An End-of-Life Doula, also known as a death doula, dying companion, or death midwife, is a trained, non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, informational, and spiritual support to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives and their families. Doulas offer guidance, education, and assistance before, during, and after death.

Please see the section under SERVICES for more specific information on what support we can provide.

End-of-Life Doulas can be called in at any point during the end-of-life process (or earlier). The best time to hire a death doula is at the point when a person first gets a terminal diagnosis. End-of-Life Doulas do not have the same admission criteria that hospice does and can begin important discussions at any time during one's illness. The sooner the Doula enters the process, the more time available to get to know you and your family, prioritize end of life needs, and, with your input, create a high-quality end of life care plan.

Yes. End-of-Life Doulas provide supplementary and complementary support. Anyone who has had a loved one in hospice knows that the number of hours of weekly hospice care is usually quite limited due to Medicare and/or staffing restrictions. Doulas work well alongside hospice staff and are able to provide more service hours than hospice workers.

It is recommended that every individual and family facing a terminal illness call a local hospice as soon as possible. Usually, there is a medical referral to hospice, but that’s not necessary. End-of-Life Doulas do not replace the hospice's medical team of nursing, social work, and physician care; they comlement the hospice team. Doulas offer more personalized attention, more continuity at the bedside, more advocacy for the patient’s wishes, and have more time to spend with the patient and family than what hospice can provide. The extensive end of life training a Doula receives exceeds what hospice volunteer programs provide. We are trained and practiced in being with intense and difficult emotions and listening fully. We can provide a consistent relationship with clients and families, as well as well as full-time presence and companionship at the vigil and at death. No other programs are currently providing that level of end-of-life care.

There are now many qualified training programs that educate and certify End-of-Life Doulas. Doulas have various work backgrounds, including medical, social work, psychology, counseling, ministerial, and business backgrounds before training as an End-of-Life Doula.

No. An End-of-Life Doula does not give any prescription or over-the-counter medication. Only specific medical personnel and trained caregivers (including family members) can administer medication.

No. End of Life Doulas are usually private pay. All “companion” services, such as home health aides and CNAs are private pay. Some hospices in the US include End-of-Life Doula services, but Medicare and individual hospices limit these individuals in how much they can do and how much time they can devote to each patient. Some private companies are covering Doula services as an employee benefit, as awareness of this field, and the need for Doulas, grows.

Currently, End-of-Life Doulas charge for their services in various ways. Some create service packages for a set fee, while others charge by the hour. Some offer a sliding scale to increase access to their services.