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 End of Life Doula 

 Providing companionship, comfort, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death. 

Care for Your Well-being at Heart

My end of life doula services are designed to provide compassionate support and guidance to you and your family during the end-of-life journey. As a trained and empathetic doula, I offer emotional, practical, and spiritual assistance to help ease the transition and ensure a peaceful and dignified experience.

I work closely with you and your family to:

  • Create personalized end-of-life plans
  • Offer emotional support and companionship
  • Reflect on life and explore your sense of purpose
  • Support meaningful conversations that bring closure
  • Assist with self-identified projects or discussions needing resolution
  • Guide life reflections, legacy projects, and life reviews
  • Provide resources on advance care planning and end-of-life arrangements

At Light from Within, my end of life doula services aim to honor and celebrate life's final chapter, providing comfort, peace, and support to both you and your loved ones.

End of life doula services provide comfort, peace and support in life's final chapter

Benefits of Having an End-of-life Doula

  • Personalized support addressing emotional, spiritual, and practical needs, creating a peaceful environment and easing the end-of-life process.
  • Guidance and companionship to bring clarity, reduce isolation, and assist with after-death care, ensuring dignity and meaning.
  • Compassionate care that honors your wishes, fostering a transition filled with grace and respect.

Heidi's End-of-life Doula Services:

  • Create a safe space for open, honest conversations about dying
  • Guide discussions on advance care directives and end-of-life planning
  • Explore the meaning of life, legacy, and personal values
  • Help design a comforting environment that reflects your wishes
  • Incorporate traditions or create meaningful new rituals
  • Support loved ones in engaging with the dying person in a meaningful way
  • Provide respite for exhausted caregivers
  • Explain the signs and symptoms of the dying process with sensitivity and care
  • Help loved ones process emotions and experiences before, during, and after passing
  • Support the spiritual practices of all involved, honoring diverse beliefs
  • Provide Reiki to promote relaxation, ease pain, and support peace and acceptance
  • Offer a calm, intuitive presence at the bedside

“The way we regard death is critical to the way we experience life. When your fear of death changes, the way you live your life changes.”

— Ram Das

You Don't Have To Do It Alone

Let’s connect and discuss how I can support you and your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the right time to involve an End of Life Doula (EOL)?

You can reach out at any stage, whether before or after a terminal diagnosis or hospice recommendation. Ideally, it’s most helpful for the person nearing the end of life to establish a relationship early on. This allows for meaningful discussions, the sharing of wishes, and advocacy for their needs and plans.

What if my loved one's needs change over time?

I will be there to collaborate with you and reassess needs regularly to ensure appropriate adjustments are made. If needed, I can also assist with referrals to other services or support.

How is an End of Life Doula different from hospice care?

As an End of Life Doula, I provide complementary services alongside hospice care, focusing on emotional, spiritual, and practical support. While hospice care primarily focuses on medical needs, I address the holistic aspects of the dying process, such as life review, legacy work, and emotional preparation.

How much do End of Life Doula services cost?

Costs can vary depending on the doula’s experience and the services provided. It’s important to discuss costs upfront to understand what services are included.  I am happy to offer a free consultation to assess needs, see if we are a “right fit” and share pricing options.

Can insurance cover End of Life Doula services?

Currently, in Minnesota, End of Life Doula services are not covered by insurance companies.  These services are considered out of pocket.

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for End of Life Doula services?

At this time, it is not typically possible to use HSA or FSA funds for End of Life Doula services, as they are not usually considered a qualified medical expense. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your HSA or FSA provider for specific coverage details.

Will the End of Life Doula be available after death?

I provide post-death services, such as supporting family through the grief process, assisting with funeral arrangements, and helping navigate the emotional challenges that follow.

Can an End of Life Doula work alongside my loved one's medical team?

Yes, it is vital I collaborate with your loved one’s medical team, including doctors and hospice providers, to ensure all aspects of care are addressed and coordinated effectively.

What if my loved one doesn’t want an End of Life Doula?

Respecting your loved one’s wishes is essential. If they’re open to an initial conversation, I can listen to their concerns and beliefs, offering information about how a non-invasive, compassionate presence might provide support. However, some individuals may prefer to navigate their end-of-life journey independently. If that’s the case, I’m also available to support family members during this time, even if the individual isn’t directly involved.

Gratitude for a Gentle Presence

I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me and my family over the past several months.  You’ve been the calm in the storm that I needed to find peace.

Hospice Client

I am so very thankful that we have had the opportunity to connect over the past several months.  You are such a healer and have been such a blessing to me.

Hospice Client

It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross