Holistic support for loved ones before, during, and after death.
As an End-of-life Doula, I provide holistic support for the dying and their loved ones before, during, and after death. I am trained in the various end of life stages and am able to assist families with understanding the natural dying process while providing comfort and support.
I serve as a companion to the dying and their loved ones with a supportive presence. I’m there to “hold space” in order to decrease as much stress as possible in one of life’s most sacred times.
Provide companionship, presence, emotional support, and interaction
Earlier intervention – as the Doula serves as the eyes and ears of hospice
Increased sense of autonomy
Better coping skills and making family peace
Longer and more frequent visits as needed
Assistance with making memories, funeral arrangements, obituaries and memorials
Holding space and helping family members cope
Perform life review – to help validate a sense of purpose
Setting the sacred space – planning for smells, sounds, gentle touch during last days
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A Doulagiver/ End of Life Doula can do everything EXCEPT give a medication and do any form of medical treatment or wound care. The hospice volunteer needs to follow Medicare regulations that prohibit any form of touching, moving, feeding, bathing, toileting etc. The hospice volunteer in most US states is limited to a maximum weekly bedside visit of 4 hours. The average volunteer visit is 1-2 hours a week. This does not provide the adjunct support that patients and families so desperately need at this stressful time.
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No. End of Life Doulas are private pay. All “companion” services such as Home Instead, Visiting Angels, Comfort Keepers etc. are all private pay. Most End of Life Doulas have a sliding scale payment option.
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No. An End of Life Doula never gives any medication whether prescription or over the counter.
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Yes. A Doulagiver End of Life Doula has a ”scope of practice” that includes everything from the time of a terminal diagnosis to helping patients and families as the illness progresses, to the vigil, time of death, after death care, understanding and honoring grief and finally recover of life after loss.
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Most hospice teams leave a case after the patient has died. Many times families are feeling this as another loss. Hospice does offer bereavement services for up to a year or 15 months in most states. This is usually initiated by a call from a volunteer and the living family member is told about monthly support groups that they may attend. The original hospice team that worked with the family is not part of this service.
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Time. Most hospices provide HHA services up to a maximum of 2 hours a day 5 days a week. This is based on acuity of the patient and is only available if the hospice has an available aid.
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No - End of Life Doulas are a Non-Medical Profession. Just like the establishment of Birth Doulas 40 years ago. This is not regulated by a government license.
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YES! ( NEDA ) The National End of Life Doula Alliance has set a national practicum with Core Competencies for the practice of professional End of Life Doulas. All End of Life Doulas that pass the assessment receive the NEDA National Credential and can become members of the national membership organization.
More questions? Reach out to me here.
You don’t have to be in this alone.
By using this service, you and your loved ones will feel a supportive and compassionate presence during the dying process / respite care — allowing and encouraging needed rest for caregivers and family.
Investment: $25/hour
Are you in Hospice Care?
Here are the benefits of using an End-of-Life Doula…
Increased Satisfaction. Family and patient satisfaction scores increase, meaning happy families = positive word of mouth = increased revenue
Increased Referrals. Customer satisfaction and innovative programs lead to more referrals
Enhanced Community Awareness and Interaction – Families are requesting End of Life Doulas. Help to soften the “Hospice” death stigma. Doulagivers will bring community and hospice together