An end-of-life doula (EOL Doula) is a non-medical professional trained to provide a wide range of support services to a terminally ill person and their families. We care for the terminally ill person's physical, practical, emotional, and spiritual needs during the death process.

We can even work with clients before a terminal illness.

End-of-life doulas can help create a sacred space for clients, caregivers and family members. We offer not just emotional and spiritual support but provide education and compassion. We acknowledge mysteries and unexplained events, and we can help reduce burnout and emotional fatigue as respite for you and your caregivers.

Doulas can also assist with vigil plans, advanced directives, and some funeral assistance, as well as creating legacy projects. Anyone of any age and in any condition can make a care plan. Planning now will help capture the good death experience.

• We are non-medical. Hospice will handle things like vital signs and medications. We do not administer medications of any kind.

• Make any choices for clients or families. Instead, I will lay out information and allow you to make the best decision for you.

• Doulas are not medical professionals, counselors, or therapists. I am happy to provide resources when you may need them.

• Doulas are not legal professionals and do not give legal advice. I can help make calls and appointments with legal professionals.

• We are unbiased regarding religion but will respect your path.

• We will not share information without your specific permission.

Yes, everyone should have a doula! I am a professionally trained End of Life Doula who is ready to provide you with resources and walk you through this process. You may be feeling overwhelmed and grieving at the same time. I am here to bring a calming and reassuring presence with the expertise of the death process. I provide a wide range of services to help with the process of dying, but my main role is to be a steady and reassuring presence during a very difficult time. 

Every person and family who is going through the end of life and terminal disease should contact their local hospice as soon as possible.It is your choice though, and I am happy to answer any questions you may have about hospice.

Although the nursing and physician care provided by hospice teams is not replaced by our doula services, we complement them perfectly. Beyond what hospice is often able to provide owing to Medicare limits, doulas can provide more time, more individualized attention, more continuity at the bedside, more advocacy, and more availability.

My intensive training goes beyond what hospice volunteer organizations offer since volunteers have to follow guidelines set forth by the insurance and hospice. I am trained to deal with strong and challenging emotions and as a doula I have received training and practice. As a Doula, I can provide full-time presence and companionship at the vigil and at death, and most importantly, consistent relationships with my clients. I customize end-of-life care plans for spiritual, physical, practical, and life review needs. 

In many ways! Here are a few types of support end-of-life doulas can offer to loved ones:

• There may be times when family members need an outside set of trained, unbiased eyes.

• They might need to take a break while being reassured that a doula is with their loved one.

• They may need assistance creating a new normal after the person has passed.

• They might need someone to listen to them as they share feelings or thoughts.

Family members might receive guidance from a doula both before and throughout the dying process. Allowing the family to be just in that role- partner, child etc.- as their loved one passes away, gives the family continuity, comfort, and empowerment.

Doulas can relieve stress and guilt for family members who still have to take care of children or go to work. Doulas can help family members, hospice staff, and medical professionals communicate. At the end of life, they can help loved ones say their final goodbyes to one another.

Doulas can explain the frightening-looking signs and symptoms of death. They might talk about how a person's breathing changes as they get closer to death. They might talk about how their heart stops, and how their skin changes color. Understanding the dying process can help loved ones feel at ease and at peace. Doulas are a valuable tool and resource.

Working with an end-of-life doula can offer:

• Comforting presence

• Non-judgmental advocacy

• Whole-person care

• Family-centered assistance

• Teamwork with other providers and services

• Community resources

You can get in touch with an End of Life Doula at any point during the end of life process or even before a terminal diagnosis. The more time that can be spent getting to know the person and family, working through and completing your advanced directive, developing quality care plans, prioritizing end-of-life needs, and establishing sacred space and meaning for the person and circle of care, the earlier the doula can get involved in the process, the better. 

Absolutely. Everything shared during our work is kept private and confidential (unless consent to share given by you) in a safe, judgment-free space.

Yes! All coaching sessions are held virtually via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere in the world.