End-of-Life Doula Services
End- of-Life doulas compliment the care from hospitals, hospices, and funeral homes by filling in the gaps that occur during the dying process. In many cultures throughout history, mental, spiritual, physical and emotional support have been a fundamental part of the transition to death. Today, such support is rare, especially in Western cultural settings which tend to avoid discussions about death.
My Interest working as an end-of-life doula started in 2011 when my family tragically lost my 20 year old sister. Our family and community lacked the advocacy on how to deal with end-of-life practices. We were not mentally, emotionally, or financially prepared. As a result, we could not heal from this trauma. From this experience I've grown and now see fit to provide others in need of education, advocacy and empowerment. Everyone deserves a beautiful death that can celebrate their unique life and families need proper closure.
Death Positive Movement
Encourages people to speak openly about death, dying & everything in between. Eliminate the silence around death-related topics, decrease anxiety surrounding death & dismantle the foundation of inequality, racism, and social marginalization at end of life.
Client Centered Services
Doula-client relationships engage the difficult and complex emotions while navigating the signs and symptoms of the dying process. My work ranges from logistical planning for the time before, during and after of death; conducting rituals or comforting practices; helping the dying person reflect on their life and values; and explaining the bodily functions of dying to caregivers. Services will vary from one patient to the next to meet the individuals goals.
Family Services
Services can vary from one family situation to the next but could include; Advance Health Care Planning, practical training for family caregivers, creating a plan for support at the patient’s time of death, help with planning funeral and memorial services, needed relief for family caregivers, grief support, vigil presence for actively dying patients.
Legacy Projects
The objective of an end-of-life doula is to bring as much comfort and peace to the dying person and their family as is available. Working on something that leaves a legacy helps. Projects such as autobiographies, letter to loved ones, art projects, and more. These memorialize a person's passions & creativity, values & contributions.