What is an end-of-life Doula?

• An End of Life Doula, is a non-medical and holistic practitioner who guides and advocates for individuals and their families throughout the dying process.

What is the purpose of a Doula?

• To be present for the client, family, and/or friends, support, advocate, educate, and provide companionship to those in need. Doulas support dying individuals leaving this life as they transition into the next.

What services do Doulas offer?

• Guide people through the early stages of grieving.

• Assist the dying with end-of-life guidance regarding advance care directives, etc.

• Provide the opportunities to have open and frank conversations about dying.

• Educate and explain the signs and symptoms of the dying process.

• Explore what the meaning of death and dying is to the person’s life and/or legacy Assist with Life and or Legacy Projects.

• Bring a compassionate and intuitive presence to the bedside Encourage appropriate ways to facilitate touching and caressing of the dying person.

• Discuss and develop a plan for how the environment looks, feels, and sounds.

• We incorporate traditions and religious beliefs and/or create new traditions to mark and commemorate special moments Support spiritual practices.

• Help and encourage the processing of emotions and experiences with loved ones.

• Assist loved ones with after-death care and preparations.

How does Hospice differ from Doulas?

• We, as Licensed Practical Nurses, highly recommend that all individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness and are nearing end-of-life call their local hospice as soon as possible.

• Hospice offers Medicare-funded services to help aid with the cost of medications and durable medical equipment.

• Hospice also offers 24/7 medical attention as needed with nursing and nursing aide assistance weekly or more.

• We complement hospice teams.

  • ​Doulas can offer more time, more individualized and personalized attention, more continuity at the bedside, more advocacy, and more availability as hospice is bound to Medicare guidelines.

• We also offer Respite care relief for the client's loved ones.

  • This allows them time to also take care of themselves while caring for their dying family or friend.

Why would I need or want the assistance of a Doula?

• End-of-life Doulas provide a comforting presence, knowledge of the death process, and compassionate care.

• We offer resources for families who may become overwhelmed and grieving the impending death of their loved ones.