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You’ve probably heard of a birth doula who provides support for a mom as she brings a new life into this world. But have you ever heard of a death doula?
A death doula (also known as an end-of-life doula) helps complete the circle of life. They support a patient and their family as the patient leaves this world through death.
What is the role of a death doula?
The death doula provides emotional, spiritual, and physical support depending on the unique needs of each patient and their family. Services may include:
- Provide education on what to expect during the dying process
- Help with coordination of care and identify helpful resources
- Offer comfort and a listening ear when the patient feels anxious about death
- Assist with creating a plan for the last days of life (religious rites, music, visitors, etc.)
- Keep vigil with the patient and family when the patient is actively dying
- Help with end-of-life tasks such as funeral planning or recording a life history
- Provide physical comfort through such things as hand or foot massages
- Assist with light household tasks to allow the family to spend more time with the patient
- Provide follow-up support for family and friends after the death occurs
A doula doesn’t take the place of hospice care. They provide non-medical care and can serve as an additional source of support for the patient and their family.
Where does a doula work?
Death doulas serve patients in a variety of settings. These include private homes, hospitals, senior living communities, and hospice homes.
What are the educational requirements?
Becoming a death doula requires no specific education. However, a variety of training programs are available, both in-person and online. Some take only a couple of days to complete, while others last several weeks. Many programs offer a death doula certification. (You can Google “death doula training” to get an idea of the myriad of training programs available.)
How much does a death doula get paid?
Most death doulas work as independent contractors and bill the patient/family directly. A doula may charge an hourly rate, or they might charge a flat rate for supporting the patient/family throughout the dying process. Fees vary depending on the services offered and average $25 to $100 per hour.
When a hospice employs the doula, they usually pay an hourly salary, and they include doula services in their routine care. Health insurance rarely covers independent death doula services.
Interested in learning more?
Contact the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) or the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) in the United States.
Are there any death doulas among my readers? I would love to hear about your experiences!
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