The International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) defines an end-of-life doula as a non-medical companion who provides personalized and compassionate support to individuals, families, and their circles of care as they encounter and navigate death, loss, and mortality. An end-of-life doula advocates self-determination and offers psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and practical care to empower dignity throughout the dying process.

In my practice, this means I walk alongside you - before, during, and after a death - with steadiness and respect for your values. My role complements medical care such as hospice or palliative services, while focusing on the human experience of this chapter.

Depending on your needs, I may:

• Guide advance care planning conversations and help organize essential documents

• Facilitate life review and meaningful legacy projects

• Provide companionship and compassionate bedside presence

• Support caregivers with education, emotional processing, and respite

• Support the design or facilitation of rituals, vigils, and celebrations of life

• Offer early bereavement and practical after-death support

At its heart, my work is about preparation, presence, and honoring the dignity of each person’s unique journey.

Hospice is an essential and generous model of care. Hospice teams typically include a nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain, and volunteers, and services are often covered by Medicare or Medicaid for those who meet eligibility requirements.

Where I differ is in scope and flexibility. Hospice clinicians have limited time for visits and must follow specific medical guidelines, including a prognosis of six months or less. As a doula, I can work with individuals at any stage of health or illness and often provide longer visits, additional companionship, practical coordination, legacy support, vigil planning, and after-death guidance.

Many families find that hospice and doula support work beautifully together.

I work with clients in person, virtually, and by phone. Many engagements include a combination, depending on what feels most supportive.

I offer in-person services throughout the Greater Boston area and can provide support wherever you are living - at home, in assisted living, a nursing facility, a hospice residence, or a hospital. The setting matters less than your desire for support.

Absolutely.

Caregiving can be isolating and exhausting. Even if the person you’re caring for does not wish to engage directly, I can support you. This might include:

• Education about the dying process

• Help navigating difficult conversations

• Emotional processing and anticipatory grief support

• Building confidence in decision-making

• Developing sustainable self-care practices

• Short-term respite presence

Supporting caregivers in staying resourced and steady is an important part of my work.

Not at all.

In fact, many people seek support long before illness is present. Advance planning, clarifying values, and organizing practical matters can bring tremendous peace of mind. Preparing thoughtfully often allows families to focus more fully on connection and less on crisis management later.

End-of-life planning is not only about dying—it is also about living with intention.

No. I am not an attorney, financial planner, or licensed care manager. I do not draft legal documents or provide legal counsel.

I can, however, help you organize information, clarify questions, and prepare for conversations with legal or financial professionals. My role is to support you in navigating complex decisions—not to replace specialized professional services.