Graceful Bridge
End of Life Planner
New York City Tri-State Area All 50 States (Virtually)
Breathwork, Meditation, Reiki, Rituals, Guided Imagery, Legacy Work, LGBTQ Allied, Reiki, Guided Imagery, Rituals
Offers free consultation
Verified by Autumn
I came to this work thru my own experiences with death & dying, some good and some less so. What I have learned is that conversations and planning can make it better for everyone. We don't talk about this in our culture, so most of us don't know where to begin. This is where I come in. Doulas have walked these roads many times so we can be guides and help you ask the questions that you don't yet know. I am a bit of a shape-shifter because every individual and their loved ones need something different. I am not there to take over, but to support everyone, to bring some grace and beauty into this sacred experience~
If you are looking for an End of Life Doula, I'm sorry that you are on this path. I see death and dying as a holistic experience not just a medical event. I am a resource, hand holder, advocate, planner, calming presence and organizer. I can sit in the silence with you and shine some light into those dark places. And how we die affects those we leave behind, what do you want your legacy to be?
Education
- CEOLD Lifespan Doulas
- NEDA Proficiency Badge
What types of services do you provide?
I can: Help with Advance Care Planning preparation (documents, what to do with pets, possessions) ; Advocate, accompany to medical appointments (note taker, hand holder, question prompter); Provide companionship (reading, walking, dancing, listening, singing); After death guidance and support (green options, grief resources); Communication/Relationship support (letter writing, gift planning, virtual or in-home visit planning, home organizing/cleaning out); Non-Medical referrals; Respite care (providing breaks for the caregiver); Help with bedside vigil planning
What should clients know about your pricing(e.g., discounts, fees, packages)?
I offer Advance Care Planning sessions, hourly rates or a service package. That information is available on my website: www.gracefulbridge.com. Everyone is different in what they want and need, so I have no 'one size fits all' approach. Communication is important here so there are no misunderstandings or disappointments on either end.
What is your typical process for working with a new client?
I like to meet in person first to get a feel for who you are and what is happening in the home, hospital or care facility. I have some questions I ask to understand where in this process everyone is, who is involved in the care and what the expectations are going forward. I have a Service Agreement that gets signed when we agree to work together. I try to be in person as much as possible, but sometimes if distance is a factor then I will sprinkle in some phone calls or zoom meet ups. I like to make a plan of sorts, especially if the dying person wants to be home at the end..
What are some of the ways you have supported someone at end-of-life?
I have made comfort plans, sat by the bedside giving Reiki or just hand holding, educated the family and friends on the process of dying, worked with the Palliative Care and Hospice Team, helped the dying person communicate with family members, made lots of tea, encouraged them to write their obituary and plan their service if they want, brought down some drama in the room, helped set up the vigil room, talked with the dying honestly, made sure the pets were snuggled in bed, was a new presence in the home to alleviate some sadness, host a Howl, encouraged laughter and lightness when appropriate, was an available listener for anyone involved, helped friends set up a Care Plan for the family. And, I make some mean ginger cookies.
What advice would you give someone looking to hire an end-of-life doula?
This is a deeply intimate experience, so please be sure we are a fit. I might see the best and worst of you, so you need to feel safe. Try to make a list of what help you need now and might down the road, but we don't know what we don't know so I can help you figure that out. Don't be afraid to engage with someone early, bringing a Doula on board does not hasten the death process- I promise! Often we are called in at the last days, by then there is a limit as to what comfort & assistance we can actually provide. Give yourself time to find the right person for you. The best scenario has us meeting right after a terminal diagnosis or life limiting event, we meet monthly or weekly and go from there.
What questions should clients think through before talking to doulas?
1- What is keeping you up at night right now? 2- What does a Doula do exactly? How do I know I need one? 3- Who is helping you right now- local, long distance, no one? 4 What personality type suits me best? Who do I want to see walk through my door on a bad day- brisk efficiency, a warm presence, combination of the two? 5- Where would you like to be during your final weeks, days? 6- Who most needs support, the individual facing end of life or loved ones? Or everyone? 7- Are you able to talk about payment? Always awkward, but this is a relationship like with any other death care professional, good to get it out of the way with transparency so you can focus on yourself and your loved ones.
What populations are you best suited to serve?
I work with everyone, every community, via a translator if needed or sometimes we just figure it out without words.
Do you offer any physical modalities or specialty training?
I offer Reiki, light foot/hand/head massage and Healing Hands. I can help you set up your room for your final weeks/days to reflect your personality and wishes. I am also good at organizing 'Where is all the stuff?'
Do you offer any other services beyond end-of-life doula support (e.g. advanced care planning, paralegal, legacy services, chaplaincy services)?
I work with Advance Care Planning documents (Living Will, Healthcare Representative) and can help you find the ones that suit you best. There are also other forms and documents that you might need down the road.
Do you work as part of a collaborative or independently?
I am an independent Doula and love to collaborate when the opportunity arises.
Are you willing to work remotely?
Absolutely, whatever works best for you.
I believe everyone should have all the support we need when facing the end of Life. I work with everyone who needs some help and guidance.
Years In Business
- 2022
Number Of Employees
- 1
Service Areas
- New York City
- Tri-State Area
- All 50 States (Virtually)
Languages
- English
Payment Method
- Check
- Barter
- Venmo
- Volunteer / Free Support
- Payment Plan
Address
Stamford, CT
Travel Preferences
I travel to clients
I support clients virtually (phone/internet)
Not the right fit?
We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.
Not the right fit?
We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.
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