FAQs

  • “End-of-life doulas provide non-medical, holistic support and comfort to people preparing for or experiencing end of life, offering education and guidance; emotional, social, and spiritual care; logistical and practical assistance, and more - before during and after death. End-of-life doulas complement and supplement the work of family and other caregivers (including hospice providers).” - NEDA

    Also known as Death Doulas, Soul Midwives, Transition Guides - We are the trained helpers that provide care to the dying and their loved ones. We seek to promote ease and cultivate meaning through one of life’s most profound moments. Death is not a topic that most people wish to ponder, but End of Life Doulas have chosen to dive into those deep waters and demystify the dying process. We wish to empower individuals and our communities to have an end of life plan and care on their terms, and to inspire contemplation.

    In essence, an end of life doula provides non-medical, non-judgmental support and guidance to the dying and their loved ones. They come alongside other caregivers and members of the medical team, and advocate for informed choices in end of life care.

  • In essence, an end-of-life doula is present at the bedside to offer comfort and support to the dying and their family. On the other hand, I like to work with someone long before they are dying or have a terminal diagnosis, through coaching and planning. End-of-life planning sessions open the door to understanding ourselves better and starting early allows time to talk about death in a life-affirming way (wherein death is an integral part of life). After coaching and planning session, clients end up with a living document supporting their wishes and a fuller outlook on life.

    So, whether you are young and wish to be prepared, are facing a terminal diagnosis, have lived a long a full life, or your loved one is on their death bed, an end of life doula is a resource and compassionate presence in difficult times. No two circumstances are the same, so the best time to call is when you have questions or perhaps when we realize death is closer than we think.

  • You can expect your doula to be fully present in your meetings together.

    • You will be heard and supported

    • Your wishes will be honored

    • The myriad of details will become manageable

    • You will gain resources and an advocate

    • Plus many more transformational things can happen when choose to explore death as our teacher.

  • Some hospices have doulas on their team.

    As an end-of-life doula, I am not hired to transfer the patient to and from the bathroom, administer medication, etc. Instead, I am hired to offer non-medical presence, comfort and support to the client (patient) and their family. Sometimes families need a little extra support outside of what hospice can offer and that is where a doula can step in to bridge the gap.

  • Although we hope that systems eventually understand how valuable these services are, doula services are NOT currently covered by insurance. Doula services are a private pay situation, which is why I offer a sliding scale fee model to make these services more accessible to families.

  • Home funerals are not for everyone, but here is an idea of what it might afford:

    • It is legal to care for the body of a loved one at home - Many families are unaware of their inherent rights and that it is completely legal in all 50 states to have a home funeral.

    • Softer on the earth - there are opportunities to DIY and home funerals can be less resource intensive.

    • Cost conscious - the expense of a conventional funeral can often be a heavy burden on the family. Home funerals provide opportunity for DIY options where in other instances you might pay a professional.

    • Satisfying and comforting in the context of grief - when our grief has the ability to naturally ebb and flow, there is a greater chance of positive integration. A home funeral can open up that timeline.

    • Family and community led - Agency belongs to you and it allows participant to be useful. When we are doing something, it can impact how our body remembers living through the event.

    • Spend time with the body - The time is not limited. Home funerals allow you to go at your pace and what is needed for your family and community. It allows space for complicated emotions to move through.

    Home funerals can diminish trauma by:

    • Allowing for the community to come together in new and useful ways

    • Providing more time and flexibility, allowing for a natural flow of events and emotions

    • Normalizing and diminishing fears

    • Teaching children about the life cycle

    • Integrating grief and loss