How I can support you and your loved ones:

INELDA, or the International End-of-Life Doula Association, describes the role of the death doula as providing “companionship, comfort, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death. ​Our non-medical holistic support encompasses emotional, spiritual, and practical care. We offer resources to help ​the dying person, along with their family and loved ones, make informed decisions in a supportive environment.

A doula can become involved any time in a person’s life. We offer support when people are impacted by a life ​changing illness, after a terminal diagnosis, when death is imminent, or even after a death—to help with light ​grief support. Sometimes family members or loved ones of the person dying seek support and guidance from end-​of-life doulas.

Doulas normalize deathcare by creating spaces to hold conversations leading to increased communication and ​increased spiritual and emotional well being. When individuals plan for death, they have autonomy over their ​decisions and are able to clearly define their end-of-life wishes with family and loved ones. While there are ​alternative names for end-of-life doulas like death doula, death midwife, death coach, end-of-life coach—we all ​seek to provide compassionate deathcare.”

My scope of practice:

I provide non-medical, non-judgmental support and guidance to individuals and families through times of critical, transformative life change.

I strive to inform, support, guide, empower and comfort you, while working along side other caregivers and members of your medical team.

I work to foster self-determination in my clients by assisting you in gathering information and encouraging you to make informed choices that are right for you. For client needs outside of the my scope of practice, I can make referrals to appropriate professionals and community resources.

My support is focused on, and adapted to, the unique needs and requirements of each client I serve.

I can perform basic care tasks as requested, such as light cleaning or organizing, assistance with errands or meal preparation, or basic pet care.

*adapted from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA)

Limitations of practice:

As a non-medical care provider, I do not perform clinical tasks (e.g., monitor vital signs, administer medication). I do not give medical advice or persuade clients to follow a specific course of action or treatment.

I offer companionship and modalities for emotional processing but I am not a licensed mental healthcare provider, and as such do not diagnose or claim to treat mental health concerns.

I do not impose my own values and beliefs on you, the client.

I will not usurp or undermine the role of other professionals and caregivers such as your hospice nurse, social worker, chaplain, home health aide, etc.

I may be present at your request, but doulas do not facilitate the medical aid-in-dying (MAID) process.

I do not provide childcare.

I do not transport clients, caregivers, pets, children, or valuables in my personal vehicle.

*adapted from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA)

Resources & Referrals

Looking for end of life resources? Check out my free list of resources here. This list is continuously being updated and expanded.

For assistance accessing professional services, please contact me.