The End of Life Doula Association of Canada specifies that “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 client’s needs with their expectations and wishes, the End of Life Doula can significantly improve the quality and dignity of the end of life journey. Some of their tasks and skills may include:
- advocate for the best possible experience for the client
- understand the physiology of death and the complexity of emotions that go along with the diagnosis of a terminal illness
- assist clients in creating and carrying out their health care treatment decisions
- are knowledgeable about legalities, options, and tools in Canada
- provide emotional, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint
- providing information needed to make informed care decisions
- facilitate communication between client, family and other care providers
- protect the client’s dignity and the family’s memory during the death experience
- allow the family to participate at their own comfort level”
More information can be found at the End of Life Doula Association of Canada website at endoflifedoulaassociation.org.
I can not talk to your doctor for you, but I can support you in communicating your needs to your doctor.
End of Life Doulas are privately secured non-medical professional, trained to care for an individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs during the dying process. End of Life Doulas are not permitted to provide any healthcare services, but I can advocate for you to ensure you have all your healthcare needs met.
No. End of Life Doulas support you and your loved ones throughout the dying process, whether that is of natural causes or by choice through the Medical Assistance in Dying Program. The Medical Assistance in Dying program is accessible in the Kootenays through your physician or through Interior Health at interiorhealth.ca.
Absolutely, if that is your wish, and I can help you plan everything so that all your wishes are met.
Once you are admitted to hospital, I can join you at your bedside, I can advocate for you, but I must abide by any rules in place by the facility. I cannot provide any healthcare, but I can provide support and ensure all your wishes are met.
We are not regulated at this time, however, I abide by the Standard of Practice as set out by the End of Life Doula Association of Canada. You can view the Standard of Practice HERE
The hospice is a volunteer run organisation, and as such, is wonderfully free, and vitally necessary in our community, however, this means they can be limited in their ability to provide care when and how it may be needed. We are all part of your team, and even though you may hire me as your End of Life Doula, you may still access Hospice support as well, there is no such thing as too much support at a time like this.
Unfortunately at this time, End of Life Doula services are not covered by MSP. The End of Life Doula Association of Canada is working to acquire funding so that End of Life Doulas are available for anyone who needs them. If you are fortunate enough to have Extended Benefits, you can claim Doula services through your plan.
Registered Care Aide- College of the Rockies
End of Life Doula Certificate – Douglas College
Grief Recovery Specialist® – Grief Recovery Institute®
Long Term Care – Recreation and Palliative Care
Interior Health Home Care
Medical Office Assistant
I am committed to ongoing education, and am always working to develop the services I can provide.
Connections and Resources
Support and sensitivity regardless of your culture or spiritual beliefs
Advocacy
Facilitation of courageous conversations
Healing from emotional pain via the Grief Recovery Method®
Aromatherapy – Use of essential oils to soothe body and soul
Custom Guided Relaxation recordings that you can use during times of stress
Reiki – A hands-off relaxation technique that can promote emotional healing
Colour Therapy- Use of colour and light to promote relaxation
Palliative Massage- Gentle massage to promote relaxation and circulation
Music as Medicine- Use of different types of music to evoke chosen memories, feelings and relaxation
Medical Advice –
But I can support you in communicating with your health care team to ensure you have what you need.
Legal Advice –
But I can help you access what you need.
Counselling –
But I can help you find what you need.
Medical Care –
While I am a trained Care Aide, when hired by you as your End of Life Doula, I will adhere to my scope of practice and I will never interfere with your health care team, but I will advocate for you if needed.
Preparation of your body following your death –
This is usually, but not required to be the role of the BC Funeral Director, however, if it is your wish, I can support your loved ones as they care for your body in a final act of love and ceremony. We can talk about your options.
I will never impress my own personal beliefs upon you.