End of Life Doula Services
An End-of-Life Doula offers practical, emotional and informational support to someone who is in the final stages of their life, and to the family and loved ones around them at this time.
We offer non-judgemental, non-medical, empowering advice to those moving through challenging transitions and as a means to help and prepare family members for the days ahead. The work we do is separate to hospice care, but also support clients and families who might be based in hospice, or at home.
This service, movement and community is less known in the UK (it’s growing for sure), when compared to the States, but in essence we work to minimise our clients’ fear and anxiety associated with dying and death. To accompany another, with the intention of becoming a companion and witness (not a therapist or social worker) through this transition of their life is an honour and privilege, and we aim to bring a sense of calm, resolution and normalcy surrounding the death experience.
‘For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one’ Khalil Gibran
Dying is considered a sacred act to many of us and although the transition from life to death may indeed be very emotional, it can also be powerful, beautiful and holy. As we’ve experienced in recent years, our relationship to death has come to the fore and provided an opportunity to ask ourselves some very deep and personal questions regarding our own end of life journey. With this in mind, we understand that dying can be sad, but it doesn’t have to be frightening.
When we’re prepared and knowledgeable about what dying looks like, the experience can be less overwhelming, and our intention as doulas is to always help you and your loved ones approach end of life with a greater sense of preparedness and peace.
Tending to the dying and cultivating presence and mindfulness for them and their families whilst planning around end of life transitions is equally important, and this is why as a Sound Practitioner as well, V understands how important it is to maintain calm during times of grief, stress and anxiety. Bringing singing bowl meditations into this space, offering harmony and internal relaxation for those suffering from distress or pain can be a powerful medium to incorporate into this transition (contraindications listed here).
‘Death is not waiting for us at the end of a long road. Death is always with us, in the marrow of every passing moment, a secret teacher hiding in plain sight, helping us to discover what matters most in life.’ Frank Ostaseski's The Five Invitations
“We must practice the art of dying so that when our death is upon us we will not be afraid but recognize it as the most loving thing there is—and fall into it completely.” Rev. Olivia Bareham, Death Midwife, Home Funeral Guide, Celebrant, Conscious Dying Educator, Sacred Crossings
VWellness offers emotional support, intuitive coaching, energy healing with singing bowls (sound therapy) and creative problem solving during challenging life transitions. End of Life Doula services with us looks like:
End of Life Blessings and Ceremonies - a private moment in time, at home or at the hospital, for family or individuals to honour their family member through this transition and create peace, resolution and harmony as we say goodbye together. Personal ceremonies are discussed beforehand, with a variety of soothing tools to support this time of deep emotion.
Planning for Living – short term / temporary in-house domestic support i.e. organisation of personal affairs, decluttering, clearance of objects, daily wellness guidance and motivation.
Elder Care – supporting someone in the final stages of their life, in hospice as a companion or helper at home.
Respite Care – being a full time caregiver can be overwhelming, and we as doulas are here to pop by and help out where needed (for short-term shopping, household support and care), whilst you as a caregiver take some time for yourself.
Life Legacy Projects – supporting you and family members to create personal or shared projects to reflect on your life’s journey and memories.
Advanced Care Directives – offering advice and help to write up any decisions or choices you would like to consider - your values and desires - ahead of time, navigating the options around death, funerals and other options available to you.
Sound Therapy – singing bowl meditations to help create relaxation and energetic alignment of mind, body and spirit during these moments of grief. Read more here.
Post-Death Organisation – systemising and clearing homes only (not legal or financial matters at present).
As End of Life Doulas we support healthy and holistic change within death practices and for the dying and community left behind. We are here to ensure that everyone we work with receives the care and attention they deserve at this time of their life.
Feel free to leave your details below for a free 20 minute intro call to see if our services suit your needs. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) coming soon…
V is a member of the International Association of Professional Death Doulas and you can read her personal blog about how she moved into this work here.
Death Speak is our online circle where we look at navigating and exploring the emotional themes connected to transitional periods, loss and change in our lives. More details on Eventbrite for future dates.
Contact us
To book in a call to discuss End of Life Doula services, please pop your email and number below