Welcome! Here you'll find answers to common questions about Elder and End-of-Life Doula services, and how Our Sacred Sojourn supports individuals and families through life's later stages and its final chapter.
Yes, wholeheartedly. My offerings are open to everyone, embracing all backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and life paths. You are welcome here exactly as you are, and my commitment is to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive space for all.
An Elder Care Doula provides non-medical, holistic support for individuals navigating the complexities of aging. This can include emotional support, guidance on resources, assistance with lifestyle adjustments, and help in finding meaning and purpose in later life.
An End-of-Life Doula offers non-medical, holistic support to individuals and their families facing serious illness or the end-of-life journey. This encompasses emotional, educational, and practical assistance to help create a peaceful, meaningful, and dignified end-of-life experience.
Doula services are strictly non-medical. We do not provide medical advice, diagnose illnesses, administer medication, or perform medical procedures. We complement, but do not replace, the essential care provided by medical professionals and hospice. Hospice focuses on medical comfort care, while doulas focus on holistic, non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical support.
While emotional support and a listening presence is offered, I am not a licensed mental health professional and do not provide psychotherapy, counseling for mental health disorders, or crisis intervention for acute psychological distress. Social workers often focus on resource navigation and case management; doulas provide more direct, personalized, non-medical companionship and advocacy.
Our support can include advance care planning, emotional presence, active listening, education on the dying process, guidance on resources, legacy work, non-medical comfort measures, practical support with non-medical tasks, vigil planning and presence during active dying, and initial bereavement support. See our offerings page for more information.
Yes, I do. End-of-life doula support, which focuses on emotional, spiritual, and practical guidance, is highly adaptable to a virtual format. Through video calls, phone conversations, and other digital platforms, I can provide compassionate support, facilitate discussions, offer resources, and help navigate the end-of-life journey for individuals and their families, no matter where you are located within the United States.
No, I support individuals in living fully now, contemplating end-of-life, and planning for future needs.
Engaging with an End-of-Life Doula isn't just for those facing immediate end-of-life. Proactive planning, regardless of age or health status, is a powerful act of self-care and love for your future self and your loved ones. It allows you to thoughtfully explore your values, define what a "quality of life" means to you, and communicate your wishes clearly long before a crisis. This early planning can reduce stress, foster peace of mind, and ensure your life and its eventual ending reflect your deepest desires, empowering you to live more fully in the present.
Yes, I guide you through completion of advance directive (living will, health care power of attorney) documents by providing terminology explanations and personal reflection. However, I am not a legal professional and cannot provide legal advice or prepare these documents for you.
For more information, explore our Advance Care Planning page.
No, I do not provide direct personal care (e.g., bathing, toileting). I also DO NOT give medications under any circumstances. If you or your loved one needs minimal mobility assistance, this can typically be accommodated.
For clients who become unable to communicate, I rely on the wishes you've previously expressed, your designated representative, or legal guardian. I will work closely with your family and designated decision-makers to ensure your preferences are honored.
I prioritize active listening and open communication to understand what dignity and respect mean specifically to you. Support is centered on advocating for your expressed preferences and ensuring your journey unfolds in a way that honors your values and autonomy.
I offer initial practical and bereavement support and resources to families immediately following death. My role is to provide compassionate presence and guidance during this time, and connect them with ongoing support if needed.
If you have additional questions, please contact me.