What is an End-of-Life Doula?

End-of-life doulas, or death doulas, support people who are dying and their loved ones. Most everyone has heard of birthing doulas, but the title “End-of-Life Doula” is fairly new. Our work, however, has been done for centuries.

Birth doulas get people ready for the very real work that goes into labor and delivery while death doulas get people ready for the very real work that goes into dying.

When someone receives a terminal diagnosis or otherwise recognizes that death is near, they often don’t know what to do first. Many practical decisions must be made but emotions can be overwhelming.

Too many people feel lost and alone. They don’t realize that an entire network of support is available to them. There’s a way to die more peacefully while surrounded by loved ones. And in a way that keeps those loved ones supported as well.

Others might want to plan for their end of life before a diagnosis happens. They just need assistance with advance care directives, pre-planning, care coordination, and other details.

A properly trained death doula can help at either stage.

My History and Training

Every death doula is different. Let me tell you how I came to this work.

I hail from a large Irish Catholic family and attended my first Last Rites when I was five years old. Viewing death as a normal part of life, the way my culture conceived of it, always seemed healthy and natural. I converted to Judaism as an adult and found more rituals and a similar comfort in those communal traditions.

I grew up in Tampa and attended the University of South Florida. Using my political science and history degree, I built a successful career as a political advocate, educator (at both the high school and college level), and newspaper columnist for both The Tampa Tribune and Creative Loafing.

I also raised two boys.

During the pandemic, while volunteering for hospice, I felt a calling to do more than volunteer. I wanted to use my empathy, knowledge, and advocacy background to help serve people at the end of life.

I learned about the End-of-Life Doula Program at the University of Vermont. Since there is no state or federal regulation around doula work, I realized it was up to me to seek out the most rigorous education I could find. To provide my clients with someone fully trained to serve in whatever way they need.

I also knew it was essential to join a professional alliance promoting only the best practices.

I graduated from the UVM program and became a credentialed member of NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Alliance.)

What is a Death Doula?

Death doulas serve in a variety of ways. In Tampa at first and now in Chicago, I’m working with continuity care networks, elder care attorneys, psychedelic societies, home health care agencies, and funeral directors. I serve those in our community dealing with a serious diagnosis or those who want to plan for their end-of-life needs.

Some of what I do include:

Companion

I can’t promise my clients anything except that whatever they go through, they’re not alone. I’m happy to sit with them and just listen. As a peer counselor, I listen to their joys and regrets without judgment.

Educate

My clients and their care teams don’t know much about the dying process. They feel so much anxiety. I hold sessions educating care teams about what to expect so they aren’t as scared and can better care for their loved ones.

We go over checklists for the dying, how to support people at the end of life, and how to effectively reduce physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering.

Drafting Advance Care Directives

Families sometimes resist tender talks or uncomfortable conversations. Discussing whether a loved one wants to be kept alive by artificial means fills them with dread.

As a parent, a former special needs teacher, a hospice volunteer, and now a doula – I have years of experience facilitating difficult conversations. When crises happen in families with advance directives in place, they feel overwhelming gratitude that this “what if” has already been decided by the client.

Planning Funerals or Memorial Services

As a family services/pre-need counselor, I’m happy to help clients and loved ones plan a funeral service that’s right for them. This includes music, prayers, and rituals from many different faiths.

Connecting

I don’t provide medical care or legal advice. I’m not a grief counselor or music therapist. However, I have a network of ethical and supportive professionals to recommend. I connect clients and families with a wide variety of pre-and post-death services.

Create a Warm and Loving Space

Whether a client is at home or in the hospital, their space can be personal and peaceful. I am happy to bring books, candles, rugs, pillows, and anything else that might help make the room more comfortable.

I also provide guidance and support for visitors who want to be helpful and say the right things. Comfortable surroundings help facilitate a more peaceful death.

Coordinate Care, Visits, and Volunteers

Doctors, nurses, social workers, aides, friends, loved ones, and volunteers who run errands are all so very helpful. However, most clients don’t want to spend precious time and energy scheduling everyone. Doulas are also project managers and can easily coordinate visits so the client can concentrate on enjoying friends and loved ones instead.  

Legacy Projects

I help clients create recipe books, written or recorded life stories, and other legacy projects that can be handed down to future generations. These are cherished gifts for grieving loved ones in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Assist with Final Wishes

One of the first things I ask a client is, “How do you want to live the rest of your life?” Some want to celebrate an early birthday, graduation, or anniversary. I help make that happen.

I’ve also had clients who want to reach out to estranged loved ones to make amends or reconnect. I help make that happen, too.

Pricing Plans

Medicare and insurance don’t cover death doula work. That might trigger you to think, “I can’t afford that.”

Yes, you can.

My prices depend on the services you need, the time you require, and your ability to pay – I operate on a sliding scale. No one is turned away.

Good deaths are similar to good lives. 

If you feel empowered to own your own life, then feel empowered to own your own death. Being true to yourself can mean a life free from regret and death that is joyful.

What is an end-of-life doula? Someone proud to support those who want such an ending. Someone like me. Contact Anitya Doula Services in Chicago today.