Helpful Information About End-of-Life Care
A Doula is a non-medical person who provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to someone else. Specifically to the dying person and their loved ones in the final days and hours.
An End of Life Doula can assist in drawing up an Advanced Care Directive which gives the dying person control over what will make their remaining time special to them as well as having the after death arrangements in place. This is not something that you should have to deal with in your time of intense grief.
There are also aspects of the dying journey that families may not be prepared for and there is much comfort to be gained by having someone to prepare you and be by your side at these moments.
Ask about their certified training and experience.
Enquire specifically about the services offered, as there are numerous roles that a Doula may provide.
Enquire about fees.
Enquire about communication and levels of support.
You may also want to interview more than one Doula. You must make sure that you feel comfortable and supported by the person that will be with you at such a vulnerable time.