Common Questions
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End-of-life doulas provide holistic, non-medical support to individuals and families during the dying process. Their services include emotional and spiritual support, assistance with advance care planning, and guidance on legacy work.
Impact of End-of-Life Doulas:
Improved Quality of Life: By offering personalized care and support, end-of-life doulas help individuals experience a more peaceful and meaningful end-of-life journey.
Enhanced Family Support: Doulas assist families in navigating the complexities of end-of-life decisions, providing respite for caregivers and facilitating open communication.
Advocacy and Education: They play a crucial role in educating individuals and families about end-of-life options, ensuring that care aligns with the patient's values and wishes.
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Engaging an end-of-life (EOL) doula can be beneficial at various stages of the dying process. Their support is designed to complement medical care by addressing emotional, spiritual, and practical needs.
Optimal Times to Engage an EOL Doula:
Upon Receiving a Terminal Diagnosis: Early engagement allows for comprehensive planning, including advance care directives and legacy projects.
During the Active Dying Phase: Doulas provide bedside companionship, assist with comfort measures, and support caregivers.
After Death: They offer bereavement support, assist with funeral arrangements, and help families navigate early grief.
It's important to note that EOL doulas are not a replacement for medical care but serve to enhance the overall experience during the end-of-life journey.
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Right now, Passage’s services are completely free.
That being said, individual EOL Doulas may charge anywhere between $100-$1,000K+ for their services.
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An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences in case you're unable to communicate them yourself due to illness or incapacity. It ensures that your medical wishes are known and respected by family members, healthcare providers, and legal representatives.
Key Components:
Living Will: Specifies the types of medical treatments you would or would not want in certain situations, such as if you're terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state.
Healthcare Power of Attorney: Appoints a trusted individual (often called a healthcare proxy or agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated.
Creating an advance directive is recommended for all adults, regardless of age or health status. It provides clarity and guidance during critical moments and can prevent confusion or disputes among family members.
Advance directives are legally recognized but not always legally binding. While healthcare providers are generally expected to honor your wishes, there may be circumstances where they cannot follow them exactly, such as if the decision goes against the provider's conscience or institutional policies. In such cases, they must inform your healthcare proxy and may transfer your care to another provider.
It's advisable to review and update your advance directive periodically, especially after major life events or changes in health status, to ensure it accurately reflects your current wishes.
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End-of-Life Doulas part of Passage’s database are vetted.
Passage verifies End-of-Life Certification, understands medical specialities, conducts a vetting call, and provides references upon matching.
Passage does not conduct a formal background check at this time.
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While Passage does not sponsor EOL services, we will work hard to find options that best suit your financial reality.
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Reach out to grace@lifepassage.io