General Information – Death Doula

distant torFew people plan for the moment of their death. For terminally ill patients and their families, this important step can help to ease anxiety as the end draws near.

An end of life companion or doula provides emotional, physical and spiritual support to people who are dying and to their loved ones.

End of life doulas sit vigil with dying individuals, providing a continuous and compassionate presence through the final hours. Based on the concept of a birth doula, a death doula or soul midwife honours the sacred nature of the dying process as a natural part of the cycle of life and helps individuals achieve a ‘good death’.

Too often when a person is actively dying they and the people taking care of them are mostly, if not entirely, alone. The doula meets a need at the most crucial moment. The dying process can take days to unfold, and that can be incredibly difficult and stressful.

BirdsDoulas meet with the individual and their families approximately three times beforehand to develop an individualised vigil plan that specifies their wishes for the time of death. It is different for everyone, some people want their hand held while others may want to be left alone. Do they want music, or silence or something read to them? Are there objects they want near, such as a collection or photos? Do they want specific items such as bedding or blankets? These are just a few of the things doulas can take into consideration when writing the plan.

The vigil plan also includes specific relaxation techniques to support both the dying and their caregivers, including guided visualisation and complementary therapies, and rituals to be performed after the individual has passed on. In the planning stages, the doulas also work with the family to help them through the process.

During the vigil, which can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, doulas help to ensure the individual’s wishes are met. Doulas sit with the individual and the family, helping to ease anxieties and fears, and allow the individual to let go. Immediately following the passing, the doula helps caregivers perform rituals designed in advance to help the passing onwards  and grieving process.