certified END OF LIFE DOULA SERVICES provided by JENÉE JENKINS-WOLFRAM
FAQ
WHAT IS A CERTIFIED END OF LIFE DOULA?
A Certified End of Life Doula is a non-medical professional that provides companionship, education, and guidance to those in the end stages of life or planning for the end stages of life, with a focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of both the client and their loved ones.
End of Life Doulas are sometimes known as Death Doulas or Death Midwives.
A Certified End of Life Doula is not a Home Health Aide, does not make any medical or care decisions for the client, and does not administer any medications.
WHY WORK WITH AN END OF LIFE DOULA?
Receiving a life-limiting diagnosis is often stressful and full of uncertainty, so it is hard to know where to begin. An End of Life Doula can accompany you on this journey, carry some of the mental load, and provide companionship and guidance along the way.
An End of Life Doula will compassionately educate you on the dying process, what to expect, and your choices along the way. End of Life Doulas can enrich the dying experience for patients and loved ones, while strengthening the relationship between medical (hospice, nurses, social workers) and non-medical support (the caregivers and loved ones).
The End of Life Doula is gently holding space for you and your loved ones, advocating for you, and ensuring that your wishes are respected. Working with an End of Life Doula ensures you will have compassionate and dignity-affirming guidance and support throughout the end of life process.
HOW IS AN END OF LIFE DOULA DIFFERENT THAN HOSPICE?
Hospice care is clinical support, while End of Life Doulas are non-medical support through the end of life. Hospice is regulated by Medicare rules, which limit the time staff is allowed to spend with patients and families.
End of Life Doulas often work in conjunction with hospice organizations to complement the care they receive in hospice.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has begun encouraging hospices to hire End of Life Doulas to complete the hospice team by filling in “the gaps of care” and allowing for the best end of life experience.
WHO TYPICALLY USES THE SERVICES OF AN END OF LIFE DOULA?
Those who are nearing the end of life or planning for their end of life are using End of Life Doula services.
Contact is often made by individuals or their loved ones who are helping to facilitate their plans.
Anyone with questions or curiosities about death and dying can access the resources of an End of Life Doula to explore the services they offer.
WHAT TRAINING, LICENSURE, OR CERTIFICATION IS NEEDED TO BE AN END OF LIFE DOULA?
Although there is no federally mandated certification or licensure to become an End of Life Doula, there are many nationally recognized private organizations that offer certification programs.
My training and certification was through the Doulagivers End of Life Doula Specialist Training created by Suzanne O'Brien.
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN WORKING WITH AN END OF LIFE DOULA?
I offer a free phone consultation to answer any of your initial questions.
Then if you feel we are a good fit, we will meet for a consultation where we discuss your needs and the services I provide in more detail.
From there, we collaboratively build a customized plan of care and sign a service agreement to begin working together.
WHAT DOES 'LET IT BE QUIETUS' MEAN?
‘Let it Be’ is a mantra that has been at the center of my life for decades. It has been my grounding reminder through the most challenging and uncertain times in my life.
I find great peace in the idea that I always have the option to ‘Let it Be’, although it is not always easy.
Quietus is a literary term meaning death or an ending, regarded as a release from life. It can also mean something that quiets, calms, or has a soothing effect.
It felt like the ideal way to represent my desire to help others find peace as they face the end of their lives.