An End of Life Doula is a Guide/ Advocate/ Companion to someone who is dying, and the person’s family. Having someone to guide you helps to manage the stress and anxiety that naturally occurs when a patient and their family members are faced with a terminal illness.
There are many dynamics associated with dying. They include the fear of physical pain, emotional upset, spiritual pain, and the uncertainty of what will happen after death.
End of Life Doula’s are trained, holistic, non-medical professionals who offer a supportive presence to the dying and the loved ones of the dying without judgment. They strive to honor the wishes of the patient, allowing them to maintain autonomy and control. The main goal is to ensure a peaceful, comfortable, and dignified end of life experience.
Because Doula’s are trained in the three phases of the end-of-life care, as well as disease processes, they are an excellent resource and have the knowledge to explain what the patient is experiencing, and then offer suggestions for comfort. Doulas also work hand in hand with hospice and the care team sharing information to ensure the patient is a comfortable as possible.
The following are examples of what services an End of Life Doula can perform:
- Recommend comfort measures
- Create a care plan that is unique to the patient and their needs
- Offer companionship to the patient
- Act as a liaison with the medical/ hospice team
- Provide education about disease process/ stages of end of life
- Assist in facilitating unresolved issues
- Advise on Advanced Care Directives
- Facilitate Life Legacy projects
- Provide respite care
- Assist with vigil planning and support
- Provide emotional support and suggestions for coping skills during the bereavement and grief process
An End of Life Doula does not:
- Provide hands on care ( bathing, toileting, changing of adult incontinence briefs)
- Administer medications
- Take temperature, blood pressure (BP)
- Provide wound care including treatment of pressure sores or skin breakdown
- Make any decisions related to the end of life care for the patient
- Project their own beliefs or opinions when acting on behalf of the patient
Judith Arasi - End of Life Doula 