End-of-Life or Death Doula

None of us comes through life without eventually facing death, yet many of us avoid thinking or talking about it until we must. We are a nation of death deniers.

Preparing for the end of life is not about giving up. It is about living with greater intention, reducing uncertainty, and giving a lasting gift to those we love.

We live life differently when we prepare for death. The good news is that most deaths are not sudden. Nearly 92% allow time for meaningful conversations, thoughtful planning, and preparation.

An end-of-life doula provides compassionate guidance, practical support, education, and companionship before, during, and after life's final transition. Whether you have a terminal diagnosis or simply want to prepare in advance, thoughtful planning can bring peace of mind, clarify your wishes, and ease the burden on those you love.

Questions and Answers

  • Preparing for the end of life involves much more than completing advance directives or writing a Will. There are practical matter like organizing finances, documents, passwords, and legal information as well as deeply personal decisions about your care, your wishes, and those who will speak for you.

    You don’t have to do this alone. As your doula, I navigate this process with you, providing guidance, encouragement, and compassionate support based on your wishes.

  • An end-of-life doula offers emotional support, a listening ear, practical guidance, and help with difficult conversations. Services may include:

    • Advance care planning

    • Assistance in problem-solving

    • Legacy projects

    • Life review

    • Family meetings

    • Surfacing and documenting your wishes for the final days and hours of your life

    • Obituary assistance

    • Support for caregivers

    • Bedside presence during the final hours, if desired

    • Grief and bereavement support for loved ones

    Services are tailored to your individual needs and wishes.

  • Many people prepare long before they become seriously ill. Planning ahead brings peace of mind, helps loved ones understand your wishes, and often allows you to live more fully in the present.

  • Hospice and doulas work together but serve different roles.
    Hospice provides medical and comfort care during the final months of life. An end-of-life doula offers non-medical support that can begin months or years earlier, focusing on emotional preparation, practical planning, family communication, and honoring your personal wishes.

  • Yes. Family members often contact a doula on behalf of a loved one. I only work directly with the loved one if they, themselves, agree. Doulas can also support family members and friends as they navigate the practical and emotional challenges of caregiving and preparing for the death.

  • Services are typically provided in the client's home, hospital, or hospice facility. Depending on your needs, meetings can also be held by phone or video, making support available regardless of location.

  • Doula services are provided at the location of the client unless virtual (video) in preferred or appropriate to the circumstances
    • Timing of sessions is paced to individual needs
    • Sessions are 60 minutes in length
    • $150.00 each for 1-2 sessions
    • $550.00 for 4 sessions ($137.50 each)
    • $800.00 for 6 sessions ($133.33 each)
    • $1200.00 for 10 sessions ($120.00 each)
    • If the on-site Doula sessions require more than 10 miles of travel, each session will be billed another $25.00 for travel time and mileage
    • A reasonable number of brief contacts via phone, text or email between sessions is included in each package
    • Discounts may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis