“End-of-Life Doulas (EOLDs) are non-medical companions to the dying and their families. Doulas do not take the place of hospice personnel; rather, they complement other services that a dying person and their family may be receiving, including hospice or palliative care. They provide a wide range of holistic services, including physical, emotional, spiritual and practical support. EOLDs may work with families from initial diagnosis through bereavement.”
Death Doulas, also called End of Life Doulas, help those who are at the end of their life in a number of significant ways.
First, a Death Doula can help the person at the end of life simply by being there with no judgment, just someone who will sit and listen to them. During this time, the doula can help them prepare any advanced directives or any documentation that may be needed or requested by the person who is nearing the end of life. Sometimes people are more comfortable sharing final wishes with someone outside their immediate family.
A Death Doula can act as a liaison for the person at end of life and their healthcare providers if there is no family. If there is family involved, a Death Doula can serve as a bridge between the dying and the family. The Death Doula can help family caregivers, too, giving them time for themselves while their loved one is looked after.
A Death Doula helps facilitate dialogue between the person at their end of life and their family. This discussion can be a difficult one to have, and the doula can make this conversation more effective. When someone leaves this world, it is so important to have these final wishes in place, as it helps the family to truly grieve.
Finally, a Death Doula can help prepare eulogies, vigils, and a funeral or celebration of life. All the things that can “slip through the cracks” so to speak, the doula is there to help make sure everything is addressed.
Without the stress of dealing with the end of life details, the dying’s wishes will have been addressed and put in place, all done in love for their family.