Welcome to Blue Bird End of Life Doula Services. I understand that facing the end of your own life, or the end of life of someone you love, can be a challenging, confusing and overwhelming time.
An end of life doula can help you navigate this path and assist the dying person, and their family and friends, experience the end of life journey with dignity and compassion. The ending of life is one of life's most profound transitions, and offers opportunities for growth, love, and reconciliation.
The word 'doula' (pronounced doo-la) is from the Greek language and originally meant ‘woman servant’. Today, an End of Life Doula (EOLD) is an informed companion or 'trusted other' who can provide support, guidance, and continuity of care that enables the dying person to have, as far as possible, the end of life experience that aligns with their wishes, values and beliefs.
What services can I help you with?
- A comforting presence and a listening ear for the dying person and their loved ones.
- Advocacy for the dying person, ensuring their preferences for care and comfort are, as far as possible, respected and followed.
- Non-religious spiritual care, or organising visits from church representatives or clergy, if more appropriate.
- Assisting the individual and family with an end-of-life plan, eg, Will; Enduring Power of Attorney; Enduring Guardianship and Advance Care Directive.
- Assisting the dying person in creating legacy projects, such as memory books, letters, videos, or other personal items that can be cherished by family members.
- Supporting the family in communicating with healthcare providers and navigating the healthcare system.
- Offering information about the dying process, including what physical and emotional changes to expect.
- Sitting in vigil - sitting bedside with the person during the 'active' dying phase.
- Connecting families with additional resources such as grief counsellors, financial advisors, and legal services.
Just as every person is unique, so is every illness, ageing process, and end of life. An end of life doula reduces stress, enhances communication, promotes a peaceful environment, and provides continuous support.
You don't need to be nearing the end of your life to engage an end of life doula.
Together we can discuss your needs and personalise your support.
I hope I can be of service to you.
Jindabyne
Snowy Mountains