End Of Life Doula Services

What is an End-Of Life Doula?

As an End-of-Life Doula,  I am a companion to someone who is dying & the dying person’s loved ones. This involves four distinct types of support: medical, physical, emotional and spiritual.  Ultimately, I view my job is to be a supportive presence to the dying and his or her loved ones.

The New York Times published an article on 6-24-21 called ‘Death Doulas Provide Aid at the End of Life‘ by Abbie Ellin. This article gives a good explanation about End of Life Doulas and the services they provide. The organizations that I’ve trained with, and am a member of, are mentioned in the article.

What services does Anita Neff provide as an End Of Life Doula?

In addition to her degree in Health Science and Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Anita has been trained in the three phases of end of life care. She can be a key resource for the patient and the family. She will be able to offer appropriate suggestions that you may or may not consider for the comfort of the patient.

End of Life care requires is a supportive presence to ‘hold the space’ for the dying patient and his/her loved ones in order to decrease as much stress as possible at this time.

Anita is trained in all 3 phases of end of life care. Anita knows what to look for as a patient’s condition changes and she knows what interventions to suggest to the family to increase comfort.

Being a great listener, Anita helps to facilitate any unresolved issues that may be identified.

If they are not already done, Anita can help the patient and family to create an Advanced Directive. This is a legal document that will express the patient’s wishes for healthcare and pick a health care proxy (Someone to speak for the patient if they are not able to speak for themselves).

Anita can help the patient and the family plan how they would like the last 24-48 hours of the person’s life to be and who they would like to be present. She helps to create a sacred space.

Anita will help the family and/or patient with planning for the wake, funeral, eulogy or whatever option you desire for a remembrance. The various options can be explored and the patient may take part in how they would like to be remembered. This is empowering and healing at the same time. Money does not need to be spent for expensive arrangements in order to honor someone.

She can provide support and assistance with the patient and/or family in writing the obituary.

Anita can provide support and assistance with the patient and/or family in writing the eulogy.

Anita will help the patient to document his/her meaningful life stories to leave behind for their loved ones. This can be done in writing, recording, video, songs, etc to make it their own.

Through nurturing & supportive means, Anita can help the patient find the meaning in their life and what their contribution was to this life. This is very healing and provides a deep level of comfort.

Anita will be there to assure the patient and loved ones that she is here for you and will walk them through this experience. She can stay with you after the loved one has passed. She will help loved ones through the grieving process. Grieving is an important part of loosing someone and it should be given proper time. Anita will share several grieving skills to help honor the loss and celebrate the spirit of the deceased.

Anita does not make any decisions related to end of life care for the patient directly. Anita will not project her own beliefs and will always remain non-judgmental.