The role of end of life doula is still relatively new in Australia and many people have not yet heard about the type of support they offer. Other names for this role include Death Doula, Deathwalker, End of Life Consultant, Death Midwife or End of Life Coach.
End of life doulas have often had previous experience supporting loved ones through death and then gone on to complete a formal qualification to learn how to support others in a person-centred and holistic way. At the heart of the role is the willingness to walk alongside others and be a compassionate companion as they navigate their end of life experience.
Why would you engage an end of life doula?
Many people feel overwhelmed when diagnosed with a serious illness or when approaching end of life due to age or a terminal diagnosis. There are medical appointments, complex emotions, decisions to be made and practical matters to attend to. Having an end of life doula as part of your support team can help you feel informed, empowered and held through your end of life journey.
An end of life doula offers reassurance, information and options, helping people understand what support is available so they can make informed choices that reflect their values and preferences.
The word 'doula' comes from Ancient Greek, meaning 'to serve'. When death used to happen naturally in the home and community, knowledge about how to care for the dying was typically passed down through generations. With the advancement of medical care, dying became more medicalised. Engaging an end of life doula creates space for the non-medical side of death.
End of life doulas are not medical professionals and do not replace doctors, nurses or palliative care teams. They work alongside the medical team, responding to what you need as a person rather than a patient. Many families find that while medical professionals are excellent at caring for the physical aspects of illness, there is often limited time for the emotional, practical and personal aspects of the experience. An end of life doula helps fill that gap.
What do end of life doulas actually help with?
Services vary between practitioners, but the following gives a sense of what is commonly offered:
- Planning your end of life care and supporting you to document your wishes in an Advance Care Directive
- Guiding you through a life review and preparing your emotional will
- Coordinating your care roster, support network and arranging additional support as needed
- Providing continuity of care from wellness to illness, treatment, dying, death and bereavement
- Supporting you with conversations and emotions related to Voluntary Assisted Dying
- Advocating for you during treatment and medical appointments
- Explaining your options in relation to dying and funerals so you can make informed decisions
- Organising and facilitating a living wake or celebration of life
- Practical support with preparing your home for dying at home, if that is your preference
- Emotional, social and spiritual support throughout the whole journey
- Planning your after-death preferences, funeral or memorial with you
- Guiding your family through a pre-death or post-death vigil
- Helping with legacy projects, recording your life story and capturing memories
- Spending time with you, allowing your loved ones to sleep or attend to their own needs
- After-death body care and supporting your family through washing and dressing
- Assisting your family to keep your body at home to allow for home funeral rituals to take place
- Facilitating rituals, ceremonies, funerals and memorials
- Anticipatory grief support for you and your family
- Bereavement support for your family or support people
It is worth noting that end of life doulas may offer different services to what is listed here. It is a good idea to have an initial conversation before engaging a doula to ensure what they offer is aligned with your specific needs.
When to reach out
Many people first reach out to an end of life doula after receiving a serious or life-limiting diagnosis, or when a loved one's health is declining. This allows time to build a relationship, explore options, complete end of life preparations and receive guidance through the journey.
Some people engage an end of life doula when they are well and complete their end of life planning in advance for peace of mind.
It is never too early or too late to connect. Even if you are in your final weeks or days of life, a doula is still able to step in and provide meaningful support for you and your family.
How to find an end of life doula in Australia
The End of Life Doula Directory (endoflifedouladirectory.com.au) is a good starting point for finding a doula in your area. You can search by location and reach out directly to explore whether someone feels like the right fit.
It is worth taking the time to find someone who feels right. This is a relationship built on trust and presence and the right person will make a genuine difference. End of life doulas usually work independently and fees vary. Some people engage a doula for a single consultation, while others choose ongoing support over weeks, months or longer. Many doulas offer a complimentary introductory conversation so you can explore whether their approach suits you.
You can also browse end of life doulas listed in the Remember Well• provider directory, searchable by state and suburb.
You deserve to be supported through end of life
We spend a great deal of time and effort preparing for most of the significant events in our lives. Many people do not take the time to plan for their death. An end of life doula can help you and your loved ones navigate this chapter with greater understanding, confidence and connection. With thoughtful planning and compassionate support, it is possible to create an end of life experience that reflects your values, wishes and what matters most to you.
Planning ahead or navigating loss?
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