Information
for Clients & Health Care Practitioners
As a certified End of Life Doula, I can provide non-clinical care to people with a serious or life-limiting diagnosis. The following is an excerpt from the End of Life Doula Association of Canada of which I am a member:
As an End of Life Doula, I can:
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advocate for the best possible experience for the client
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help them understand the physiology of death and the complexity of emotions that go along with the diagnosis of a life limiting illness
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provide emotional comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint
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provide information requested to make informed non-clinical care decisions
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help to facilitate communication between client, family, and other care providers
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protect the client’s dignity, and the family’s memory during the death experience
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allow the family to participate at their own comfort level
What End of Life Doulas DO NOT do:
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prepare the body following death – in BC, that is done by a Funeral Director
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act as Social Workers – end of life doulas give support, not advice
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dispense medication of any kind
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make diagnoses
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take over / drive the process – they support the family’s agenda
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make assumptions about what the client or their family/friends need
Are EOL Doulas covered under medical plans?
Not at this time. There is therefore no need for a medical referral for billing purposes.
Are EOL Doulas associated with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)?
The End of Life Doula Association is not affiliated or connected with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Individual doulas may support clients who choose MAiD**, however, our Association remains neutral about MAiD, recognizing it is an individual’s choice. A doula will provide the proper resources to clients who would like information about MAiD, but it is not an End of Life Doula’s scope to encourage or persuade a client to access MAiD.
**There is a list of EOL Doulas in the province who support families who elect to have MAiD. Visit EOL Doula Association Doula List MAiD
For further information about the Doula Associate of Canada, or additional FAQ visit