By Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Senior Edge Legal, Boise, Idaho
What is a Death Doula?
A Death Doula is a non-medical person trained to care for someone holistically (physically, mentally, emotionally, & spiritually) at the end of life. It is a non-medical profession that recognizes death as a natural, accepted, and honored part of life. One might say that death doulas are to hospice palliative care as birthing doulas are to obstetrics. Death Doulas are also known around the world as: end of life coaches, transition guides, death coacher, doulas to the dying, end of life doulas, and end of life guides.
The Death Doula Movement
Death is having a rebirth! We have been dying for thousands of years. However, it is only in the last century that we have completely removed the natural life experience of death from our awareness. Death is not a medical experience – it is a human one. Hospice is a beautiful model of care, but unfortunately the present model of hospice has many “gaps” and is not working well for most patients and families. There is a need for additional support from trained and knowledgeable professionals in this space of end-of-life care.
What do Death Doulas do?
Death Doulas are people who support people in the end-of-life process, much like a birthing doula with the birthing process. It is a “new”, non-medical profession that recognizes death as a natural, accepted, and sacred part of life. One might say that death doulas are to hospice palliative care as birth doulas are to obstetrics.
Death Doulas…
HELP create positive and empowering end of life plans.
PROVIDE spiritual, psychological and social support.
SUGGEST ideas for optimal physical comfort.
Help PLAN home vigils.
EDUCATE patients and families on the new and progressive options of home wakes, water cremations, and natural burials.
For more information visit doulagivers.com
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