1. What is an end-of-life doula?
 

An end-of-life doula provides nonmedical emotional, practical, and educational support around planning, serious illness, dying, and grief. We help you explore what matters to you, prepare for conversations and decisions, and feel supported along the way.

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2. Do I need to be terminally ill to work with you?

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No. You can work with us while healthy, living with chronic illness, caring for someone, or experiencing grief. Planning ahead gives you time to consider your wishes and share them with those you trust.

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3. What can Guiding Sol help me or my family with?

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Support may include:

• Advance care planning and conversations about your wishes.

• Organizing important information and preparing questions for your care team.

• Caregiver support and help finding community resources.

• Creating an end-of-life support plan with contacts and shared responsibilities.

• Companionship and vigil sitting near the end of life.

• Legacy projects, memorial planning, and memorial officiating.

• Support through grief, including pregnancy and infant loss.

Together, we identify what would be helpful and agree on support that fits your situation.

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4. Can you help us make a plan for the final days and hours?

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Yes. We can help you create an end-of-life support plan centered on the person’s wishes. This may include:

• A phone tree identifying who should be notified and by whom.

• Who would like to be present and a schedule for companionship.

• Shared responsibilities, such as meals, errands, and family updates.

• Preferences for privacy, music, lighting, spiritual practices, and visitors.

• Who will contact hospice or other providers, following their instructions.

• Plans for whom to contact after death.

The plan helps everyone understand their role while allowing flexibility as needs and wishes change. It complements the medical instructions provided by your care team.

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5. How do you work alongside hospice?

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We complement your hospice team with nonmedical support, companionship, planning, and time with you and your family. Hospice remains responsible for medical care, symptom management, and clinical guidance.

Our support is arranged separately. You do not need to be enrolled in hospice to work with us.

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6. Do you provide medical care, legal advice, or therapy?

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Although our founders are licensed practical nurses, our work through Guiding Sol is nonmedical doula support. We do not diagnose conditions, administer medications, or replace your healthcare team.

We help you explore your wishes and understand planning resources, but we do not provide legal advice or draft legal documents. Our grief support is not psychotherapy. When your needs fall outside our role, we help you identify appropriate professionals.

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7. Can you help if my loved one isn’t ready to talk?

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Yes. We can start by supporting you, discussing your concerns, and exploring gentle ways to begin a conversation.

We respect each person’s willingness to participate. We do not pressure anyone into conversations or decisions, and your loved one’s wishes remain central to planning involving them.

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8. Do you support different beliefs and traditions?

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Yes. Our support centers on your values, culture, beliefs, and preferences—including religious, spiritual, and nonreligious perspectives. We can help you consider meaningful practices and traditions without imposing our own beliefs.

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9. Where do you provide support? Are virtual visits available?

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We serve Lynchburg and surrounding Central Virginia communities. Depending on the service, support may take place in your home, a care setting with permission, or virtually.

Contact us to discuss your location, needs, and available options.

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10. What do services cost? Does insurance cover them?

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Guiding Sol provides paid doula services. Fees depend on the type and amount of support you choose. We discuss pricing before you commit and outline agreed services and payment terms in your service agreement.

We do not bill health insurance or Medicare for doula services. If you have another potential funding source, confirm eligibility and reimbursement requirements directly with that provider.

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11. What happens when I contact you?

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We start with a conversation about what is happening and what support you are looking for. You can ask questions, share your concerns, and learn whether our services fit your needs. You do not need to know which service to request or have a plan prepared.

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There is no charge for this initial conversation and no obligation to move forward. If you choose to work with us, we explain the proposed support, pricing, and next steps.

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Still have questions? Let’s talk.

Call 434-515-2628 or email info@guidingsol.com.