It is intended to care for those that we love, from the beginning to the very end. The family and community come together to support and provide quality care during such transitions. Our ancestors provided this same level of care and elders were put as a priority, just as a newborn child that comes into this world. Life however has re-shaped this ability and sense of community, due to other society obligations in this century (work, bills, roof over head, security of self). This is not uncommon and not a guilt trip by any means. Until we can get back to a place where the family and community provides priority quality care for the individual who is nearing end of life, there are other’s that can provide assistance to help balance out the day-to-day. Here is where an End-of-Life Doula (or Death Doula or Death Midwife) comes in.
An End-of-Life Doula is a non-medical professional who holistically supports and guides a person and their loved ones before, during, and after death, so that they may have the most loving, peaceful, and painless experience possible.
Caring for the dying is a sacred honor. Working alongside family, medical and hospice staff, an End-of-Life Doula will fill in the gaps to assist family in caring for their loved ones' physical needs, provide respite care, sit in vigil, and continue to support family and friends after death. Quality of life in the final stages of life, with a peaceful passing, is the ultimate goal.
Education and awareness about end-of-life options and the dying process.
The importance of preparation regarding advance directives and choosing health care proxies.
Encouraging conversations about end-of-life wishes in early stages where possible.
Reduce stigma surrounding death, dying and hospice.
Respite care between hospice, medical providers, the patient and their loved ones.
Have a liaison to the resources one may need during this stage.
Provide companionship and presence – emotional support and interaction for the patient and loved ones.
Serve as they eyes and ears of hospice, working with medical personnel
Assistance with making memories, funeral arrangements, obituaries and memorials
Perform life review – validate sense of purpose
Setting the sacred space – planning for smells, sounds, lighting, gentle touch during last days
Continuous guidance and support. Education on the natural end-of-life processes
Compassionate presence throughout the dying process
Assistance with locating bereavement resources.
Enhanced Community Awareness and Interaction for Hospice: Families are requesting End-of-Life Doulas. This helps soften the “Hospice” death stigma.
Doulas can act as liaison between the patient, family, and hospice - bridging gaps
Expansion of Hospice offerings: Volunteers with End-of-Life Doula training
End-of-Life Doula Services Available
End-of-Life Doulas are non-medical practitioners that provide emotional and spiritual holistic support to the individual and their loved ones throughout the end-of-life process to ensure a dignified and positive passing.
Services include:
Companion to the dying and their loved ones
Suggesting interventions for comfort
Helping to facilitate unresolved issues
Advanced Directives
Planning the Vigil
End of Life planning
Writing the Obituary
Writing the Eulogy
Creating Remembrances
Help Patient and acceptance of situation
Support the Patient and their loved ones through the entire End-of-Life journey
