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Information

for Clients & Health Care Practitioners

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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

  • help them understand the physiology of death and the complexity of emotions that go along with the diagnosis of a life limiting illness

  • provide emotional comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint

  • provide information requested to make informed non-clinical care decisions

  • help to facilitate communication between client, family, and other care providers

  • protect the client’s dignity, and the family’s memory during the death experience

  • 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

  • act as Social Workers – end of life doulas give support, not advice

  • dispense medication of any kind

  • make diagnoses

  • take over / drive the process – they support the family’s agenda

  • 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.

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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.

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**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 

https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/

Other FAQs

  • Why would I need an End of Life Doula?
    People who have received a serious health diagnosis (that may or may not be life limiting) often have a desire to talk about it including their fears and anxieties about it’s impact on their life or the lives of their families. Family and friends may not be ready or willing to engage in these conversations. An EOL Doula can provide a safe, open space to listen with an open mind and open heart. They can also help clients develop strategies for how to have those conversations with their friends and families when they are ready. Sadly accidents can happen at any stage of life. Any adult (19 and older) would benefit from putting an Advanced Care Plan (with a Representation Agreement) into place. That ensures that they have nominated a person who will speak as them regarding health care decisions should they not be able to speak for themselves. In the absence of a Representative Agreement, and if a person cannot speak for themselves, health care professionals turn to a provincially agreed upon list of temporary decisions makers** to make those decisions. EOL Doulas can walk clients through the steps to put their Advanced Care Plan and Representation Agreement in place. **https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/health-safety/pdf/myvoice-advancecareplanningguide.pdf See page 9 for Temporary Decision Maker list for BC
  • When should I contact an End of Life Doula?
    you need support to complete your Advanced Care Plan (see above) you feel drawn to talk through issues around aging or end of life you have been diagnosed with a serious illness (may or may not be life limiting)
  • What does a meeting with you look like?
    For those in the Langdale to Garden Bay area, I welcome in person meetings which can take place at your home, or we could go for a walk or have a bench-chat out in nature. I am also available for online sessions for clients from Vancouver and further up the coast.
  • How is an EOL Doula different from hospice or palliative care?
    An EOL Doula provides non-clinical, support to clients. Palliative care is a specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious or life limiting illness.
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