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Resources
Below are some associations and organizations that provide helpful information related to end of life topics. The list is based on personal research and is ever evolving.
Not sure where to get started? Jump to our Frequently Asked Questions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an end-of-life doula?An end-of-life doula provides non-medical, holistic support to individuals facing terminal illness or death. This support includes emotional, spiritual, and practical care, helping clients make informed decisions and facilitating meaningful conversations about life and death.
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What is the difference between end-of-life doulas and hospice care?End-of-life doulas do not replace hospice caregiving. Hospice care workers typically work in interdisciplinary teams that may include nurses, HHAs, social workers, therapists, and chaplains. They provide medical care for patients with terminal illnesses who are receiving only comfort (versus curative) care. Hospice services are regulated by laws controlling Medicare and Medicaid insurance services, which can limit their time with patients. End-of-life doulas don’t provide medical services but work in tandem with hospice care to spend more time with patients and their families, providing holistic end-of-life support.
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What is the difference between an end-of-life doula and a grief counselor?End-of-life doulas focus on offering emotional, spiritual, and practical companionship throughout the entire dying process. Conversations about mortality and dealing with grief are part of that, but not the sole focus. Grief counselors typically hold professional licenses in psychology, counseling, or social work. They use various therapeutic techniques to help individuals cope with intense emotions as they deal with death and grieving.
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What are the benefits of working with an end-of-life doula?Working with an end-of-life doula provides numerous benefits, including personalized care, emotional and practical support, assistance with legacy projects, and a compassionate presence. Doulas help reduce the stress and fear associated with dying, making the experience more manageable for everyone involved. See our Services page for more information.
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How do end-of-life doulas support during vigils?End-of-life doulas support vigils by helping to plan and honor the dying person's wishes. They create a calm, respectful environment, facilitate rituals, and offer emotional support to both the individual and their loved ones to help make sure the final moments are as meaningful and peaceful as possible.
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Why should I consider hiring an end-of-life doula?Hiring an end-of-life doula can provide you and your loved ones with compassionate support during a challenging time. Doulas offer companionship, assist with planning and practical tasks, and help ensure that the dying individual's wishes are honored, allowing for a more peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience.
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How much do services provided by end-of-life doulas cost?The cost of end-of-life doula services is not yet covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most private insurance providers. Depending on the location, services, and provider, costs for end-of-life doula services range from $25 to $150 per hour. Since these services are paid out-of-pocket, it is important for people to budget accordingly. See the Better Endings Doula pricing and process here.
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Do end-of-life doulas need to have a religious affiliation?End-of-life doulas serve all people, regardless of their social, spiritual, ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds. The support doulas provide is generally agnostic and can easily incorporate any religious, spiritual, or cultural elements that are part of an individual’s background. The care provided is always customized to an individual’s values, needs, and preferences.
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When should I start working with an end-of-life doula?There is no one right time to reach out to an end-of-life doula. Some people engage with doulas while they are still healthy to have deep conversations about death and mortality, as is done in “Death Cafes.” Others bring in doulas just before the vigil to help them and their loved ones through the active dying process. Many start working with doulas after a diagnosis of a terminal illness, sometimes working together for 6-12 months to plan for final moments, review life, work through regrets, and deal with grief.
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How does one become an end-of-life doula?There is no universally recognized accreditation for becoming an end-of-life doula. Most doulas undergo trainings, courses, and certification programs from organizations such as INELDA (International End-of-Life Doula Association) or NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Alliance). Many start by volunteering with hospices or other organizations. Additional training in Reiki, breathwork, massage, yoga, and pet therapy is also common.
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Where can I find an end-of-life doula?If you’re ready to take the next steps, you can schedule a free phone consultation by filling out the form. I will be in touch within 1 business day. You can also find service providers in your area through online search or by checking listings on the NEDA and INELDA websites.
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What is the death positive movement?The Death Positive Movement is a social and cultural movement that encourages openness, acceptance, and engagement with the topic of death and dying. It aims to shift societal norms, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding death from fear, avoidance, and denial to curiosity, acceptance, and understanding. Advocates support open discussions about death, dying, and end-of-life wishes, and encourage practices such as advance care planning, eco-friendly burial options, home funerals, and creative expressions of grief and remembrance.
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How can end-of-life doulas assist with legacy projects?End-of-life doulas assist with legacy projects by helping clients reflect on their life stories and create tangible remembrances. This can include writing letters, creating videos, compiling recipe books, or making photo albums. These projects help individuals leave a meaningful legacy for their loved ones. If you’d like to learn more, this legacy project example on INELDA’s website is an inspiring place to start.
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What inspired the creation of Better Endings?Better Endings was founded after I experienced personal loss. The support and compassion I received inspired me to do the same for others. Seeing how much end-of-life care helped, I trained with INELDA. Now, I offer doula services to help others through this difficult time with empathy and understanding.
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What services does Better Endings offer?Better Endings offers a range of services tailored to individual needs, including advance care planning, assistance with memorial projects, coordination with healthcare providers, practical support, caregiver respite, vigil sitting, and early grief support. Each service is designed to provide holistic, compassionate care. See our Services page for more information.
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How can Better Endings support my loved ones and me during the end-of-life process?I provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to both the individual and their loved ones. Our services help reduce stress by handling day-to-day tasks, facilitating meaningful conversations, planning end-of-life rituals, and offering companionship to ensure no one feels alone during this time.
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What makes Better Endings different from other end-of-life services?Better Endings combines relatable personal experience with professional training to offer empathetic and individualized care. Our approach is holistic, focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of end-of-life care. We also operate on a sliding scale fee structure to ensure accessibility for all.
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Can Better Endings work with my existing healthcare providers?Though we are not currently covered by insurance, we work in tandem with hospice care, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive support system for you and your loved ones. Our role is to complement medical care with emotional and practical support.
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