. Provided by Cornerstone VNA Hospice Nurse and Reiki practitioner Kelly Scribner, RN, Reiki has already made a meaningful impact for patients receiving hospice care.
 
Since introducing Reiki, patients have reported significant benefits from receiving this service. Scribner shared, “My patients often feel more at peace and more comfortable, both physically and emotionally.” She added, “One of my patients had been minimally responsive for weeks, but responded to me after a Reiki session.”
 
One patient recently shared this testimonial after receiving Reiki services: “I never expected it to actually work, but I can feel a difference from when she starts to when she leaves. It’s just wild that you can actually feel it when it starts. It’s such a cool experience. I’m so glad you guys do it.”
 
In addition to Reiki, Cornerstone VNA is now offering essential oils as part of symptom management and comfort care. Aromatherapy can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, ease restlessness, support breathing comfort, and uplift mood. Oils most commonly used include lavender, peppermint, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, and frankincense.
 
Families receive education and guidance on safe use, including proper placement of oils and application. Oils are typically used by placing a few drops on a cotton ball or similar material near the patient to gently release scent into the room.
 
“These services reflect our whole-person philosophy of care,” said Lisa Nichols, Hospice and Palliative Care Director at Cornerstone VNA. “Hospice is not only about managing symptoms, it’s about supporting dignity, peace, and comfort in every possible way, for both patients and their loved ones.”
 
For more information about Hospice Care or these new services, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.

 
Cornerstone VNA serves Strafford County and parts of Rockingham, Belknap, and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire, as well as York County in Maine. The organization provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care – Private Duty, and Community Care. For over 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping people of all ages remain at home while facing the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic illness, or end-of-life care. To learn more, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 603-332-1133.