end of life doula

You’ve heard of a Birth Doula…?  Doula is a Greek work that means to serve.  In 2015 I trained with Henry Fersko-Weiss who is a Social Worker and a Buddhist who founded the Int’l. End-of-Life Doula Association  https://www.inelda.org/ whose non-profit mission is to foster end of life doulas in hospices, hospitals, communities, and directly to people in transition through the service of private practice.

Being a Doula is a non-medical position, although we’ve been hospice trained and stay in compliance with hospice practices. That training is with the Danbury, Connecticut Regional Hospice. We typically serve as a coach for the one transitioning, or the family members who are present and want to be involved. We hold space to bring deeper meaning and greater comfort to dying people and the loved ones journeying alongside. Doulas open conversation, discuss emotions, review plans, share stories & music, hopes & dreams about the subject of dying. We help with legacy projects and vigil plans. We meet people where they’re at, honor each individual, and respect all walks of the life they have lived.

We normally first meet with the individual or family and come up with a plan. If we are brought into the situation early enough Doulas are a great comfort in aiding life review. From there we work together with whatever needs to be done (outside of medical support) and honor the wishes each individual has. Doulas work in service for the families that engage them on an as-needed basis, and gratefully accept donations..

Please reach out to me for more information about this kind of help, or to make an exploratory appointment.