What is an End of Life Doula (EOLD)?

An End of Life Doula is a non-medical and holistic practitioner who guides individuals and their families through the dying process by way of presence, support, advocacy, education, and companionship. Just as birth doulas support mothers birthing a new life, an end-of-life doula supports individuals leaving this life into the next.

Is that the same thing as a Death Doula?

Yes. Also referred to as Death Midwife or Death Companion. There is no difference in function.

Why would I need an EOLD?

EOLDs are a calming and reassuring presence with knowledge of the death process, and a compassionate resource for families who may be overwhelmed and grieving at the impending death of their loved one. They offer a variety of services to assist in the transition of dying but are first and foremost a grounding, reliable, knowledgeable, and comforting presence during a most emotional time.

How are you different from what hospice offers?

I highly recommend every individual and family facing a terminal illness and end of life call their local hospice as soon as possible. Though our doula services do not replace hospice's medical team of nursing and physician care, we complement hospice teams seamlessly. We offer more time, more personalized attention, more continuity at bedside, more advocacy, and more availability beyond what hospice is normally able to provide due to Medicare guidelines. My training included facing in-depth my own fears and emotions around death; therefore I am trained and practiced to be with intense and difficult emotions. Our full-time presence and companionship at vigil and at death, our advocacy in hospitals or at home, our coaching to customize end-of-life care plans for spiritual, physical, practical, and life review needs, and most of all, our consistent relationships with our clients are not a service offered anywhere else. Basically, I fill in the gaps, don’t have a large caseload or paperwork, and provide continuity of care.

When should I contact you for EOLD services?

I can be contacted at any time during the end-of-life process. The sooner I can enter into the process, the more time can be spent getting to know the individual and family, creating quality care plans, prioritizing end of life needs, and creating sacred space and meaning for the individual and family.

Do I have to be dying to work with you?

No. I am also a Certified Holistic Life Coach and my phone sessions are designed to work with anyone who would like to take a deep dive into their life...or death. 

If you have any questions not addressed here, please reach out.