An end-of-life doula (EOLD), also known as a death doula, provides non-medical, holistic support and comfort to individuals who are preparing for their death and to the people who love them. Through their physical and/or virtual presence, end-of-life doulas educate, support, guide, and assist.

An end-of-life doula assists with dying in some of the same ways that a birth doula assists with the birth. When time allows, death doulas can help a person define the experience they want for themselves and for their loved ones before, during, and after death.

Simply stated by the National End-of-Life-Doula Alliance (NEDA), "EOLDs (end-of-life doulas) seek to help those dying and their loved ones achieve an end-of-life experience that is as meaningful, peaceful, and well-prepared as possible for all involved." Learn more about the role of end-of-life doulas on the NEDA website.

NEDA also provides tips for choosing an end-of-life doula.

Some people come to end-of-life doula work as a natural progression from work they once did in the medical field. Others, like me, are non-medical lay people who begin working as death doulas because we realize that while dying can be difficult it is also a most sacred time, the event of a lifetime, a person's final act on this earth in their current body. It is a privilege to be part of this process.

The scope of practice and training for end-of-life doulas varies. While there is no one central accrediting body, nor is there licensing for end-of-life doulas, there are a variety of training programs to support our work.

The National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) provides suggestions for selecting end-of life (EOLD) training. NEDA has also compiled a comprehensive list of end-of-life doula core competencies to identify critical areas of knowledge and skills for this emerging field.

I provide non-medical support and care. Here are just a few ways I can help you and/or your loved one:

• Offering my presence, my compassion, and my time, to be with you and/or those you love before, during and after end-of-life.
• Advocating for you and accompanying you as you navigate through new experiences.
• Visiting nursing homes, care centers, or hospitals, to be with you or your loved one.
• Coaching you through pre-planning, such as: providing you with tools to complete your Advanced Directives;  documenting important information in case you are temporarily or permanently unable to manage your life and business affairs; serving as your health care power of attorney role if you don't have someone who can take this on.
• Helping you understand the differences between palliative care and hospice.
• Assisting with legacy and/or memorial projects.
• Helping to coordinate care and support; communicating with family and friends.
• Sitting vigil during the active dying process and explaining what is happening.
• Planning memorials or celebrations of life.
• Providing a caring ear during the grieving process.
• Connecting you with resources, including professional services, books, website, and other tools for support.
• Educating you and your family on the stages of dying.

I am not a medical provider, attorney or financial planner. 

End-of-life doula services are private pay, in much the same way that many alternative health services are private pay.

My hourly rates are on a sliding scale, ranging from $30 - $90 per hour, depending on where you feel you fall on the scale. For some, $30 may still be too high. If that is the case, please let me know and we can discuss what is possible. 

Why am I doing this?

Having an end-of-life doula at your side and on-call can make all the difference. I volunteer heavily in my community, and I also need to meet my own living expenses. At different times in my life I have been able to pay at the lowest point of the scale, and at other times I have easily been able to pay at the upper part of the scale. When I can, I pay it forward. When I can't, I am grateful for a community that supports me.

You may pay with cash, credit cards, direct bank transfers (via PayPal, Zelle or Venmo). I am also open to barters, payment plans, and other ways of working together.