Why End-of-Life Planning Matters in Volusia County

Here in Volusia County, Florida, more than 30% of the population is over the age of 60, and the median age sits at 46.8—higher than both the state and national averages. As an end-of-life doula, these numbers speak volumes. They tell us that now, more than ever, our community needs thoughtful, compassionate, and accessible end-of-life planning.

In coastal towns like Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, and Ormond Beach, many residents are either stepping into caregiving roles or beginning to think about their long-term plans. From navigating support for aging parents and partners to making personal decisions about living wills, advance directives, and even digital legacy planning, there’s a growing need for guidance—and a welcoming place to begin the conversation.

Raising Awareness Around End-of-Life Support in Coastal Volusia

The challenge isn’t a lack of interest—it’s a lack of awareness. Many people simply don’t realize that end-of-life doulas and care advocates are available to help. While a handful of trained doulas live and work in our coastal area, their presence isn't yet fully integrated into the local care system. Hospitals and hospice professionals may be familiar with the role doulas play, but there’s currently no clear path for connecting families to these services through clinics or care centers. More often than not, families are left to seek out this support on their own—often in the midst of grief, stress, and uncertainty.

There’s a real opportunity here for local hospices, senior living communities, hospitals, and even funeral homes to collaborate with end-of-life doulas. Together, we can offer a more holistic range of support—from traditional planning like living wills and power of attorney to more personalized options like green burial education, living funerals, legacy projects, and digital account security. Doulas can also ease the load of practical caregiving tasks, offering respite, coordination, and emotional support.

By building stronger connections between doulas and care providers, we can ensure Volusia County residents receive the support they deserve—now and in the years ahead. A well-connected, compassionate network of end-of-life professionals isn’t just ideal. It’s essential.

The End-of-Life Services Available to You in Volusia County

If you're reading this and find value in informative and educational end-of-life support, I would love to help you on your path. My name is Jessica Dawkins, and I'm a certified end-of-life doula and care advocate based in Port Orange, Florida. My family has been a part of the Volusia County community since 1993. I am passionate about helping residents of all ages get the support they need when it comes to end-of-life matters and planning a better death.

Nature Walks for End-of-Life Planning

What is more beautiful than our local parks, beaches, and coastal spaces? Walking benefits include enhanced emotional processing, improved cognitive function, and better emotional regulation. Walking is also a great way to get out of the house or get some respite. You can walk with me in Port Orange at Airport Road Park, Riverwalk Park, or Sugar Mill Gardens to get emotional support or practically discuss end-of-life matters. If you want a beach walk, I'm also available for 30-minute sessions in Ponce Inlet at Winter Haven Park.

My clients like to use their nature walks to talk about their feelings, ask questions about end-of-life matters, get started on end-of-life planning, or get a break with a helpful friend. No other doula that I know is doing this, in Volusia or elsewhere. If you'd like, you can schedule a nature walk with me at a time that works for you. Questions? Support@EmpoweredEol.com.

Local End-of-Life Services in Coastal Volusia

Whether you're in Daytona Beach Shores, South Daytona, or New Smyrna, I can meet with you in your home, at hospice, at the hospital, or in a local meeting spot like a coffee shop, bookstore, library, or park. My local end of life doula services for individuals, families, and caregivers include:

• Home bequeathment

• Legacy project planning

• Companionship visits

• Vigil visits

• Reiki (I am a certified Reiki Master)

• Discuss end-of-life planning needs (living wills, hospice options, advance directives, funerals, memorials, etc.)

Check out my calendar to schedule a time that works for you. Questions? Support@EmpoweredEOL.com

Virtual Services for Everyone

Even if you're close to Port Orange, you can take care of your end-of-life needs or get support virtually. I offer a spectrum of virtual services for you via Zoom. Take advantage of convenient and discreet:

• Text-based doula support

• End-of-life planning

• Distance reiki

• Death education

• Grief writing sessions (I am a certified creative writing workshop instructor)

• End-of-life writing sessions  

• Legacy project planning

• Grief and mourning support

• Eco-friendly death consultation

• After-death planning

• Item organization and keepsake bequeathment consulting

• Spiritual planning and support

• Memorial project planning

• Death meditation

• Prayer and ritual for grief and end-of-life

• End-of-life professional research services

When you click on a service, you can check out my current calendar to book a time that works for you. If you have any questions about these services, you can email me or call me and leave a voicemail at (321) 574-3854.

Group Workshops at Empowered Pathways

Get involved in a group setting with Volusia County community members, Florida residents, and people who need end-of-life care from across the U.S. I offer monthly group workshops to write out your Five Wishes, talk about death and caregiving, plan a better death, and write about grief.

Check out our latest group workshop times here. I'm also happy to answer questions if you leave a chat for me on my website here at EmpoweredEOL.com.

Connected to the Community

I partner with local hospices, care advocates, and non-profits to provide resources and support to individuals and caregivers, no matter their needs or background. Whether you need hospice referrals, want to create a legacy project that impacts the Volusia community, or have questions about local professionals, I'm your care advocate and can help you find answers.

An Informed, Empowered End-of-Life Community in Volusia County

No matter our age, our concerns, or our end-of-life needs, we can empower ourselves to move more confidently and comfortably through caregiving or planning. I would love to meet with you for a nature walk, planning session, virtual session, or workshop. Let's make Volusia County more prepared and educated when it comes to the end-of-life process. I'm always a phone call, text, consultation, or email away.