What Do We Need to Think About at End-of-Life?

End-of-life doulas and end-of-life planning. They both sound important, but how can they really help you, a caregiver, or a loved one?

Written by: Jessica Dawkins, End-of-Life Doula and Owner, Empowered Pathways LLC

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What Is an End-of-Life Doula?

An end-of-life doula is a steward or keeper of individuals or families at the end of life. They may also be supporters and educators before the end of life. For example, some people work with an end-of-life doula years before they pass away. Others first speak to a doula when they're supporting a dying loved one or serving as a caregiver.

End-of-life doulas are knowledgeable about the phases of death, key legal and personal considerations, and burial and memorial customs. Some have become certified by passing a test or completing a set number of practical hours through an end-of-life doula or death education certification. Others have learned about end-of-life care through years of experience or an apprentice program. There are doulas who focus on pre-death planning and education, and there are others who are available during vigil or after death.

You can find doulas who are spiritual, those who are Christian, and those who specialize in interfaith needs. Some professionals are adept at practical matters, and others are excellent resources for emotional strength and support. Pet doulas, dementia-focused doulas, virtual end-of-life professionals, and neurodivergent-affirming doulas are all out there to support people at the end of life.

End-of-life doulas each have their own unique specialization and "flair," so talk with one to ensure they can meet your needs for yourself or your loved one. Here at Empowered Pathways, I offer free consultations by text, phone, or Zoom to answer your initial questions and determine which services could be most helpful to you or your family.

What Can an End-of-Life Doula Help With?

End-of-Life Documents

Do you know which documents are helpful for end-of-life planning in your state? Have you created a living will, an advance directive, or have you discussed power of attorney? End-of-life doulas are not legal experts, but they can inform you about which documents to consider, which you can fill out on your own, and which ones you want to talk to a lawyer. They can also help you find out which ones to discuss with an assisted living facility, hospice, or your doctor.

If you have a unique situation, you can talk to an end-of-life doula in confidence. Empowered Pathways' end-of-life doula Jessica Dawkins is an adept researcher and can help you find out the answers to your end-of-life document matters.

Here at Empowered Pathways, we also have end-of-life planning workshops to help you get started with end-of-life considerations. If you're interested in a hands-on way to dive into end-of-life planning 101, join the mailing list located at the bottom of the Empowered Pathways home page, or email me your name and email address at support@empoweredeol.com. I can let you know when we have the next class on creating your five wishes, a gateway document to clear end-of-life planning you can share with practitioners or loved ones.

Caregiver Support

It's impossible to simulate being a caregiver for someone who is near death or dying. End-of-life doulas walk alongside caregivers throughout their loved one's end-of-life journey to ensure they receive support with end-of-life matters. The level of support you receive is based on your needs. Your doula can act as an end-of-life assistant, helping you make sense of news and developments at home or at the hospice.

End-of-life doulas can be allies in research, advocates for questions about treatment plans, and objective partners in recognizing challenges during end-of-life planning or decision-making. Consider memorial and burial options, vigil needs, and logistical challenges with a helpful friend who understands the stages of death.

Death Education

Learn about the stages of death and what to expect from yourself or a loved one at the end of life. Work with a doula ahead of time to demystify death so you can be aware, calm, and supportive. Find out what people typically experience in the months, weeks, days, and hours leading up to their passing. Discover what comfort measures can help yourself or a loved one and how to work with hospice or a care team to make death as comfortable and natural as possible.

Legacy or Memorial Planning

We all deserve to be remembered for who we truly are. Legacy projects can ensure that you or a loved one is memorialized in a way that feels meaningful and authentic. Living funerals and memorials can help bring friends and family a sense of peace. They can also help you to create more peace and closure in your life. Discuss with an end-of-life doula which legacy projects, living funerals, and memorials are available, and create a meaningful celebration of life in a style and budget that makes sense for you or your family.

Other ways that Empowered Pathways end-of-life doula Jessica Dawkins can help include:

• Grief Writing and Death Writing: I am a certified creative writing instructor with a creative writing BA from the University of Central Florida. If you are searching for an outlet for your emotions or grief, a 1-on-1 writing session can be therapeutic and healing.

• Distance Reiki: Yes, Reiki can be done at a distance, from anywhere! Clear stagnant energy and encourage healthy energy flow throughout the body with sessions with a certified Reiki master. Receive loving energy while your Reiki professional meditates on ailments and blocked areas. Get supportive information about the state of your chakras. Available for people and pets.

• Eco-Friendly Death Information: Interested in eco-friendly burials, cremations, and other environmentally-friendly end-of-life options? An eco-friendly death session is helpful at any stage of life. I'm also available to provide localized, eco-friendly information about death to groups. Please inquire about group discussions or workshop rates at support@empoweredeol.com.

• After-Death Planning: What will life look like for the family or loved ones after death? Envision and plan in a safe space with a certified end-of-life doula.

I also offer...

• Guided meditation on death sessions

• End-of-life research services

• Virtual and text-based doula support

• Pet doula services

• Neurodivergent affirming services

• Spiritual end-of-life assistance (death, vigil, or memorial planning based on spiritual or religious needs)

• Prayer or ritual sessions for death or grief: I am an ordained minister and an interfaith specialist. No matter your faith or spirituality, I'm here to help support you in meditation or prayer. Let me know if you have any questions by sending me a message or email.

• Spring, summer, and fall workshops

• Local nature walks in Volusia County: Discuss end-of-life matters or receive support while walking and talking together at some of coastal Volusia County's best spots

Empowered Pathways Services

• Visit Virtual Services to access Empowered Pathways' menu of virtual education and support.

• Visit Local Services for a menu of Empowered Pathways' services in coastal Volusia County.

• Visit Pet Doula Services to learn more about my end-of-life doula services available to families of companion animals.

• Visit Nature Walks to see the next time we can take a walk together in coastal Volusia

• Visit Group Workshops to see when the next group workshop is available - or email me at support@empoweredeol.com to get on the group workshop mailing list.

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A Caring Doula Is Always Here for You

My goal as an end-of-life doula is to provide care that makes sense for today's people and families. I offer many of my services virtually so you can access support and help from anywhere in the United States. I'm also a Floridian, well-versed in Florida's end-of-life matters. If you live in Volusia County, Florida, you can connect with me virtually or face-to-face with many of my services. I also offer face-to-face and pet doula services for those needing support for a companion's passing.

Feel free to ask questions about services, email me about end-of-life concerns, or reach out to learn more about how end-of-life planning and end-of-life doula support work. Part of my role is community education, and I'm happy to provide introductory consultations, virtual group presentations, and local group presentations in Volusia County to make death education more accessible for everyone.