What is an End-of-Life Doula?

An End-of-Life Doula (also called an EOLD or Death Doula) is a non-medical guide and support person trained to help individuals and families prepare for and walk through the final phase of life.

What We Do

Just as a birth doula supports new parents and their families through labor and delivery, End-of-Life Doulas support those planning for or nearing their own death — and the people who love them.

We help bring comfort, clarity, and meaning to what can often feel like an overwhelming time.

As an End-of-Life Doula, I’m trained and experienced in:

  • Advance Care Planning: Supporting clients in creating living wills, selecting healthcare proxies, and preparing documents for estate and end-of-life care.

  • Legacy Projects: Helping individuals create letters, memory books, and video messages for their loved ones.

  • Vigil Support: Sitting with the dying during their final hours and providing a calm, reassuring presence.

  • Caregiver Guidance: Supporting families and loved ones in preventing burnout, finding resources, and creating space for self-care.

  • Difficult Conversations: Facilitating meaningful dialogue around healthcare wishes, funeral preferences, and emotional closure.

  • Memorial and Funeral Planning: Including support for home funerals, wakes, or alternative ceremonies.

Important Note About Hospice

End-of-Life Doulas are not a replacement for hospice care. In fact, one of the first things I encourage is for families to engage with hospice as early as possible — so they have as much care and support as possible.

We work alongside hospice teams, not in place of them.

How Services Are Offered

EOLD services are not covered by medical insurance and are privately paid by clients or families. I offer:

  • Ala carte sessions

  • Packages for deeper support

  • Flexible pricing for those navigating financial limitations

“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.”
— Haruki Murakami