End Of Life Doula Specialties
Elder Companion
Companion to the dying and the dying person's loved ones. The main goal of the
EOLD is to be a companion to the dying and their loved ones. The EOL doula is a
supportive presence and is there to “hold the space” for the dying patient and their
loved ones in order to decrease as much stress as possible at this time.
Comfort Planning
Suggesting interventions for comfort. The EOLD is trained in all 3 phases of
end of life care. Emily knows what to look for as a patient’s condition changes and
she knows what interventions to suggest to the family to increase comfort.
Unresolved Issues
Helping to facilitate unresolved issues. Being a great listener and helping to
facilitate any unresolved issues that may be identified.
Advanced Directives
If they are not already done, helping the patient create an advance directive. This is a legal document that will express the patients’ wishes for
healthcare and pick a health care proxy - someone to speak for the patient if they are
not able to speak for themselves.
Vigil Planning
Planning the Vigil. - Plan for how the
last 24-48 hours of the person’s life to be and who they would like to be there.
End of Life Planning
End of life Planning- helping the patient and or family with planning for the wake,
funeral, and eulogy. Please note- there is a rapid change in options for “celebrating” a
life that has ended. Examples include home wakes/funerals, green/ natural burials,
and cremation.
Obituary
Writing the Obituary. Supporting Patients and Family in the writing process. Providing resources for local publications.
Legacy and Remembrance
Creating Remembrances. Helping the patient to document his/her meaningful life
stories to leave behind for their loved ones. This can be done with writing, recording,
videotape, songs.
Supportive Closure
Finding Peace and Acceptance.
Helping the patient to find meaning in their life
and what their contribution was to this life. ~Family, community, work etc.
Reliable Support
Doulas support the Patient and Their Loved Ones through the Entire End of Life
Journey. Assuring the patient and loved ones that you are here for them and will walk
them through this experience. They will stay with them after their loved one has passed.
Telling them that grieving is an important part of loosing someone and should be given
the time to do it properly. The doula will share with the loved ones several grieving
skills to help honor the loss and celebrate the spirit of the deceased.