What is an End-of-Life Doula?
End-of-Life Doulas are non-medical, trained professionals who provide holistic support – spiritual, emotional, physical, and practical – to dying people, their loved ones, and their chosen caregivers as they prepare for and navigate through their end-of-life.
We are members of your community who provide holistic support, advocate for the dying person, and provide non-medical comfort care as you or a loved one approach end of life. This is often a time when those closest to a dying person may be overwhelmed with apprehension of loss and grief, and they may struggle to be present during this part of life. An End-of-Life Doula helps to fill the “care gap” between medical teams and chosen caregivers by providing comfort and compassionate care to the dying person and to everyone who is walking the journey with them. We bear witness to the sacredness of death, and with dignity, trust in the death process as it uniquely unfolds for each of us.
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 an End-of-Life 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, after-death care and grief tending.
- 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.
