What is a death doula?

A Death Doula, also known as End-of-life doula or End-of-life Practitioner, provides non-medical, holistic support and comfort to the dying person and their caregivers, from planning through diagnosis through bereavement.

Why would we hire a death doula?

Death Doulas work closely with patients, family members and caregivers to meet their needs during this difficult time, as well as providing critical patient information and updates to Hospice care providers. Many describe a death doula as a calming, supportive presence in the process. A death doula can provide a variety of support options, including:

• Identifying the needs/preferences of the patient and caregivers

• Liaising with the hospice care team to provide critical patient updates that help ensure that they are comfortable, and their needs met

• Providing respite care for caregivers when they must step away but don’t want to leave their loved one alone

• Discussing end-of-life planning, such as preferences, advanced care directives, vigils, after-death body care, funeral planning and post-death organization

• Facilitating difficult conversations and advocating for the patient and their family’s rights

• “Just being there” to provide companionship and support