What is an End of Life Doula or Death Doula?
End Of Life Doulas (EOLDs) provide non-medical, non-judgmental, holistic support and comfort to the dying person and their loved ones. This support may include education and guidance as well as emotional, spiritual or practical care, from as early as initial diagnosis through bereavement. Also known as Death Doulas, Death Midwives, and End Of Life Guides or Coaches, End Of Life Doulas help create a safe space that allows the dying individual and those close to them to speak openly and frankly about dying. This also aids clients to be prepared and to be present with what is meaningful to them as they live their last days and weeks. We bring a focused and intuitive presence to the bedside that encourages a deeper engagement for all involved. Our support is focused on, and adapted to, the unique needs of each person, family, and community served. Doulas foster self-determination in their clients by assisting them in gathering information and encouraging them to make informed choices that are right for them. Everything a Doula does is to set their clients up for the smoothest end-of-life journey possible. End Of Life Doulas are trained in 3 key areas: Summing Up & Planning; Conducting Vigil; and Reprocessing & Early Grief. Click Here for more details on the Services Page.
End Of Life Doulas work with other caregivers and members of the medical team. The skills of an End Of Life Doula may overlap somewhat with that of chaplains and social workers, enabling a Doula to work in collaboration with them for the benefit of clients and families. For client needs outside of the EOLD’s scope of practice, the Doula makes referrals to appropriate professionals and community resources. We can begin to work with clients before they’re eligible for hospice. As non-medical care providers, End Of Life Doulas do not perform clinical tasks (e.g., monitor vital signs, administer medication). We complement the work of hospice and palliative care teams, working with and alongside them. EOLDs can be the extra set of eyes and ears allowing us to relay important updates to the medical staff. Doulas offer time that hospice facilities are not able to consistently provide. Excerpted from INELDA’s website, “Hospice and palliative care programs don’t have the structure or staffing to alleviate the care issues that arise from our cultural denial and avoidance around death. This is why the new role of doula has emerged. Doulas fill in the gaps. More than that, they help restore sacredness to dying, provide respite to exhausted caregivers, bring deep meaning to the dying experience, and prepare people for the last breaths of their loved one.”
Patient-Client and Family Benefits from Working with an End Of Life Doula
- Greater emotional support and interaction
- Increased sense of control
- Better understanding of signs and symptoms
- Less anxiety, depression, and suffering
- Deeper sense of purpose in last days
- Easier time with grief
- Having the chance to be truly heard
“The End Of Life Doula’s work makes a positive difference in the lives of dying people and their families.”
“When my husband was terminally ill several years ago (2006), Neidra was there for him and me at all times. Frequent phone calls and sending written resources to read, among her many expressions of love, were so comforting to Tom and me and I will never forget her caring, kindness and love and I love her truly!!” E.H. 10/09/2019
