A New and Growing Movement
January 2019
What is an End of Life Doula? Doula is an Ancient Greek word meaning “to serve – practically, spiritually and emotionally.” You may have heard of a Birthing Doula. Birthing Doulas help bring babies into the world in a loving, warm and celebratory way. End of Life Doulas do something similar. They guide an individual as they transition out of the world in a peaceful and sacred way. They are non-medical, not health aides; instead, they bring focus and direction into a very frightening time and do all they can to alleviate the fear.
They can offer a wide variety of services beginning with Senior Care. They make sure the environment is safe. They help complete Advanced Directives if not in place. They make sure you have all of the resources needed for a healthy and happy environment. For both seniors and people at the end of life, they work on “legacy projects” together. They fulfill bucket lists both real and via virtual reality. They help make amends, navigate forgiveness and more.
They bring warmth and light into your environment as you travel through this milestone. End of Life Doulas have recently been recognized by the National Hospice and Palliative Association as being an adjunct or compliment to both hospice and medical teams.
East End Doula Care realizes that it’s not only the individual needing care, it is the caregivers themselves. They give workshop presentations to caregivers in the facilities where they work, teaching End of Life Rituals and Vigils, invoking healing and closure.
For more information, please visit www.EastEndDoulaCare.com or call 631-946-8100.
A publication of Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy
www.pulsecenterforpatientsafety.org © 2019