Doula for the Dying

 
I carry out a family's wishes no matter what they may be.  I do everything from intense, complicated bedside nursing  care to preparing a meal. I soothe the person and family in a variety of ways that are important to them.

Below are some basic benefits of my services:
  • advocate for the family
  • visits based on your needs and wishes
  • family meetings
  • creation of soothing and peaceful environment
  • home from the hospital organization and preparation
  • email and telephone support
  • 24 hour availability
  • preparation and education throughout the dying process
  • intensive family support and care
  • medical liaison with hospice team and physician
  • other medical and logistical assistance as requested.
As I go through this process with a family, I never know how I will end up serving them because it is an unfolding that cannot be planned. My experience has ranged from being asked to assist in navigating the family through medical bills to assisting with family rituals to witnessing a cremation--among many other requests.

It may be that I never leave the bedside or am in the house, ever available yet spending most of my time talking with various family members. It all depends on what is going on. It is the presence of an experienced, knowledgeable doula that stabilizes, nurtures and provides peace to a situation so the family can be together and support their loved one and each other.

                     As individual as a fingerprint is each person's death and each person's reaction to it.


Most of what I am doing though is just 'being;' knowing I am there relieves the burden of having to know when to call hospice or having to be responsible for knowing when to give certain medications, etc. Those present can relax because they know there is a loving, stabilizing presence. The family is free to tend to their loved one and each other instead of worrying about details that I can handle.

Families find peace of mind by knowing there is an experienced and compassionate person available to them. They receive expert guidance and support along the way. I will be there when they need me however they need me and we will know what that is as it presents itself. I will visit with them regularly and more often as their loved one approaches death.


I am based in Austin, Texas; I do travel.

compensation depends on individual circumstances