The increasing demand of the End of Life Doula and the reasons behind this trending service

 

 

Doula pronounced Doo-La is a Greek word meaning ‘persons of service’. End of Life Doulas or Death Doulas (as we are known in some cultures), are a very common part of the death and dying experience in many parts of the world. Here in Australia, we are not as well understood or utilised, however, we are seeing an increasing trend in this service, a service that can add profound value to not only the dying but their loved ones as well.

 

Our Western culture has always feared death. The thought of death and dying causes a great deal of fear in many people. Whilst dying and death can be incredibly painful, devastating and scary for the dying and their loved ones, in many parts of the world, it’s viewed very differently. There are rituals, traditions and preparations that pave the way for the dying and their loved ones, to ready themselves in a way that brings more dignity and peace. These evolving attitudes towards death and dying, through seeking the support of an End of Life Doula, allows for personalised holistic care, which goes above and beyond that of traditional care.

As an End of Life Doula, my role encompasses a range of areas and is always dependent on the individual needs of my clients. It’s a versatile role with some key competencies which are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An End of Life Doula provides non-medical support. It’s a family centred approach of holistic care, that serves the dying and their loved ones in facilitating important conversations around end of life choices and advance care planning. We support individuals in making informed decisions and ensuring wishes are respected and honoured.

 

Some people ask, why engage the services of an End of Life Doula, when there is a support network of loved ones? Dying and death is a very complex and emotional time for all involved and oftentimes those emotions make it difficult to hear and understand what the dying loved one is saying and wanting, especially if it differs with your own ideas on what’s best. The role of an End of Life Doula is to listen, support and advocate for the dying. It’s to help prepare them and their loved ones, on what happens next. It’s having the knowledge of Advance Directives. It’s helping to create Legacy. It’s having a deep understanding of Grief and how to best aid the dying and their loved ones. And when the dying has passed, it’s about guiding the loved ones with what’s next, if that is required.

 

 

 

Costs can vary from around $70 to $150 an hour and some charge by the hour and others provide packaged services. I find that packaged services work well, as it allows the clients some flexibility and choice and keeps the cost a little lower. Pricing can be difficult for an End of Life Doula as there is uncertainty around length of time the dying has left and when best to engage our services. My suggestion is to engage an End of Life Doula whilst the dying still has the ability to communicate, so everyone gets the most benefit and support.

 

 

There isn’t any regulated training, however, to be a knowledgeable End of Life Doula who has the ability to provide the best service and support, training in my opinion is critical. For me, I’m a Holistic Grief and Loss Counsellor and saw expanding my services to End of Life Doula work a natural and organic progression. I also underwent training and worked in palliative care, supporting the dying and their families. I find working with those transitioning from life to death an honour and a privilege.

 

The complexities, emotions and uncertainties around dying and death can be overwhelming. Added to that there is sometimes confusion, especially in the hospital setting, in a situation that is already fraught with fear, sadness and a lack of tools to guide the dying and their loved ones. The End of Life Doula is there to ease all of these things, in a compassionate, open hearted and knowledgeable way.

 

As the world shifts and we become more diverse, we continue to learn how death and dying is viewed differently in other cultures and with that comes the continued progression towards better ways to support the dying and their loved ones. I hold the hand of the dying with grace and without fear as they transition with peace and dignity.