Frequently asked questions
What services does an 'End Of Life Worker' offer?
Emotional and Spiritual Support
Provide a calming presence and compassionate listening.
Support clients and their families emotionally through all stages of end-of-life.
Guide clients through reflective practices to find peace, closure, and acceptance.
Facilitate conversations around legacy, life review, and values.
Practical Assistance and Planning
Help with organizing paperwork and making end-of-life wishes known.
Assist in creating advance directives and other essential documents.
Coordinate with hospice, palliative care providers, and other services as needed.
Provide a planning framework for vigils, memorials, or celebrations of life.
Manage care schedules and offer logistical support for families and caregivers.
Legacy and Memory Creation
Facilitate memory-making activities, such as journaling or recording stories.
Organize keepsakes, letters, or audio recordings for loved ones.
Offer guidance on creating a legacy project, like a scrapbook, video, or art.
Physical Comfort and Non-Medical Care
Use techniques like guided meditation, gentle touch, and music to promote relaxation.
Provide comfort measures, such as repositioning, light massage, or creating a soothing environment.
Assist with daily non-medical tasks, enhancing comfort and dignity in final days.
Family and Caregiver Support
Offer respite and emotional support to caregivers.
Educate family members about the dying process, including physical changes.
Mediate and facilitate discussions to resolve potential family conflicts.
Help family members understand grief and support them through the grieving process.
After-Death Support
Assist with immediate post-death arrangements and rituals as desired by the family.
Help organize memorial or celebration of life ceremonies.
Provide bereavement support and resources for grieving family members.
Each of these services can help create a more supported, meaningful end-of-life experience for both clients and their families.
What an End of Life Worker (Death Doula) does not do.
Medical Care
Provide medical treatments or interventions: They are non-medical providers and do not perform any form of clinical care, such as administering medication, giving injections, or managing medical equipment.
Diagnose or treat health conditions: Death doulas don’t interpret medical tests, give medical advice, or diagnose any conditions.
Take over tasks that require a licensed medical provider: Anything that falls within the domain of a registered nurse, doctor, or other licensed healthcare provider is outside the doula’s role.
Legal or Financial Services
Give legal advice or prepare legal documents: They don’t provide guidance on legal matters like wills or estate planning, nor do they prepare official documents like advance directives or powers of attorney.
Manage financial affairs or give financial advice: They don’t handle financial accounts, make decisions regarding assets, or give advice on financial planning.
Religious or Spiritual Doctrine
Impose personal beliefs: While they may provide spiritual support if requested, they do not impose their own religious or spiritual beliefs. Instead, they respect and support each person’s individual preferences.
Perform religious rites or sacraments: They are not a substitute for a religious leader and will not conduct rituals typically performed by clergy unless they hold the appropriate role and are invited to do so.
Personal or Household Management
Act as primary caregivers: They are not substitutes for family members or hired caregivers and do not take over 24/7 personal care responsibilities.
Perform household tasks unrelated to end-of-life support: Doulas do not take on the role of housekeepers or full-time caregivers, though they may occasionally help with small tasks to ease the family’s burden.
Crisis or Trauma Counseling
Provide clinical mental health counseling: While they may be trained to offer emotional support, they are not therapists or counselors. Those in need of psychological support are often referred to licensed mental health professionals.
This scope helps ensure that the support provided remains within ethical, professional boundaries, respecting both the client’s needs and the roles of other professionals involved in end-of-life care.
Are you certified in end-of-life care?
Yes, Sundara Heart is trained and certified in providing specialized end-of-life care to ensure the highest quality of support to you and your family.
Can you provide 24/7 care for my loved one?
Sundara Heart is not a substitute for family members or hired caregivers and does not take over 24/7 personal care responsibilities. She will however in those final days and hours be there to offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate the needs of the client and their families.
Do you offer support for family members during the end-of-life process?
Yes, Sundara Heart provides emotional support and guidance for family members, helping them navigate the challenges of the end-of-life journey.
How can I arrange a consultation for end-of-life care with you?
Contact Sundara through the website or call me directly to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your specific needs and preferences.