Death Doula

Last week, we described the role of a dementia doula, and now we will explore the benefits offered by a different type of doula called a death doula (or end-of-life doula). This non-medical professional provides holistic support to individuals and families facing the end of life. Their role is to offer emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance, helping to ease the transition during a profoundly challenging time.

What is a death doula?

Death doulas provide a compassionate presence, offering a listening ear and support to both the dying person and their loved ones. They help create a peaceful environment, respecting the wishes and needs of the individual. This can include helping to manage pain and discomfort, facilitating conversations about fears and desires, and providing comfort through touch, music, or other soothing practices.

For families, a death doula can be an invaluable guide, offering support and education about the dying process. They can assist with end-of-life planning, ensuring the individual’s wishes are honored. This includes advance directives, funeral arrangements, and legacy projects like memory books or video messages.

In the final stages, a death doula helps families navigate the complexities of grief, providing resources and support to cope with loss. Their presence allows families to focus on being with their loved ones, creating meaningful moments and memories during the last days and hours.

Finding the right fit

Lee Pratt, a death doula, shares the following advice when hiring a professional.

• Meet with the doula and see if there is a good personality fit.
• Ask what kind of training and experience the doula has since no national certifying body exists.
• Ask for references, and always interview at least two death doulas.
• During the interview, ask why the person became a death doula. Discuss your or your loved one’s culture and history.
• What qualifications or career paths did the person have before becoming a death doula?
• What are the preferred methods of communication and fees?
• Be sure to understand what is included. Will this be in-person support or virtual? How do they most often support people dying and their loved ones? Are they available for a vigil? Are they able to attend medical appointments? Is there a backup doula? Be prepared to answer specific questions about the progression of your or your loved one’s illness and the support you presently have in place.

Hurley Elder Care Law’s experienced team of attorneys and social workers can help provide peace of mind for a person’s final days by ensuring all legal affairs are in order and assisting with the probate process after a death. Our holistic approach also often involves recommending community resources, such as a death doula and hospice, to provide our clients peace and dignity. Call us at 404-843-0121 to schedule a meeting in one of our four convenient elder law office locations (Atlanta, Duluth, Peachtree City, and Woodstock).