End-of-Life Doula
“Your life, my life, is given graciously by God. Our lives are not problems to be solved but journeys to be taken.” Father Henri J. M. Nouwen
What is an end-of-life doula?
Most people are familiar with a birthing doula, where a trained professional helps the mother ease the baby into life. An end-of-life doula is a trained professional that helps ease one into the final stages of life and ultimately death. This support can be practical, emotional and spiritual for the individual and their circle of care. A doula is a companion and advocate in one’s journey in the final stages of life.
Does an end-of-life doula provide medical care?
An end-of-life doula does not provide any medical care and is not a medical professional.
What are the benefits of working with an end-of-life doula?
Although natural processes, both birthing a baby and dying can be difficult. An end-of-life doula helps an individual die well. This process might include talking through unfinished business from one’s life, helping one to get closure, discussing wishes for the final months, weeks and hours of life, and processing grief and loss for the individual and their loved ones. A doula can also help an individual intentionally plan for the legacy they would like to leave.
“What is the experience of God that we are called to live in the situation where we find ourselves? We have a god who accompanies, who undoubtedly precedes, but who we can say, “He is there, He was there.” “A God who hates death but who has broken through and overcome the fear of death, who has integrated death into life. A God who remains silent more than he speaks. And I understand this silence better given the tendency to make him speak too much, to distort his Words.” Father Christian de Cherge
Gladiolus bloom from the bottom up and are often a symbol of a spiritual journey, climbing higher towards light.
Who should work with an end-of-life doula?
There is a current ‘death positivity’ movement growing in society, bringing a desire to have deeper conversations about how we view, and live through, the dying process. This ‘death positivity’ seeks to honor the sacredness of death. Anyone who is approching the final stages of life and would like to end well could benefit from working with an end-of-life doula.
What is the fee for working with an end-of-life doula?
End-of-life doula care is highly individualistic. Services and fees will be tailored to meet the individual’s needs.