WHAT IS AN END-OF-LIFE DOULA?

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"End-of-life doulas (aka EOLDs, or Death Doulas) provide a broad range of non-medical, holistic support and comfort to those preparing for or experiencing end of life. EOLDs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences with a shared desire to educate, guide, companion, and assist the dying and their families/carers in myriad ways. People who desire such support may engage with EOLDs as early as initial diagnosis, as late as the beginning of the active dying phase, or even after death, if bereavement care is what they are seeking. Although there is no definitive list of services offered by EOLDs, they generally include several of the following: education and guidance; practical/logistical assistance; emotional, social, and spiritual care--before, during, and after a death. EOLDs may provide informational resources, hands-on comfort measures, respite, facilitation, advocacy, and many other services. Not all EOLDs offer the same modalities or expertise; if an individual or family desires services that they cannot or do not provide, the EOLD endeavors to make referrals and help locate needed resources. Above all, EOLDs seek to help those dying and their loved ones achieve an end-of-life experience that is as meaningful, peaceful, and well-prepared as possible for all involved."

- NEDA (the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance)