End-of-life Doula: Initial Consult

Service Description

The health care system is great at keeping people (medically) alive. But when it comes to end of life, the systems in place leave many woefully unprepared and scrambling to figure out what to do and how to do it well. Even when someone is receiving hospice care, there can be many difficult decisions to make and not enough guidance. What might you and yours need? How does one get these needs met? In a society that does not regularly integrate death into the tapestry of everyday being, it can be a confusing, fearful, and stressful time. Add to that the grief that comes at the end of anything, and the need for an anchor of support can be critical. For some, a death doula is the answer. Also called an end-of-life doula or a myriad of other names, a death doula provides non-clinical physical, emotional, and spiritual support for people at the end of life. This can take many forms based on the needs of the person who is nearing the end as well as the people around them. It also depends on the skills, gifts, and experience of the doula. Doulas can assist with legacy work or facilitation of difficult discussions. They can provide support in non-religious ritual to acknowledge the significance of the end-of-life passage. They can help organize the logistics of caregiving. Doulas support people with presence while navigating these unfamiliar waters. During an initial consultation, I conduct a needs assessment, learn about you and what you are looking for, and provide insights about ways in which a doula might be helpful. Together, we can decide if we will be the right fit to move forward together with regular doula support. Initial consultations can be conducted in person (in Santa Cruz or Monterey County) or via Zoom. Please email me with your name, phone number, and a brief description of your interest to schedule a session: maggie@lifeatsunset.com

Cancellation Policy

To cancel or reschedule, please contact me at least 24 hours prior to the appointment time.

Contact Details