What is a Death Doula?
A Death Doula is a holistic, non-medical caregiver who is trained to care for a person and their loved ones in the last phases of their life. At its core, our role is offering a grounded, supportive presence for individuals and their loved ones during an emotionally intense time. We provide comfort and advocacy to those nearing the end of life, while also offering the support loved ones need to focus on their grief, take breaks, let go, and just spend meaningful time honoring those who are passing. Our presence ensures steady reassurance, comfort, and companionship as death approaches.
The Essentials
Do you have the paperwork in place to ensure your family understands what you want if you become incapacitated or die unexpectedly? Do your loved ones know what your wishes are for burial or cremation? Do you want to create a legacy project for those you leave behind? I can help guide you through the process of advance directives, living wills, power of attorney, and anything else you may need to ensure your wishes are respected.
*90-minute consultation
in office, by phone, or over video call
*FREE 30-minute initial consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a death Doula different from Hospice care?
Hospice provides medical care to manage symptoms and comfort at the end of life, whereas the Death Doula focuses on emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. They work alongside hospice teams but do not provide medical services.
Do I need to be terminally ill to work with a Death Doula?
No, Death Doulas can be helpful even if you are not facing an immediate terminal diagnosis. Many people engage Doulas on a consultation basis to explore their thoughts on death or to plan and organize their Advance Directives or final wishes.
Can a Death Doula help me talk to my family about my end of life wishes?
Absolutely. Death Doulas are skilled in facilitating difficult conversations about death and end of life wishes, helping families communicate openly about topics that might otherwise be challenging or avoided.
Do Death Doulas work with people of all spiritual beliefs?
Yes, Death Doulas respect and honor all spiritual, religious, and non-religious beliefs. Their goal is to provide support that aligns with the individual's values and wishes, regardless of their belief system.
How do Death Doulas support families and loved ones?
Doulas support families by helping them to understand what to expect through the dying process, offering respite to the caregivers, light housekeeping or meal prep, providing emotional support, and helping with after death rituals or planning. They also provide a calm, steady presence to ease fear and anxiety
Interested in becoming a
Death Doula?
Below are the links to excellent programs to start or continue your journey as a Death Doula.
Doulagivers Institute
expanding and enhancing quality end of life care for all people everywhere in the world and empowering family caregivers with the skills and knowledge they need to provide compassionate care to those they love in the final stages of life.
Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying
We teach the art of contemplative living and dying while providing a beautiful home and compassionate care for those at end of life
Going with Grace
Simple, Knowledgeable, and Compassionate End of Life Planning, Training, and Support
Care Doula
How to create a unique & heart-centered end-of-life service to support people during the dying time.
Free trainings available