Common Questions
Here I will answer some common questions!
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If you are interested in knowing more about death and end or life care, I recommend checking out "The Order of the Good Death" Website! It has really amazing and informative recourses that could make you feel a bit more comfortable with mortality.
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feel free to contact me if you have any questions not listed below or if you would like to schedule a free consultation!
What is a Death Midwife/ Doula and what do they do?
End-of-life doulas educate and empower the dying and their families on their end-of-life care, funeral, and burial options. They may introduce or help a dying individual walk through the steps of creating a living will or advanced care directives. After those documents are completed, the doula may help advocate for the dying’s end-of-life decisions, especially when they are no longer able to voice those wishes themselves.
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People who are seriously ill or approaching the end of their lives, along with those who are caring for them, can often benefit from the additional resource of an End of Life (EOL) Midwife/Doula. They can accompany the dyeing and their families along the way and offer an extra layer of advocacy, companionship, and education, based on the individual needs and wishes of those being served. The EOL Midwife will attend to nonmedical needs and is a supplement to the “team” of physicians, nurses, hospice staff or members of faith, who may already be involved. Following a death, an EOL Midwife can also assist loved ones with processing and coping with the loss.
Providing a compassionate presence, while supporting and honoring those who are dying and the loved ones who are left behind, is the foundation of this work.
What are the Six guiding principles of the doula model of care?
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Non-medical support ~ Doulas refrain from performing any clinical or medicalized tasks.
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Non-judgmental support ~ The doula does not impose her/his values on the client such as acting on biases in favor of one method.
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Family-centered approach ~ The individual and their family form the unit of care. Doulas do not take the place of partners, family members or other care providers.
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Holistic care ~ Doulas recognize the biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects of the whole person and provide services in the context of this understanding.
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Empowerment ~ Doulas promote informed decision-making and foster maximum self-determination for the individual and family.
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Team members ~ Doulas are team players with a special role.
Who might benefit from the services of an EOL Doula?
The individual of any age who has a life-limiting diagnosis, the caregiver, family member or someone who is involved in the care of a seriously ill person and is not sure how to help, practically, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. It could also be someone in need of additional support following a death as they process the loss. As an End-of-Life Practitioner. I am a trained and Certified professional with experience in issues that may arise as we all deal with illness and our mortality.
What are some examples of assistance that an EOL Doula could provide?
Discussing and filling out advance directives, explaining hospice and palliative care, finding helpful resources, supporting the family caregiver and providing respite care, keeping vigil, finding special projects to support a life review such as legacy projects, providing personalized rituals like music, readings and prayers to support and honor those dying and those who are grieving. Helping plan and hold a Living Funeral. Guiding and providing support or actively participating in the preparation of the body for a home funeral and green burials. And providing a compassionate presence and strong shoulder throughout the trajectory of an illness. But most of all, advocating and guiding others on their journey to a "good death."
What doesn’t an EOL Midwife provide?
An EOL Doula should not provide medical advice or medical assistance (administer medications or treatments). The doula should not make decisions for clients, but assists them to have the information and clarity they need to make their own decisions regarding their care.
What does an EOL doula/midwife provide?
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Non-medical support ~ Doulas refrain from performing any clinical or medicalized tasks.
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Non-judgmental support ~ The doula does not impose her/his values on the client such as acting on biases in favor of one method.
-
Family-centered approach ~ The individual and their family form the unit of care. Doulas do not take the place of partners, family members or other care providers.
-
Holistic care ~ Doulas recognize the biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects of the whole person and provide services in the context of this understanding.
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Empowerment ~ Doulas promote informed decision-making and foster maximum self-determination for the individual and family.
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Team members ~ Doulas are team players with a special role.
Where does the End-of-Life Midwife practice?
I can meet people in person (in Roanoke, Virginia and surrounding areas). However, during the pandemic this has been restricted. Regardless of your location, I can work with you by phone, text, email, and video conferencing as well.
When should an individual think about contacting an EOL Doula?
At any time along the course of a life-limiting illness, an EOL Doula can be an additional layer of support. Working with someone who will lean in to help you find the answers, find the resources, and find the resilience to cope (before, during and after), can help make things a little easier. This can save energy and allow you to focus on the present and the ongoing opportunities to share, connect, and make new memories.
If we already have hospice services, do we need an EOL Doula?
Hospice provides a specialized team of professionals to support patients and families during the final months of life. They are available 24/7, but typically spend a few hours per week with patients. Some may need more than that to meet their needs and to fill in any gaps in care. The EOL Doula can become another collaborative member of your healthcare team.
Do I need to sign up for a certain amount of time or sessions?
Not at all, this service is meant to be available as needed. Each situation is unique and there may be times that offer more challenges than others. Knowing that there is a safe place to share your emotions, fears, questions, triumphs and stories can help to process the realities of living with a life limiting illness, and dealing with death, grief and loss.
Do you take health insurance?
Unfortunately, that is not an option at this time, as Doulas are not covered by any third-party insurers.
How do I pay for services?
After a complimentary talk to see if this is right for you, there is a fee for the initial consultation and the service is billed hourly or by package rate after that. You would receive an invoice and can pay with a check, money order or online payment.
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