What is a death doula?

A death doula is a non-medical caregiver for the dying and their families. Their role is to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support. The aim is to educate, empower, and advocate for people during their end-of-life transitions.

There is a wide range of specific services that death doulas may offer. Some include:

• Caregiver respite - for when life happens and you simply need extra help.

• Bedside companioning - sitting bedside with those actively dying for emotional and spiritual support.

• Advance care planning - administration support in getting started to plan for end-of-life.

• Post-death care - helping with the practical tasks after death such as funeral planning, vigil planning, and ceremony creation.

• Death education - because death is not taught in our culture,  we often learn in real-time. This can lead to unnecessary trauma. Death education can help mitigate grief trauma.

• Grief support - a holistic approach, using practical tools, that will help integrate your grief in a healthy way.

Ultimately the role of a death doula is to be a liaison; bridging the gap between the medical profession and the funeral industry.

How do I start planning for my own end of life?

The first step is deciding what you want - what would you hope for your death and funeral to look like?

Once decided, state it in your will, have conversations with your family and/or closest friends and get living your best life!

See my Beginner’s Guide for End of Life Planning here.

My wish is to die at home; is that an option, and how can you assist?

Absolutely, yes! 

I offer holistic home care to assist you in keeping your independence. Together, we will build a plan that includes your team of professionals to allow a dignified death in your home.

*as a member of the Dying with Dignity advocacy group for MAID in Canada, I also offer resources for this option.

Can a death doula support the family members of those who are dying?

Yes. As we provide care for the dying, we offer moments of education that can reduce grief trauma for family members. Most death doulas offer caregiver respite, most often for family members, and many doulas naturally create an environment that offers emotional and practical support for families.

*if you or someone you love is living with overwhelming grief and seeking support, you can find this support through my Grief Relief Program.

Reach out.

“I know now that I held on for too long; out of love. It was physically painful for you to hold on, to stay with us, but you did; out of love. You gave me wisdom. You gave me life. I will help others learn to let go & hold on simultaneously; peacefully not painfully.”

- Britt Hutchison