The Role of an
End of Life Doula
Similar in a way that a Birth Doula offers practical and emotional support at the start of life, so does an End of Life Doula at the end of one, thus it is paramount to understand the role of an End of Life Doula. As defined by the End of Life Doula Association of Canada (EOLDAC):
“An End of Life Doula is someone who supports a person faced with an illness or terminal diagnosis. The End of Life Doula can educate, advocate for, and empower clients by starting the conversation about death and embracing the dying process early. By aligning the clients’ needs with their expectations and wishes, the End of Life Doula can significantly improve the quality and dignity of the end of life journey.
Death Doulas provide non-medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families before, during, and after death. They work alongside the healthcare providers, families, and communities to ensure a dignified, meaningful, and well-supported dying process. Their role is flexible, depending on each person’s needs and wishes. Death Doulas are legal in Canada, but the profession is unregulated, meaning there is no government licensing or official regulatory body overseeing the practice.”
As an End of Life Doula, I can:
- Provide emotional, practical and spiritual support
- Assist with accessing resources and community programs
- Support and navigate the Advanced Planning process with individuals and families (such as the required forms.)
- Advocate in a variety of settings and systems to ensure the individuals’ voice is heard and listened to.
As an End of Life Doula, I cannot:
- Provide any legal information or advice
- Provide any medical care or advice