A non-medical professional that provides comforting emotional, spiritual and psychological support as a person approaches the end of life. Doulas help individuals and their loved ones recognize that dying is a normal process of life. They focus on quality of life for individuals, their loved ones and the caregivers.
A Doula can assist the individual and their loved ones to focus on what is most important to them. They can participate in Advance Care Planning, help coordinate care, supplement family care giving, facilitate life review and vigil planning, and provide respite care and bereavement services. They can help work with grief, forgiveness, creating ceremony or ritual, and bring healing practices to the sacred process of dying before, during and after death.
Services can begin at any stage of the end of life process. For example, it could start with the life threatening illness and/or terminal diagnosis. Planning ahead helps not only the person with the illness but also helps families honor their loved ones wishes.
Wherever you are...in your home, the hospital, an adult family home, assisted and/or independent living communities, memory care settings.
An End of Life Doula is an adjunct or complement to the Hospice team. The Hospice MD and Nurse manage only the medical aspects of an individual's care. (Insurance reimbursement guidelines limit the time and care a Hospice service provider can provide; End of Life is 24/7.)
The Doula collaborates with Hospice professionals as appropriate to provide the individual and their loved ones with highest quality of life and care.
Much like waiting for a baby to arrive, a vigil is a transition time when an End of Life Doula is at the bedside as a companion to the individual and their loved ones. They might hold your hand, stroke your forehead, read to you or just provide a present 'holding space.' A Doula will help those present at the bedside learn how to support and care for the individual and also ensure that their wishes are honored during the dying process.
Yes, the Doula can assist the individual to help identify, honor and carry out the beliefs, rituals and cultural practices that bring them comfort and peace. End of Life Doulas help create a sacred death experience for an individual in any care setting. They help the individual define the type of care wanted, needed and required at the end of life. Doulas fill the gap between medical and hospice care to support their non - medical care needs before, during and after death.
Yes. Please contact us for a complimentary consultation if you have any other questions.