Stephanie Warburton
Doula (pronounced Doo-La) is from the modern Greek language and has come to mean ‘a person of service’. “An End-of-Life Doula (EOLD) is a non-medical presence for the dying person, as well as their family and loved ones, providing tangible practical supports, education, compassion and resourcing, that enables the individual to have their death unfold in alignment with their wishes”.
Predominately, my background is working with those who have experienced grief or loss of some kind, through Mediumship and Energy Work. In the past I have gone through death, grief and loss for myself and understand the deep sense of emptiness and confusion it can entail. I lost my mum at a young and am forever reflecting back on this time for not only myself but for my family as well. If we only we had the resources we do today, how it could have been so different. I feel my family (especially me at the age of 17) would have truly benefit from having an in-house End of Life Doula/Family Counsellor to guide and educate us through the process of losing a loved one. And I know for a fact, my mum, would have loved having another person there whom she could lean on, communicate and spend time with, knowing she was not a burden due the circumstance.
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Even though my family is full of well established nurses, who did a wonderful job of caregiving, having an outside influence for emotional, physical, spiritual and mental support, as well as family counselling would have been extremely helpful to navigate the process for each individual.
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We can never fully be prepared for death, providing the End of Life Doula Service is an honour and I hold it very close to my heart. I am there to simply fill the gaps to ensure the dying and their family feel supported, educated and empowered during a time of transition.
What is the role of an End of Life Doula...
The End-of-Life Doula is the informed companion who educates their client, and family, about the end-of-life process in caring and non-judgemental format. They bring comfort and compassion to assist a person, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and their family, to feel safe and honoured. End of Life Doulas may accompany those through the final months, weeks, and days of life, right up until the time of death, depending on the circumstances. They may also provide ongoing care and support during the mourning process. This support can be at home or within a hospital or aged care facility and compliments hospice, and medicalised system.
The Doula Module of Care...
it is important to note, End of Life Doulas do not give medical advice or perform and clinical or medicalised tasks. We are there to provide non-judgemental support and do not impose any biases when providing care. The individual and their family is the priority and do not replace partners, family members, or other care providers but rather work in collaboration. Holistic care may include information and referrals as well as practices of an alternative nature, complementing the medical module. Doulas promote informed decision making and foster maximum self determination for the individual and family. They do not speak for their clients, their role is better understood ad mediator who facilitates effective communication between all parties. The Doulas area of expertise may overlap with other professionals involved, Doulas are collaborators and always defer to medical experts for concerns outside of their scope.
When you might consider an End of Life Doula...
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When someone has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and going through an end of life experience, also providing support for the family.
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Needing assistance navigating and supporting dying at home when in Palliative Care systems
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Planning for support at time of death and after death care
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When planning funerals and memorial services as well as wakes.
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Companionships and education outside of traditional medicalised systems (or working together with)
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Grief support during or after the process, continuing through the mourning process. ​
How to arrange EOLD services.
To arrange this service we would simply organise either an individual or group get together to discuss options and any finer details that may be necessary. If a phone conversation is easier at first it is welcomed. This is where questions can be answered and an example plan can be put in place. There is no pressure and I understand circumstances change, I am extremely flexible and trust all will fall into place how it is meant to.
Cost and packages.
The cost will be depending on the service you would like, It can be an hourly rate or bundled into a package or payment plan. For example, the service may look like a 3 day plan, 2 day plan, 24/7 care via phone or home visit, before care only etc. It is completely up to your needs and desires. Once again there is flexibility around this agreement.
Hourly $56 and packages range from $300-$2000 ongoing.