At the end of life's precious journey
What does "Doula" mean?
An End of Life Doula adopts a holistic heartfelt approach to providing a continuum of care up to, including and beyond the time of death, walking alongside families through the many stages of life.
Doulas are not a new concept in fact they have been around for centuries. The word Doula (pronounced Doo-la) derives from the Greek language meaning "person of service".
You may have heard of a birth doula who provides support and care to bring new life into the world, while an end of life doula supports the transition at the ending of life’s precious journey.
Supporting the end of life transition
What does an End of Life Doula do?
An End of Life Doula provides practical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual support, helping to demystify death and dying for those nearing their end of life and for those close to them. An End of Life Doula adopts a holistic heartfelt approach to providing a continuum of care up to, including and beyond the time of death, walking alongside families through the many stages of life.
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An End of Life Doula assists a person with a diagnosis or those close to them to explore all their options, provides access to education and resources, advocacy and connection to support networks to provide the best possible end of life for those dying, and support for those caring for them. The role of an End of Life Doula is non-medical and do not offer medical advice.
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An End of Life Doula will support you to organise and complete your legal documentation such as your Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian, as well as support you to document your Advance Care Directive/Plan, and other important information to ensure your preferences are followed so you can feel assured that everything is taken care of.
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An End of Life Doula provides assistance to clients and their families, by helping them to care for their loved one in a way that honours their final wishes, which may be to die at home, in palliative care, or hospice depending on their preferences. A Doula also offers support, guidance and advocacy in the event of sudden accident, illness or death which can be a traumatic and overwhelming time.
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An End of Life Doula provides support for families/friends wishing to care for their loved one after death by encouraging practices such as including them in the ritual of preparing their body for funeral or cremation, performing rituals and ceremony to honour their passing, and with funeral arrangements to ensure a meaningful, authentic and affordable funeral or memorial service.