"You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life."
Dame Cicely Saunders
Why Work with an End-of-Life Doula?
The period surrounding death can often be stressful and challenging for any family, and most people are often unprepared to navigate this time of uncertainties. End-of-life doulas assist in easing some of the mental and emotional burden that naturally emerges during this process. We prioritize ensuring that the last days are peaceful and dignified, filled with both grace and meaning. We support the family in preparing for and processing the transition of their loved one. A doula can also be an incredible resource in managing practical and logistical concerns, freeing up precious time and energy to focus on their loved one and each other instead.
End-of-life doula support may include education and guidance as well as emotional, spiritual, or practical care, as early as initial diagnosis through the bereavement period, and at any time in between.
There are a variety of ways in a which an end-of-life doula will serve these needs:
- Educating the dying person and family about the dying process
- Assisting with advance care and end-of-life planning
- Creating uniquely-tailored vigil plans
- Doing life review and legacy work
- Designing rituals to support and integrate transitions
- Advocating for your needs and collaborating with medical team/hospice, caregivers and loved ones
- Providing practical, spiritual, and emotional support before, during, and just after death
- Providing bereavement support for loved ones
Working with an end-of-life doula ensures that you will support and guidance throughout the end-of-life process. You don’t have to do this alone.
End-of-Life Doula Services
Advance Care Planning & End-of-Life Planning
Give the gift of peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones by completing your advance planning.
I will assist you in the process which can include advance directive paperwork (living will), organizing important information and documents, determining end-of-life care preferences, as well as understanding and selecting a disposition method.
This work can also include deciding what you would like done with your most cherished possessions.
Companionship & Conversation
I understand the importance of companionship and meaningful conversation during life’s most tender moments. This is especially true for individuals living with dementia, where companionship and conversation play a vital role in maintaining connection and dignity.
As a compassionate guide and companion, I offer a supportive presence, lending an empathetic ear and engaging in heartfelt dialogue. Whether it’s reminiscing about cherished memories, exploring fears and hopes, or simply sharing moments of quiet companionship, I am here to honor your/your loved one’s journey with warmth, understanding, and genuine care.
Life Review Work & Legacy Projects
Life review involves a process of recollecting, evaluating, and attributing meaning to positive and negative memories. Although life review is about memories from the past, it serves to empower those facing end-of-life issues to find hope, value, and meaning in their lives.
I utilize various life review techniques, from Life Story to Dignity Therapy, as well as various questionnaires and projects. Life review work provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your life and process the events and people who shaped it.
The most important thing about life review and legacy work is that there are no rules or limits. You don’t have to be old, and you don’t even need to have a terminal diagnosis.
Through this life review work together, we can create a legacy project that is uniquely YOU.
Examples of legacy projects:
- A scrapbook
- A collection of your favorite recipes
- A blanket made out of your favorite t-shirts or other fabric
- A life review worksheet
- An edited Dignity Therapy recording or transcript
- Imparting wisdom to loved ones (also known as an Ethical Will)
- Handprints in plaster or paint
- A video montage (of your best advice, cherished memories, stories about your family history, etc.)
- Cards or gifts for future birthdays, holidays, or other milestone occasions
- A poem, story, or song
- A playlist of your favorite songs
Caregiver Support
Caregiving is a heart-centered act of service and I am here to offer support to you and your loved one while you rest and replenish. This service can include sitting with your loved one (at home or in facility), light housework, cooking a meal, pet care, or running errands, as well as coordinating with family members, friends, and additional service providers.
Vigil Planning & Sitting
An end-of-life vigil is held when the dying person enters the active dying phase. A vigil plan is a plan for how the dying person wishes their last days of life to look, sound, and feel. This plan is uniquely tailored to each individual and engages their senses, is grounded in their values, and guides visitors during the final days.
Vigil plans can include praying, silence, sitting together, talking and listening, reading inspirational texts, healing touch, music, candles, and meaningful end-of-life rituals.
Guided Imagery & Meditation
As a certified meditation and mindfulness guide, I use guided imagery techniques to help reduce anxiety, agitation, fear, and distress and provide peace and comfort. Guided imagery requires no work or effort on the listener’s part – it only requires the ability to hear. Hearing is frequently available to a dying person, even after the other senses have waned. Guided imagery can be an effective tool for alleviating pain, stress, and grief and helps ease the transition for the dying person and their loved ones.
Bereavement Support
In addition to supporting individuals nearing the end of their lives, I also offer compassionate bereavement support services for family members and loved ones who are coping with loss. Losing a loved one can be one of the most challenging experiences we face in life, and it’s essential to have a supportive and understanding presence during this time of grief.
My bereavement support services provide a safe space for individuals to express their emotions, process their grief, and find comfort in the midst of loss. Whether you’re navigating the immediate aftermath of a loss or seeking ongoing support as you adjust to life without your loved one, I’m here to offer compassionate listening, practical guidance, and emotional support every step of the way.
Swedish Death Cleaning
Swedish Death Cleaning, or Döstädning, in Swedish, is based on the idea of “lagom,” which means “just the right amount.” This idea suggests that we should only keep what we need in our lives and get rid of anything that doesn’t bring us joy. You can embrace this philosophy at any time of your life.
For those who are facing a terminal illness, Swedish Death Cleaning is a thoughtful way to ensure that your grieving loved ones won’t be tasked with the burden of going through your possessions once you have passed. Many items can be sold or donated, and you can gift things you no longer need to friends and family who would undoubtedly find special meaning in them. Whatever the reason, I can provide supportive, nonjudgmental assistance throughout the process.
“Death is just another path. One that we all must take.”
J.R.R. Tolkein
Pricing and Packages
Upon contacting me, will will schedule an initial 30-minute consultation to go over your particular needs. This will determine if we are a good fit for this journey together. There is no charge for this consultation.
Consultations can take place via phone, or virtually through Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp – whichever is best for you.
If we decide to work together, my hourly rate is $75/hr (includes travel to home or facility within the Greater Monadnock Region).
Package pricing is as follows:
- 6-Hour Support Pkg – $425
- 10-Hour Support Pkg – $675
- 20-Hour Support Pkg – $1300
Sliding Fee Scale: I believe everyone deserves to have a good death. If financial assistance is needed, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would like to support you as best I can.
Member: National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA Proficient), National Home Funeral Alliance, International Association of Reiki Professionals