What is a Death Doula?

Throughout history, women have tranditionally assumed the role of end-of-life caretaker. Before the Civil War and prior to the establishment of the U.S. funeral death industry, death doulas were responsible for embalming bodies for transportation and often held a vigil at the bedside of the dying. We are slowly bringing death and dying back into the human experience. Death is then brought back into the communtiy and family, as a natural cycle of life and experience of living.

An End-of-Life Doula or Death Doula is a non-medical person who is trained to care for a person and their family holistically in the last phase of life, during the dying process and after death, in grief support. The doula knows what to expect physically, emotionally and spiritually as someone's body declines and what interventions to suggest for optimum comfort and peace. Death doulas are trained in the 3 phases of end-of-life care and offer physical, emotional and spirtual comfort interventions throughout the phases.

Death doulas fill many roles in the end-of-life trajectory. We are educators, providing crucial information about the dying process so there are no surprises. We are a listening ear and comforting presence for both the patient and family. We are a helpful, a calm point in the emotional storm.

We are trained and practiced to be with intense and difficult emotions. We are trained in in all end-of-life processes, specific diseases and symptoms and holistic treatments for these symptoms. We are a full-time presence throughout and companionship at vigil and death. We are an advocate for the dying. We are a personal assistant, helping to organize the tasks of daily life. We are trained and able to offer holistic care that when combined with traditional medicine, offer a more complete end-of-life therapy. Our goal is a peaceful death for all involved.

Doulas do not disappear after the death and remain a constant support and point of resource for the remaining grieving family.

Check out the FAQ below for more death doula information & facts.

End-of-life/death doulas operate under a code of ethics. My training was gained via DoulaGivers and this is our Mission Statement & Code of Ethics.

end-of-life doula faq

Please reach us at kelly@thebusinessofdying.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Is a death doula similar to a hospice nurse?

There are two major differences. The first is time. A hospice nurse is the medical manager of the terminal patient with limited time at the beside. Death doulas are n ot limited in time and often, only take one client at any given time. The second is that death doulas are not medically licensed, whereas a hospice registered nurse is medically licensed and are legally able to administer drugs and medication. Death doulas fill in the other aspects of hospice and end-of-life care, outside of the medical requirements of the dying individual. Death doulas are the eyes and ears of the case.

When doulas work in conjunction with hospice, the patient is receving the best possible end-of-life care. It is our hope that this becomes common practise in North America.

How is a death doula different from a hospice ?

Death doulas work both within hospice settings and home settings. Hospice programs are 'live-in' based or home-visit based. While hospice programs are wonderful and do outstanding work with the dying, death doulas help with areas of care that require extended attention, conversations and care. (ie. spiritual support, legacy creation, emotional conversations)

What kind of training does a death doula take?

Death doulas are required to be certified and gain their education and training through several recognized schools that offer end-of-life training. Death doulas are also required to take ongoing training and education throughout their careers.

When would I need a death doula?

Death doulas can help at any point in the end-of-life journey from the initial terminal diagnosis to the end-of-life stages. It's important that you find a doula that you are comfortable with, so we encourage folks to start the process as soon as possible.

Can a death doula help me with end-of-life pain relief?

Doulas cannot administer drugs and/or medications by law, unless they are a registered medical professional such as a R.N. However, there are several holistic treatments that help to relieve pain and suffering that death doulas are trained in. In fact, our training includes the study of specific diseases and their related anticipated symptoms, so we come to our clients well educated and informed, so we can offer specialized care specific to your illness.

Do provincial/state insurance companies cover death doula services?

At this point in time, no. It is our hope that death doulas become an accepted medical service that is covered by most insurance companies.

Can a death doula/end-of-life doula make funeral arrangements for me?

Absolutely, Our Scope of Practice and training includes funeral/cremation/alternative options & arrangements. We are also trained in 'green' options, which are becoming more popular as a 'green' planet option to more traditional options.

Are death doulas licensed?

No. Because death doulas are a 'non-medical' profession, no licencing is neccessary. Death doulas operate under the same model as birth doulas.

Can a death doula administer MAID?

No. Only select medical professionals are permitted to administer MAID. For more information regarding MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) please click here.

However, death doulas CAN be present during the MAID process, which we recommend.

Do death doulas charge for services?

Death doulas generally do charge, but our fees are rather minimal to cover the basics of our services (supplies, gas, etc). Most death doulas volunteer a significant amount of time to clients who live below the poverty line and also volunteer with local hospice agencies. Many death doulas have a sliding scale for different income levels. Our goal is to help, not get rich. ;)

Can I leave something for my doula in my will?

While it certainly is appreciated, death doulas and hospice employees CANNOT accept any form of gift while you are alive and after you have passed.

What is a Death Doula?

end-of-life doula faq

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