Services

Unbelievably, I stumbled upon End of Life Doulas.  My niece is a Birth Doula but I had never heard of End of Life Doulas.  I had no idea they existed but was immediately drawn to the service. I completed End of Life Doula Training  in July 2020 with INELDA - International End of Life Doula Association. As a doula, I  will be there to provide emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical support at a crucial, stressful time in families' lives.    I will begin my certification journey as soon as it is safe to do so.

I am a widow, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and community volunteer. I sat at my mother's side often as a youngster as she visited the sick, cooked, cleaned, prayed with ill persons, prayed with bereaved families, and comforted family members.  I realized how much of a special job she accomplished through her loving and willing spirit and it impacted me tremendously.  

My mother had Alzheimer's and it was difficult watching her fade away in front of us.  I was so happy I'd sat down with my parents in the 1980s and asked them everything they wanted for their homegoing celebration. I'd even taken them to the local funeral home of their choice to pick their caskets. It was such a joy and provided an easy path to have the information at my fingertips when my mother passed away suddenly.  Everything was as she wanted it to be! That is a part of the services I provide.

I grew up believing death was beautiful and many were finally at peace and free of pain and suffering.  My plans are to meet people where they are and help them to honor themselves.  I will build a relationship with clients, get to know their desires and work with family members to build trust and confidence. I can work with hospice, if needed, to bridge the gap between nonmedical and medical services. I'll serve in a nonmedical capacity and be the person who helps with spiritual, emotional and physical care. I will be available to help relieve stress and fears for client and family members along with resources. 

Services offered included: respite care, methods of comfort, dealing with forgiveness, devising memorials to leave, planning death and funeral, assistance with writing obituaries and eulogies, along with grief support for family members. 

 Q: What is a  End of  Life Doula?
A. A “doula” is a Greek word meaning a non-medical person who gives physical, emotional, and spiritual support to someone else such as any elderly person or one with terminal illness.

Q: What is hospice?
A:  The hospice nurse teaches the family how to care for their loved one. Generally, the family will see the hospice nurse once a week, and an aide may be present for either one or two hours a day for 2-3 times a week. Any additional care can be obtained from outside sources.

Q: How will I know when to call you?
A: The sooner, the better! We can help in many meaningful ways from diagnosis right on through the process.

Q: Will I still require hospice care?
A: Yes.  I will work right alongside your hospice provider.

Q: Will you provide nursing or medical services?
A: No. I will not be able to provide these services but can advise when these services are needed.

Q: So then, what does a Doula do?
A: I am trained for non-medical health care professionals, many of whom are nurses.  Doulas offer suggestions for comfort to the patient and family. I provide support to the family and patient during all phases of care. I am not home health aides; rather, I am a professional who guide the family and patient through the often times stressful journey.

Q: Are  Doulas certified?
A: Some doulas choose to complete certification. I am awaiting to apply after it is safer to do so due to COVID-19.

Q: Can I leave my loved one in your care?
A: Yes. I will be able to provide respite care.

Q: How do we contact you?
A: You can contact me on Contact Me page.

Q: What are some examples of services?
A: 

-Preparation of key documents including advance directives and wills

-End of life planning; create remembrances for family and friends; work with patient on writing obituaries, eulogies, and making funeral arrangements.

- Provide information on end of life options and phases of end of life.

-Advise on the different kinds of support needed during the phases.