End Of Life Care

As Bonnie Schneider, Manager of Social Services for Valley Home Care explains, “Doulas meet with the patient and their families approximately three times beforehand to develop an individualized vigil plan that specifies their wishes for the time of death. “It’s different for everyone,” Schneider explains. “Some people want their hand held while others may want to be left alone. Do they want music, or silence or something read to them? Are their objects they want near, such as a collection or photos? Do they want special bed linens or blankets? These are all things we take into consideration when writing the plan.” Too often when a person is actively dying they and the people taking care of them are mostly, if not entirely, alone,” Schneider explains. “The doula program meets a need at the most crucial moment. The dying process can take days to unfold, and that can be incredibly difficult without doula support.” – copyright, Valley Hospice 2014 Valley Healthcare System

No matter who I’m speaking to – death seems to be the greatest fear of almost anyone I meet and one thing they try not to think of let alone plan for. Having an End of Life Doula to help someone facing terminal illness offers comfort to patients and their families as the end draws near. Just as expectant mothers may way the emotional, physical, and spiritual support of a doula as they prepare to bring life into the world – I recognize this is desperately needed as life leaves – perhaps even more so. My training as a Reflexologist, and my work with essential oils and guided meditation helps me to bring an additional level of relief and comfort to the dying.

I will also be available in the weeks following the death to meet with the family again to process the entire experience and offer any needed information about bereavement and grief counseling.

The loss we endure when someone dies is painful….there can be no denying it. But my goal is to offer comfort, and reduce the fear associated with this sacred moment as much as possible to honor the life of your loved one and give you closure and peace.

~ please do not hesitate to contact me to learn more or set up an initial consultation~

Love,

Jac