What should I ask my end-of-life doula?
You’ve reached out to seek the support of an end-of-life doula, and you’re preparing for the first meeting. Here are some questions you could ask:
Support and Services
Can you describe the range of services you typically offer to families in situations like ours? How can you support both my loved one, and me as a caregiver during this time?
Tailoring Support
How do you tailor your support to meet the unique needs and preferences of my family?
Collaboration with the Care Team
How do you usually collaborate with other members of the care team, like medical professionals and other care providers, to ensure coordinated care?
Emotional and Communication Support
How do you approach providing emotional support to my loved one, and our family? How can you help us navigate difficult conversations about end-of-life decisions, wishes and concerns?
Advance Care Planning
How can you help us navigate advance care planning and ensure that my loved one’s wishes are honored? Are there any practical steps we should consider in this process?
Creating a Comfortable Environment
What strategies do you suggest for creating a calm and comforting environment for my loved one? How can we enhance their quality of life and well-being during their remaining time?
Support for Caregivers
How do you assist family caregivers like me in managing the physical and emotional demands of caregiving? Are there self-care strategies or resources you can recommend?
Logistical and Practical Assistance
Are there any practical tasks you can help with, such as coordinating with other caregivers, organizing important documents, or finding respite care?
Cultural and Spiritual Sensitivity
How do you address diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs when working with families? How do you ensure that these aspects are respected and integrated into your support?
Availability and Communication
At what point in time do you usually begin your support? How do you typically communicate with families? Is there a way to reach you in case of emergencies? What is your availability for meetings and support sessions? When does your support stop?
Expectations and Goals
How can we work together to define our goals for my loved one’s care and support during their end-of-life journey? What can we expect in terms of regular check-ins or updates?
Legacy and Remembrance
Can you support us in preserving my loved one’s legacy and helping us remember them in meaningful ways? Do you have ideas for creating keepsakes or memorials?
Comfort During the Final Days
How can we ensure that my loved one feels comfortable and supported during their final days?
Family Closure
How do you provide support to me and other caregivers during these intense and emotional days? What guidance can you offer for facilitating closure and saying goodbye as a family?
Guidance on Vigil and Transition
What can we expect during the transition process in the final moments? How can you help us prepare for and navigate this time?