You may have heard the term doula associated with birth.  

The term doula simply refers to a person who provides emotional, informational, and physical support.  

 

The value of having a doula who is sensitive, aware, intuitive, and knowledgable to support the end of life transition and support your family throughout this most challenging time is priceless.   

 

 

No one should ever have to die alone or scared. 

 

Mortality is confronting - there's no doubt about it, and culturally we don't talk about death. How are we supposed to know what to expect, or what's available to support us, or how to ensure we die with the same dignity and integrity we've tried so hard to live with?  

 

  

 

A will be present to hold space for each person in the family to navigate the intense emotions that a palliative diagnosis brings.   

Ways End Of Life Doulas Can Support You... 

Planning

• Yes, you can plan for this process.  As your doula, I will facilitate thinking through all the things you may not even realize you'll need to think about.
    
• I can document plans, wishes, and directions even if the patient doesn't have enough strength to put pen to paper themselves. 
  
  
• I ensure plans are followed honorably.
  
  

Support

• There are often gaps in end of life care.  I will be there to support and ensure all of your needs are tended to. 

• As your doula I will help the patient and family in any other ways I am able such as errands, difficult conversations, or respite for family members. 

Education

• With 40 years of nursing experience I can educate about the diagnosis, treatment options the Doctor may recommend, changes in condition over the weeks, days, and hours so that what is happening every step of the way is understood and fear is decreased.

 

Communication

• I am a contact person for families who are spread throughout the province, country or even further. I will give a clear concise update to  everyone with the patient's permission.  
  
  
• I can be a liaison as requested and support family to work through the difficulties as needed.

 

Forgiveness

• I help a patients work through amends to help clear the mind. 
  
  
• I will support a request for forgiveness or facilitate the conversation for the patient.
  
  
• I listen without feedback (unless asked for) or judgement.