End-of-life, or death doulas provide non-medical, holistic support to those who are dying and their loved ones. Doulas offer practical, emotional and spiritual support which can include in-depth conversations and planning around end-of-life preferences, working on legacy projects, and organizing vigil care to honor transition into death.

A doula can help with advance directives, funeral planning and clarifying the dying process, all of which alleviate anxiety and support the dying person and loved ones or caregivers.

Doulas can help you create a map of what matters most to you, your legacy, ceremony, ritual as well as your social needs during this time of transition. When it comes to resources, your doula will help you find what you need so you can make informed decisions. They might also help you facilitate important conversations and help you communicate your needs and desires if tensions are running high.

Any person, family, or group wanting a conscious conversation on death.
The actively dying and terminally ill, their families and caregivers.
Any person or family wanting support and companionship, so they are not alone through the dying process.
Individuals, caregivers and families seeking consistent and compassionate guidance, support, vigil assistance, or ceremony for their dying loved one.
Individuals needing to process loss and grief in a safe, non-judgemental container.

A doula can engage at any time during the end-of-life process. The sooner the guide can enter into the process, the more time can be spent getting to know the individual and family, creating quality care plans, prioritizing end of life needs, and creating sacred space and meaning for the individual and family.

Conversations about death. Conversations around death and dying are also important for those without terminal diagnoses, and I seek to empower and enrich our community with open, honest communication about death at any stage of life. I have sensitive exercises and approaches to help anyone who wishes to examine end-of-life questions in a safe, supportive environment.
Practical Planning such as discussing advanced medical directives, obituary writing, memorial planning among other things.
Logistical Planning including coordinating visitors, respite care for caregivers, clear communication strategies and more.
Life Review which involves listening to the concerns of the dying person and helping them to make sense of their lives and find meaning that is most relevant to them.
Legacy Projects such as heart letters, planned giving, or the sharing meaningful personal items with friends and family and more. These projects are often deeply important for surviving family members and caregivers.
Custom ritual and ceremony planning catering to the needs of the individual and her loved ones. Guided visualization and meditation to help process intense emotions.

Sometimes circumstances won’t allow for in-person consultations, but you can still receive the support of a doula. Many of the services above are available through phone and video conferencing, such as end-of-life planning and logistics, legacy and celebration of life planning, rituals and ceremonies planning, active dying, care for the body after death, and home funeral information.

No, hospice manages a patient’s medical care and will work with a family or caregiver with in-home medical care. Most hospices provide social services and chaplain visits. A doula is a nurturing presence who attends to the patient as requested by the individual and his family. Doulas offer support, advocacy, emotional grounding, focus, meaning, ritual and respite opportunities for caregivers, and more. Doulas are complementary care to hospice services.

Yes, Hospice offers medical treatment and physical care for the dying. Doulas do not. The roles are unique and when woven together provide a full spectrum of important care for a dying person and loved ones.

No, but doulas respect the religious beliefs and needs of the dying person and will incorporate these into the services as requested.

No, but there is movement within hospice organizations to get these services covered as part of hospice service in the future.

Send a message via the website to schedule a phone call. A free, initial conversation lasts about 30-45 minutes and lets us learn about one another and determine how I can be helpful and if we move forward with doula service. Once we decide the best way to help and honor the dying person, we can establish a plan that includes either hourly sessions or a package of time at discounted rates.

Some families want to learn more about their options for after-death care of the body at home, and I am happy to explore those with the family or loved ones. It is legal in all states to care for a body at home and to conduct funeral services there. Spending time with a loved one’s body can provide a meaningful experience for family and loved ones and help to process grief and complex emotions without feeling rushed. This integration of emotions can bring comfort to loved ones, and cleaning and preparing the body can be a useful action that creates meaning and offers closure.

Pet doula services can include:

Creating plan of comfort and ease for you and your pet
Initiating safe and compassionate conversation about death
Demystifying the dying process and euthanasia
Assistance in discovering the options and services available to pets and their humans
Memorializing and celebrating your special bond
Providing a more peaceful experience for all involved
Supporting natural after-death care in the comfort of your home
Supporting you and your family in grief

There are many capacities in which a death doula can provide support and solace along the end of life journey. You might want conversations around dying and legacy or be looking for more concrete bedside support. Each journey is unique and every individual will be honored.

Some families prefer to purchase sessions in blocks. This time can be used in whatever way will serve the needs of the dying person and family as established in our initial consultation. Additional blocks can always be added at the discounted rate if needed.

Initial consultation (up to one hour)—Complimentary
Hourly rates are $90/hour.
Five (5) hours, $425.
Ten (10) hours, $800.

Sitting Vigil

I am available to sit vigil at the bedside when the dying person is transitioning and has only days remaining. A calm presence can be very helpful to families, for example as respite time, or processing what is happening together. A doula also helps to enact or encourage the dying one's desired end of life wishes in conjunction with loved ones.

Vigil hours are usually 2 hours per day or 4 hours per day, for as many days as needed, subject to availability.

2 hours per day/5 days—$800
4 hours per day/5 days—$1500

If finances are a significant challenge, please reach out regardless. I do most of my pro bono work in a hospice volunteer capacity, but with the belief that everyone deserves compassionate end-of-life care, I will always try to help with sliding scale service.

Companion Animal Services

Hourly rates are $65/hour
5 hour package of support—$275

frequently asked questions