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What is an End-of-Life Doula?
To many people, the word “doula” refers to childbirth. But doulas aren’t only available for when life begins — they also help when life ends.
An End-of-Life Doula is someone who makes themselves available to assist a dying individual and the family before, during and after a death occurs in order to provide physical, emotional and even spiritual support. Doulas can compliment systems already in place, allowing caregivers respite and those living remotely the assurance that their loved one is well-supported. I will meet you where you are and assist with developing a cohesive plan which honors all who are involved.
Talking about dying with the person that is terminally ill can relieve anxiety for both participants in the conversation, and it can help ensure that final wishes regarding treatment at the end of life are honored.
End-of-Life Doulas can fill a gap in care. People can work with a doula before they reach a point where they qualify for hospice. As an End-of-Life Doula, I'm able to go in without an agenda to fulfill that person’s needs.
What a Doula Does...
A huge part of my job is to establish trust and build a relationship with patients and their families. It’s important that I respect their wishes and not influence their decisions.
As an end-of-life doula I'm often asked to take family photos or assist patients in writing letters to ask for forgiveness, transcribing memories into a journal or filming video messages. Some patients hire me to plan their funerals.
The more time that I have with a person, the more I learn and it's easier to learn their life story and advocate for their wishes. It's important to be flexible during the process. When I note a patient’s wishes and they change, I gently remind them of their initial preferences but allow them to change their minds. It is their death, so they certainly have the right to change focus. Sometimes we don’t always know what we want, and we mold the idea as we go along.
Some family members rely on me as their doula, to remain present and keep them informed on the patient’s status while they take a much-needed break. As a doula I can empower family members to create the kind of environment that the person dying has requested. It's a true partnership, and I think that’s the best support I offer families — assuring them they are not alone.
As an End-of-Life Doula, I can help you or your loved ones have the uncomfortable conversations surrounding topics like:
· Advanced Directives
· Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders
· Wills
· Power of Attorney (Legal and/or Medical)
· Arrangements for care and rehoming of pets
· Funeral Arrangements
As an End-of-Life Doula, I can help you or your loved ones:
· Plan their final days and moments
· Create a safe space for clients to do the emotional, soul work needed to help them prepare for their death
· Organize and cleaning out spaces
· Create Legacy Projects
· Transition to hospice or graduate from hospice before their death
· Create/Incorporate Existing Care Plan
· Provide Companioning
· Memorial Planning
· Funeral Arrangement Help
· Other support as discussed and agreed upon
· Post-Mortem Support for loved ones
(Unused support hours not utilized prior to death, are transferred to the family)
As your End-of-Life Doula, we offer compassionate, watchful presence through the long days or dark nights—providing reassurance, peace, and emotional comfort when it's needed most.
· Soothing conversation or silent companionship
· Gentle touch or handholding if desired
· Prayer or reading familiar scriptures or offering comforting words
· Sitting vigil with your loved one
· Basic comfort measures (repositioning, hydration, etc.)
What next?
Schedule your FREE 30 min Consult by Calling/Texting 864-712-5712 or completing the Inquiry Form.
During your consult we'll discuss your support needs. (ie: Planning final days and moments, Create Legacy Projects, Companion Care, Funeral Arrangement Help, etc.)
After your consult & you've decided we're the right fit for you, Get in touch to verify availability & complete the Client Contract.
If you're a Carrot Fertility member, check your employer benefits to see how you can receive postpartum care through us—with your support covered by Carrot!
Once you've signed the Client Contract and paid the 50% retainer, your spot is reserved on our calendar and the balance is due before support begins.
We'll be in touch periodically but we'll wait to hear from you when you decide you're ready for your support to begin.
*Support dates are reserved on a first come basis. Your spot on my calendar is reserved once you have completed the contract and your 50% retainer is received.
Click here to be directed to my contract.
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