HOW WE SUPPORT THE DYING AND THE ONES THEY LOVE
A Death Doula is a non-medical, caring, sensitive, and compassionate individual who has been trained to care for both the personal and emotional needs of the dying. Those approaching death, have an individual journey they must travel. A Death Doula is a companion on that journey.
Much like a Birthing Doula assists a mother and family with her comfort and plans for the prospective birth; we assist in planning for the eventual death of our clients and making every moment as comfortable and memorable as possible.
I believe, and statistics show, more people would choose to die at home, if they had a good support system to facilitate the process. We assist our clients and their families to find what services are available as well as how to acquire those services. We can work with government support agencies, medical professionals, hospice services, clergy, alternative therapies, and home care services to help families provide the best possible care.
As well as the practical, there are emotional issues that we can support: funeral arrangements, legacy work, being a companion, bringing hope to the circumstance, and assist clients to find peace with the past and the present. We assist our clients and their families to live each day to the fullest measure possible.
After death, we can assist the family with rituals and ceremonies to honor their family member, while bringing peace and closure to those left behind.
Dying is an inevitable event. It will happen to all of us. I believe we should leave this world with dignity and in the way that we choose. Death is a life changing event for everyone around us. Let’s learn to do it well.