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A HIGHER STANDARD OF QUALITY
Get the care you need in the home you love
When it comes to the end of life, families find comfort in the knowledge that I'm not just a funeral celebrant but I'm also an end-of-life doula. If you are unsure of what that means, an end-of-life doula is a support person who provides non-judgmental, non-medical holistic support to those nearing the end of life. An end-of-life doula also typically offers support to the friends and family of the elderly, dying, or recently dead. An end-of-life doula educates and empowers individuals to make decisions on their own end-of-life care and final burial or funeral.
The topic of death is something the majority of people today try to avoid, refuse to discuss, and attempt not to think about. That in itself can cause major problems when the time comes.
The topic of death is something the majority of people today try to avoid, refuse to discuss, and attempt not to think about. That in itself can cause major problems when the time comes.
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Finding the right person
When you find yourself turning to an End of Life Doula for support, you may be already carrying the weight of deep sadness and be bewildered about what to ask and where to start. The first rule of thumb is – you may ask anything you like! Your circumstances are unique and your individual needs are important. As a Doula will understand this.
If by a rare chance I'm unable to help due to other client commitments, I offer the following advice when looking for a Doula and these points may help you get started.
finding an end-of-life doula
Enquire about certified training and experience.
A number of organisations offer quality training with certificates of completion. You may ask for proof of training or even contact the training/education organisation.
I was trained overseas where the role of a Doula is more common than here in Australia.
Interview more than one Doula.
It is vital to feel a connection with your Doula. Trust your intuition here. You are passing through an extremely vulnerable time and a feeling of comfort, intimacy, confidence and faith in the people supporting you, including your Doula, is critical to your overall well-being.
What the Doula does and doesn’t offer.
How do you most often support people dying and their loved ones? What have you noticed is most helpful? Are you available for a vigil? Are you available to attend medical appointments with me? Be prepared for a Doula to ask you specific questions about the progression of your or your loved ones illness, and the support you presently have in place. The reason a Doula may ask these questions is to determine how s/he may serve you best and make suggestions from there.
Enquire about fees.
This may include questions about time allocated to offered packages. What if I need more time or less time? Do you consult on an hourly basis? How and when can I pay?
Enquire about communication.
Ask how can we contact you? Can we email you with questions or concerns? Are you always on call? Do you offer phone/online support as needed? Can we meet to discuss our needs and the role you will play? If you do not have a Doula living in your area, enquire whether the Doula provides phone/online support. If you are a caregiver, you can still benefit from expanding your own support network which may include a virtual Doula companion.
© 2025 Steve King - Celebrant Melbourne Australia