What is an End of Life Doula?
An End of Life Doula sometimes called a Death Doula or Thanadoula, is a non-medical person who has been trained to assist dying individuals and, their families before, during, and after a death occurs in order to provide physical, emotional, psychological, and even spiritual support. An End of Life Doula complements systems already in place and can "bridge the gap" of support often missing in our current healthcare system.
Just as a Birth Doula helps guide through the birthing process, an End of Life Doula helps support and guide through the dying process.
Not at all… seriously you say? Seriously! End of Life Doula’s are for everyone. Making a plan for the end of life (or even in case of an accident or some other unexpected event) is for anyone 18 and older. Talking about dying and death openly takes away some of the fear that we have ingrained in us about the topic. Taking control by planning what you can of your death, is more about life and living than you would initially think.
Do you need to be terminally ill, at the end of your life or elderly to benefit from an End of Life Doula?
Our initial consultation is no charge as I learn about you and your needs and you determine if I am the right fit for you.
From there we will create a plan that will meet your specific needs. Plans created are as individual as we are. Beyond your personal plan, how we continue to connect is dependent on what is included in your plan.
Plans may include:
Support with legacy projects or legacy letters
Living funeral plans
Visitor management
Companionship
Advanced care planning/end of life planning
Decisions are yours to make, but I will work alongside you to present, document and support you as you consider your options, desires and preferences.
I do not offer medical or legal advice.
What happens after you hire an End of Life Doula?
Not at this time. There are a number of organizations (national and international) that bring some clarity and expectation to this profession, however, there is no formal regulatory body.
What this means for you is that many End of Life Doulas have a wide variety of experience and education. Most offer an initial consultation so you can find the person who best suits you and your needs.
Are End of Life Doulas regulated?
It is almost never too early to call an End of Life Doula and the first consultation is always free.
When you find yourself pondering things like:
Options for your end-of-life care, environment, and desires.
Navigating family dynamics when given a life-limiting illness diagnosis.
If you have no, or limited family support…how much you may or may not want to rely on them.
When you have questions about dying and death.
Support in processing your grief.
Guidance for the dying person and/or their family.
Advanced care, legacy, vigil, and post-loss planning, ensuring family, friends, and your medical team know your last wishes.
How do I know when it's time to hire an End of Life Doula?
Everyone can benefit from working with an End of Life Doula. Again, It is never too soon to start thinking about how you want your death to look and to begin getting end-of-life documents in order.
Sudden illness or the rapid decline of a family member is not a place any of us want to find ourselves, but many do. Often scared and grieving loved ones are faced with the burden and stress of making tough decisions at the end of life for a family member.
Preparing end-of-life documents, pre-organizing funeral arrangements, creating legacy projects… Even simply getting clear on your wishes can help make the end-of-life journey a time of reflection, celebration, and love with much less stress and chaos.
Who needs an End of Life Doula?
An End of Life Doula is there to support, advocate and walk with you as you and your family face dying and death in the way you wish to. Logistics, planning and guidance help bring a sense of control and allow families to focus on what is important, each other.
What is the benefit of using an End of Life Doula?
Both Hospice and Palliative Care teams are interdisciplinary and include doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, OT/PT therapists, and chaplains. These teams are often limited by time, having only so much time to spend at each bedside.
End of Life Doulas compliment the professional medical care, and are there to support not only the dying person but also their family. Providing non-medical care, Doulas serve to bridge the gap between hospice and end-of-life.