End of Life Doulas and Conversations About Death: Look for programs online and in person near you
With a prompt from FB posts about talking about death and options, I shared the following. See more helpful resources on doulagivers.com (offering some free online programs often with live Q and A, and some discounts on other programs that may be of interest for personal or professional development. \
The EOLD (End of Life Doula) positions are not licensed or regulated. Many promote taking a training and having a good number of hours and cases one has worked with to be more qualified to help others, but much help is needed. Likely family and friends have tapped their social networks as do some volunteer organizations such as Friendly Visitors (which was what it sounds like) in the Lakeville CT area.
Now they have Chore Service which would be great to emulate. In Berkshire County there are Elderly Services, often with rides and programs at Senior Centers and help with various basic needs (paperwork, taxes and more.) Good luck making your area more coordinated with services, from cradle to grave, hopefully with a lot of good living in between..and many say 'beyond as well, spiritually.' See Delores Cannon and others on line about NDEs and much more.
There are ways to have hospice help with breathing and pain issues that can cause many to rush to the hospital...The art of really being set up and trusting that skilled people will be able to 'walk alongside' someone nearing death is a huge new field for many both professional and volunteer (and family and friends.)
Having more trained people can promote accountability and capability 'just when those wanting to help and the person who is on their way out' are needing it most. End of Life Doulas are non-medical, non-legal assistants who offer support to the person near 'end of life' which could mean months or years...as well as their support team and even medical field team.
Bridging the gaps much like an informed family member but having ways to ease the burdens and offer support on many levels is what the End of Life Doula (EOLD) movement can offer. Thanks for getting the ball rolling in a more public fashion and deep appreciation for all who have been doing this important personal work 'quietly or behind the scenes.' We could celebrate your care and calling, skills and endurance for this is very much a delicate yet demanding time of life....
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