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What does an End-of-Life Doula do and why would I hire one?

As a Certified End-of-Life Doula (CEOLD), I will use my experience and training to individually prioritize what is most important to a patient and their loved ones. Unlike hospice staff, I am only limited by the time you request for me to be there.

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My services can include, but are not limited to:

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  • Companion to the dying person and their loved ones - My main goal is to be a calm and supportive presence and be there to "hold space" in order to decrease as much stress as possible during this difficult time.

  • Suggesting interventions for comfort - I have been trained in the top 10 most common end-of-life disease processes and the best comfort interventions for each. Since a hospice nurse is only in the home about one hour per week, I would likely notice any condition changes before the nurse's next visit. I can visit as often as you decide.

  • Helping to facilitate unresolved issues - I am a great listener and skilled at asking questions in order to lovingly guide patients to become at peace with their journey and encourage reconciliation where possible.

  • Advanced Directives - If not already done, I can assist with filling out an advanced directive and selecting healthcare proxies.

  • Planning the vigil - I can help the patient and loved ones plan how they would like the last 24-28 hours of the person's life to be and who they would like to be there. I can even make the phone calls when the time comes.

  • End-of-life planning - helping the patient and/or loved ones with planning the wake, funeral, eulogy, including advising on the more recent alternative and earth-friendly options, in addition to the traditional ones.

  • Writing the obituary and/or eulogy- I can assist the patient or loved ones in the writing of the obituary and/or eulogy. If able and desired, I encourage the patient to write or dictate their own obituary and/or eulogy and I can assist.

  • Creating Remembrances - helping the patient to document their meaningful life stories to leave behind for their loved ones through writing/dictating, audio or video recording, artwork, or whatever creative means they desire.

  •  Finding Peace, Acceptance, and Meaning - helping the end-of-life patient recall their contributions their life brought to this world - family, work, community, culture, etc.

  • Support through the entire end-of-life journey - great peace and comfort can be found knowing that someone is there physically or at the other end of the phone to be there with you during a time that can be rife with stress, fear, and chaos. I can be there with you from the shock phase of the diagnosis, to the transition phase, and then support you through your grief process. (Note: I am not a therapist or counselor, just a caring listener and will have resources to offer should you need or want additional or professional support.)     

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