In most western societies, particularly in the U.S., the medical support and focus is mainly on physical symptom management. This often leaves many dying persons and their families to spend the last days prior to death in fear and emotional isolation. Hospice and palliative care programs don’t have the structure or staffing to alleviate many of the care issues that arise from our cultural denial and avoidance around death. I believe death is not just a medical event. It is a spiritual journey.
As an end of life doula, I companion and assist dying persons and their families to transform the end of life experience, so it brings greater meaning and sacredness. At a time when dying persons may feel a loss of control, a loss of independence and roles, and struggling with their own sense of identity and purpose, I empower them to make the end of their life be what they want it to be, writing the last chapter of their lives so to speak. I facilitate dying persons and those close to them to speak openly and frankly about dying, offer the dying person an opportunity to explore the meaning of their life and their impact on others and prepare for the last days. In addition, I assist family in reprocessing and early grief work following their loved one’s passing.
