An end-of-life doula is someone who supports a person facing a terminal health condition or at the end of their natural life and through their death.
Tips & Links
Learn About
- An end of life doula, also called a death doula, can provide non-medical, holistic support to people and their families during the dying process.
- Learn how an end-of-life doula can assist with the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of your end-of-life care, offering comfort, guidance, and advocacy from the End of Life Doula Association of Canada.
- Know that an end-of-life doulas can into the hospital or palliative care settings only when their clients are admitted into care and want their doula’s support. The doula does not form part of the recognized health care team under the current Ministry of Health guidelines.
Things You Can Do
- If you choose, a doula can stay with you or a loved one 24/7, or during the times you or your care partners are not able to be present. A doula can also offer respite to you and your family.
- A doula is not trained or insured to provide any direct personal or physical care. A doula is hired and paid for privately.
- Include the role of the doula in your advance care plan and ensure your family and care partners are aware of your choice.
- Learn how to arrange for at home, end-of-life care, if you are not already connected to home care services, from the Government of BC.
- Review the steps to take if you are planning an at home death. This needs to be an expected death, confirmed by your physician, a Do Not Resuscitate or No CPR order completed and supports in place as outlined by the Government of BC.
Add your End of Life Doula to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF and/or your Care Partners PDF found in My People. List their contact information and any questions you have. Save digital and print copies for easy access.