1. Death Doula:
A Death Doula, also known as an End-of-Life Doula or Soul Midwife, is a trained companion who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and their families during the dying process and in the time leading up to death.
Services Provided:
- Emotional support for the dying person and their loved ones.
- Assistance with creating an end-of-life plan and exploring personal wishes and goals.
- Guidance on navigating medical decisions and advocating for the individual's wishes.
- Facilitation of meaningful rituals and ceremonies to honor the dying process.
- Education and resources on grief, loss, and end-of-life care options.
- Coordination of care with other healthcare professionals and community services.
2. Grief Facilitator:
A Grief Facilitator is a professional who helps individuals and groups navigate the grieving process and cope with loss in a healthy and supportive manner.
Services Provided:
- Individual counseling sessions to address grief and loss.
- Bereavement support groups for people of all ages experiencing grief, including specialized groups for children, teens, adults, and specific populations such as those in schools, place of work, hospitals, prisons, and rehab facilities.
- Workshops and educational sessions on understanding grief, coping strategies, and building resilience.
- Consultation services for organizations seeking to implement grief support programs or policies.
- Crisis intervention and postvention support for communities dealing with traumatic loss events such as natural, man-made, or technological disasters.
3. Legacy Project:
A Legacy Project is a creative endeavor undertaken with the guidance of a Death Doula to help individuals leave behind a meaningful and lasting legacy that reflects their values, experiences, and wisdom.
Services Provided:
- Collaborative brainstorming sessions to explore legacy ideas and goals.
- Assistance with documenting life stories, memories, and personal reflections.
- Facilitation of legacy projects such as writing memoirs, creating artwork, compiling photo albums, or recording videos.
- Support in sharing the legacy with loved ones and the wider community.
- Integration of the legacy project into end-of-life rituals and celebrations.
4. Vigil Care:
Vigil Care is a specialized form of support provided by the Death Doula to individuals in the final stages of life, typically in the days or hours leading up to death.
Services Provided:
- Comfort measures such as gentle touch, soothing music, and aromatherapy to promote relaxation and alleviate discomfort.
- Emotional presence and companionship for the dying person and their loved ones.
- Assistance with practical tasks such as maintaining a peaceful environment, coordinating visitors, and communicating with healthcare providers.
- Spiritual support through prayer, meditation, or guided visualization.
- Guidance on understanding the signs and symptoms of approaching death and providing reassurance to the dying person and their family.
5. 11th Hour Care:
11th Hour Care refers to the specialized support provided by Death Doula during the final moments of life, as the individual transitions from this world to whatever comes next.
Services Provided:
- Gentle physical and emotional support for the dying person, including holding hands, speaking softly, and offering reassurance.
- Creating a calm and sacred space for the dying person and their loved ones, respecting cultural and spiritual beliefs.
- Facilitation of rituals and ceremonies to honor the transition, such as reading poetry, playing music, or lighting candles.
- Assistance with practical matters such as notifying family members, contacting clergy or spiritual advisors, and making arrangements for after-death care.
- Continued presence and support for the family in the immediate aftermath of death, offering comfort and guidance as they begin the grieving process.