What is an end-of-life doula, and how can they help me?

An end-of-life doula offers emotional, spiritual, and practical help to those with terminal illnesses and their families.

Their role isn't medical. They offer companionship, help explain what's coming, and can even support with daily chores like shopping or walking the dog. They can be present from the diagnosis of a terminal illness towards the final weeks and days.

End-of-life doulas can offer:

Emotional support

They offer a safe space for discussing fears, concerns, and emotional challenges.

Practical support

They offer practical support, like helping with personal care, creating a calm environment, and managing pain or symptoms.

Healthcare navigation

They help you navigate the healthcare system, coordinate care with various healthcare providers, manage medications, and understand treatment options.

Advance care planning

They help with end-of-life decisions and facilitate discussions about advance care plans, living wills, and assigning medical power of attorney.

Education and information

They provide information and resources about the end-of-life process, including physical, emotional, and spiritual changes, and help with making informed decisions.

Comfort measures

They offer techniques to enhance comfort, such as gentle touch, aromatherapy, guided relaxation, or suggesting fitting music or readings. They collaborate with healthcare professionals to make sure physical comfort needs, like pain management, are met.

Legacy work

They can help with the reflection process and creating a meaningful legacy. This may involve documenting personal stories, recording video messages, or creating keepsakes or memory books.

Vigil presence

They provide emotional, spiritual, and physical support during a person's final hours or days. They create a peaceful environment, assist with comfort, aid communication, and make sure no one dies alone.

Bereavement support

They provide resources for grief counselling, community services and support groups, and help with funeral planning.

Spiritual support

If needed, they can also help with spiritual and religious needs, helping people find peace and meaning in the final days.