In am trained by the University of Vermont and certified as an End of Life Doula. As an End of Life Doula I uphold the same values as Hospice in fact we walk the same path, however as a doula I am educated in serving one more layer of care for the family.
What that looks like varies from case to case and is not a one size fits all. A key phrase you’ll hear a lot about in the end of life doula world is a “good death”. So let’s first talk about it. A good death means “Free from avoidable distress and suffering for patient, family and caregivers, in general accord with the patient’s and family’s wishes, and reasonably consistent with clinical, cultural and ethical standards.” ~Medical News Today March 31, 2016. It’s a scary place to read the words Death Doula on a website and then move your curser followed by a click to reveal something so uncomfortable all too often. To me I find this place to be a sanctuary, I am comforted in this uncomfortable state knowing I can serve the restless souls and quite possibly bring comfort. A good death has many, many components so perhaps starting with something called legacy work might just be the icebreaker you need to feel a little more at ease as you get started down the road of uncharted territory. Legacy work entails interviewing the dying with specific questions in order to obtain as much information and create a biographical account and or an end of life plan to satisfy both the dying and the ones left behind. The outcome of Legacy work also can be designed to cover specific questions, for example the terminally ill might have a mixture of final requests along with biographical information to keep for future generations. There are many nuances that can be addressed for your loved one during the last stages of their life. Here are a few topics to consider.
- Preference for a specific dying process
- Religious or spiritual element
- Emotional well-being
- Life completion
- Treatment preferences
- Dignity
- Family
- Quality of life
- Relationship with health care provider
- Life completion
- Other.
There are many aspects to consider as our loved one crosses over the question is wouldn’t you like a good death? I can assist and learn from your culture.
Legacy work with Mr. B. Take a listen here and find out how Mr. B. grew up and what his life was like in 1940, childhood, school, work to the Marines. In another segment not available to the public Mr. B. requested specific guidelines upon his passing which is essential since there is no longer a spouse alive and never having children he relies on other family to keep to his wishes.
I am also an active volunteer with Grace Healthcare on the Hospice team. I sit and spend time weekly with patients in any setting, home, hospital or facility wherever they call home and I am also part of the eleventh hour team which by definition is the latest possible time before it is too late. Grace Healthcare can support your families needs when the call for Hospice is required.
