End-of-life doulas empower, educate and encourage people and their families to be involved in making decisions. The word "doula" is Greek for servant or helper. Like a birth doula supports women during the labour process, a death doula supports a person during the dying process.
An end-of-life doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical assistance, guidance and companionship through life’s transformative changes.
Why hire an End-of-Life Doula?
Support with navigating the sometimes difficult and complex decisions that come alongside the challenges of living with a life-limiting diagnosis.
Support with articulating and documenting your Advance Care Plan.
Connection to important local end-of-life resources that are aligned with your values, beliefs and culture.
Support in uncovering what legacy or keepsake might embody your unique and valued perspective.
Connection to resources and answers about MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) should that be of interest to you.
Assistance with actively supporting your care wishes during the time leading up to your transition.
Respect and advocate for your right to choose how you would like to be accompanied during your transition, and we’re here for you - every step of the way.
Provide you with the everyday help it takes to thrive — socially, emotionally, and physically.
Respectfully present, listening, learning and honouring your wishes.
Emotionally and peacefully present with you during your final days when your energy and ability to engage are waning.
Encouragement, support and resources for speaking openly with your loved ones about your death, dying, and everything in between.
Talking to your loved ones about your death is hard. And sometimes, lingering or past challenges that you and your loved ones currently face make it even harder to have conversations, especially about your care plans and dying with dignity decisions. We can be present and supportive in having end-of-life conversations with your family.
We make sure that your loved ones (both near and far) are kept up to date and informed of what’s happening with you (both with whom you would like to be kept informed and with as much information as you’d like them to know).
Full-Service Package
Includes holistic care throughout your end-of-life journey.
We offer a complimentary consultation to talk about your unique circumstances and needs. The following are suggested services that can be included with the purchase of a full-service package.
Planning & Preparing:
During our sessions together, we will explore the reality of your mortality, support you in defining your care and dignity-preserving priorities, provide resources to help you uncover your core values, and encourage sharing and articulating your hopes and fears around death, dying, and after-death care with those who will be tasked with decision making should you be unable to. Including:
Advance Care Planning
Support with articulating and documenting your Advance Directives
Information on local resources that are in line with your views and beliefs
Family Meeting Facilitation and/or Communication Liaison:
Talking to your loved ones about your death is hard. And sometimes, lingering or past challenges that you and your loved ones currently face make it even harder to have conversations, especially about your care plans and dying with dignity decisions. I can be present and supportive in having end-of-life conversations with your family.
We make sure that your loved ones (both near and far) are kept up to date and informed of what’s happening with you (both with whom you would like to be kept informed and with as much information as you’d like them to know).
Home Organization:
Sometimes it’s hard enough to deal with the aspects of what’s happening to you as a person, that dealing with what will be left behind after you die is just too much to handle. You may have spent a lifetime accumulating cherished items that bring you joy. And it’s hard to think of those items going anywhere else. I can help you sort through your home (so that your loved ones don’t have to after you're gone), and be there while you choose which items to keep, which items are to be gifted, and which items you are ready to let go of.
Companionship/Vigil:
I often hear people tell me that they don’t want to die alone or that they don’t want their loved one to die alone. The reality for most of us is that unless our death happens in a mass tragedy, it is likely that, at the time of our death, we will be the only one in the room who is actively dying.
What Soulfull Departures does, is metaphorically walk with you or your loved one to the gate. Regardless of your belief system, the feelings of companionship and connection to your loved ones can be significant during the transition between life and death. We respect your right to choose how you would like to be escorted, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
Legacy Project(s):
What are your hopes and dreams for your loved ones? Are there specific things you would want your loved ones to know about you, and are there particular things you would like them to remember? What about being remembered matters to you (i.e., what is your legacy)? Soulfull Departures can help you design and create a keepsake for your loved ones - the only limit to how and what feels right for you, is our pooled creative minds!
Here are some ideas:
Soulfull Legacy Conversation Keepsake Booklet (with video or voice recording)
Milestone Videos or Letters for your loved ones who will have to live and celebrate milestones without you in the future
Cookbook of your famous recipes
Playlist of your favourite songs
Handprint Art