What is an End of Life Doula?
You may have heard other names for this kind of comfort care – Soul Midwife, Community Death Care Advocate, Death-walker, End Of Life Coach, or Dying Guide. Regardless of the name, we are members of your community who come around you, who honor your wishes, and give you comfort as you near your transition. This is often a time when those closest to you may be overwhelmed with apprehension of loss and grief, and they may struggle to be present during this part of life. A Death Doula helps to fill the “care gap” between medical teams and your chosen caregivers by providing comfort and compassionate care to you and to everyone who is walking this journey with you. We bear witness to the sacredness of death, and with dignity, trust in the death process as it uniquely unfolds for you.
End of Life Doulas Are:
- A calm presence by your side.
- Someone who has wisdom gained from experience walking this road before.
- Someone to help you enter the sacred nature of this time.
- Someone who can stay with you as long as you need them.
Who would a Death Doula support?
- Those who are terminally ill and actively dying, their loved ones, and chosen caregivers.
- Anyone who is looking for care and companionship, so they are not alone through the dying process.
- The dying, their families, and caregivers, who need respite, consistent support, vigil planning & attendance, and after-death care.
- Anyone who is searching for resources, guidance, or information on end-of-life care planning: before-death care in the final weeks, days & hours, vigil options, ceremony & ritual, after-death care, and farewell options.
- Those seeking options for Life Legacy planning, utilizing different mediums, and exploring preferences.
- Community groups and organizations who are interested in initiating conversations focused upon learning more about death and dying, through a presentation or workshop.
