Die happily and look forward to taking up a new and better form. Like the sun, only when you set in the west can you rise in the east.” ~Rumi
What is a End-of-Life (EoL) Doula?
An end-of-life (EoL) doula, also known as a death doula or death midwife, provides emotional and practical support to individuals as they approach the end of life. EoL doulas empower clients to make informed decisions about their final days, ensuring that their wishes are respected. By offering nonjudgmental, non-medical support, a death doula eases the transition for both the dying and their loved ones, helping to fulfill final requests and provide comfort during this sacred time.
Holistic in nature, an EoL doula addresses not only emotional needs but also physical, social, and spiritual concerns, if desired. While they do not replace hospice care or medical providers, EoL doulas can advocate for the dying’s preferences regarding medical care and funeral arrangements. Their role often begins early, collaborating with the terminally ill to create an end-of-life plan and carrying it out in the days leading up to, during, and after passing. This includes final hours (end-of-life vigil), and assisting with funeral, burial, and post-burial needs.
Services Provided by an EoL Doula
You do not need to be terminally ill to work with an EoL doula. Many individuals seek out their services for practical end-of-life planning, regardless of health status. Depending on your needs, an EoL doula can provide:
- Advance care planning
- Coordination of care
- Support with legacy projects
- Comfort and calming for the terminally ill
- Respite care for family members
- Vigil planning and bedside presence during final hours
Service Details and Costs
EoL services are frequently pre-paid, out-of-pocket expenses not typically covered by insurance. Our initial consultation is free for the first 30 minutes. In some cases, clients may opt for short (<20 hours) to long-term packages (one month or more), which start as low as $700 but could run upwards of 3,500, especially for vigil services.
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