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)?
While I do have pricing, I never turn anyone away who needs help or guidance. Generally a package is bought, the hours within it get used for whatever services are needed at the time, and then more are purchased. 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 they are and what is happening in the home, hospital or care facility. I have some questions I ask to understand where in this process they are, 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 zoom/facebook meet ups. I like to make a plan of sorts, especially if the dying person wants to be home at the end and be flexible with it as changes occur.
What are some of the ways you have supported someone at end-of-life?
I have made an End of Days Plan, sat by the bedside giving Reiki or just hand holding, educated the family and friends on the process of dying, worked with the 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 wanted, 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 with the dying person, was a new presence in the home to alleviate some sadness, 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 can be 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. 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 once a month for a few months and then go from there.
What questions should clients think through before talking to doulas?
1- If you are the dying person, do you need an advocate or someone who can honestly talk with you about what is going on? If you are the caregiver, what are you looking for?
2- Do you have a starting point or do you need help trying to figure all this overwhelm out?
3- Do you need non-medical physical or emotional support- or both?
4- Are you able to talk frankly about payment, what that might look like? Always awkward.
5- Are you ready to talk about the death and dying of yourself or loved one?
6- What types of services does the Doula provide?
What populations are you best suited to serve?
I am always willing to work with anyone, any 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 touch. I can help you set up your room for your final weeks/days to reflect your personality and wishes.
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 and can help you find the ones that suit you best.
Do you work as part of a collaborative or independently?
I am an independent Doula, and always happy to collaborate when the opportunity arises.
Are you willing to work remotely?
Yes, whatever works best for you.
