March 2024

Compassionate Care at End of Life: How EOLDs Help Ease the Final Transition

by Gina Riner

Death isn’t easily discussed in our society yet the dying process, which every living being must go through, can be a sacred and transformative experience rather than a stressful, difficult time. Finding someone you trust who can listen deeply to your questions and concerns about death, can help you accept and work through the intensely personal process of dying.

A Death Doula, also known as an End-of-Life-Doula (EOLD), can provide non-medical support and guidance during your final transition. Death doulas are trained professionals who offer emotional, practical and spiritual support to people who are dying and their loved ones. They can help with tasks such as:

  • Providing a caring presence, offering a safe and sacred space for you and your family to express fears, hopes and wants.
  • Act as advocates to navigate the healthcare system so you can understand your best options for end-of-life.
  • Offer supportive companionship so an individual doesn’t feel isolated and afraid, and instead holds sacred space for meaningful conversation, memories and reflections.
  • Help create an end-of-life plan by facilitating conversations about healthcare choices, legacy wishes and spiritual beliefs to have a dignified and heartfelt experience.
  • Find resources and support in your community

Bringing on a death doula helps the individual and their family ensure this last rite of passage is a sacred and meaningful one.

DISCLAIMER: The tools, resources and information does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only, not advice or guarantee of outcome. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the Gentle Passage Doula Collective Website, downloaded resources and/or educational material, or misinterpreted the information/context/educational sessions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. Gentle Passage Doula Collective and its members are not responsible for errors and omissions in reporting or explanation. No individuals, including those under our active care, should use the information, resources or tools contained within to self-diagnosis or self-treat any health-related condition. Gentle Passage Doula Collective gives no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness or applicability or the content.

September 2023

Artful Dying: The Roll of an End-of-Life Dula

October 2022

Final conversation: Practical and profound discussions about death

September 2024

Preparing for a Family Meeting with your Medical Team (In memory of Dr. Stu Farber)