What is an End-of-Life Doula, also known as a Death Doula?
Much like a birth doula, an End-of-Life Doula is there to provide non-medical support to people dealing with terminal illnesses or those who are close to passing on. This support can look different in each situation, but generally this can include:
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Planning celebration services
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Assisting with actualizing the end of life whether at home through hospice or in a hospital setting. This can be as simple as sitting with someone during the event or creating a space with music, lighting, blankets, and other personal effects.
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Discussing death and dying whether with loved ones or the community in general.
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Supporting the religious or spiritual aspects of passing on
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Spending time with those close to the end
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Assist in completion of medical documents (such as DNR or Advanced Directives)
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Helping the dying keep their personal autonomy
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Being a calm presence in what may feel like a time of chaos
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Helping loved ones be comfortable with the personal choices of those passing on Your End-of-Life Doula will help attune the experience to be what fits best to your situation, as navigating the grief and death process can easily be overwhelming.
Whether you just need a friend to sit with you, or need more in-depth services, your doula can carefully assist in whatever arises. Both death and grief have become taboo subjects, simple whispers in society. Death Doulas work to bring the discussion of these things back into the open to help those experiencing these changes. Grief can be a long process, and these doulas help others through this, including before, during, and after the loss.
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Cost of services: FREE
More resources to learn about End-of-Life Doulas:https://health.clevelandclinic.org/death-doula
About your Death Doula
Marci Ellis
​Marci received her Death Doula certification in 2020 from Baltimore's Diaspora Death Doulas and aims to offer these services to the community free of charge.