As an increasing aging population faces their end-of-life journey, more Canadians are seeking education, resources, and support to better this inevitable experience for themselves, their extended families and their community. An end-of-life doula is a companion and coach who provides practical and emotional support before, during and after death.
The doula’s work includes:
• Initiating pre-planning conversations,
• Helping to identify and capture priorities and wishes,
• Providing information about available resources and education,
• Providing respite support, and
• Providing referrals and therapy awareness through our networked community.
The end-of-life doula can educate, advocate for, and empower their clients to embrace the dying process early and change the conversation about death. By better aligning client needs with their expectations and wishes, the end-of-life doula can significantly improve the quality and dignity of the end-of-life journey. Whether you choose to die at home, in palliative hospital care, or in a hospice setting, the end of life doula can provide support and comfort to individuals and their loved ones.
Copyright 2018 Death Doula Association of Canada