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End-of-Life Care
What is an End-Of-Life Doula AKA Life Transition Guide?
Someone recently asked me what was the easiest way of explaining what I do and who I work with. I help and guide you when 1) You just need help with non-medical Activities of Daily Living in your senior (elder) years; 2) You have received a terminal diagnosis regardless of your age 3) You need help with all the forms involved with end of life such as a healthcare proxy, living will, making your final wishes known, setting up a trust, etc.
As an End of Life Doula, I'm a non-medical professional, a specially trained companion and guide when you are diagnosed with a life-limiting/terminal illness and to help you plan out and fulfill every detail of your Advanced Directives and final wishes. If you've been given a terminal diagnosis, I provide you with support physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and show up as a loving, supportive presence and companion to help you through the 3 phases of end of life: Shock, Stabilization and Transition, while caring for those you love the most. The services provided are customized to each person and situation.
End of-Life Doulas are also known around the world as: end of life coaches, soul midwives, transition guides, death coaches, death doulas, doula to the dying, end of life doulas, death midwives, angels in death, thanadoula, and end of life guides.
What's the difference between an End of Life Doula, Hospice and Home Care?
Hospice manages the medical care, performs clinical tasks, and dispenses medications. They also teach the patient's loved ones on how to care for them. Depending on the patient's condition, you would see a hospice nurse once a week and an aide for 1-2 hours, 1-3 times a week.
Family or Home Care Agency Aides perform the direct hands-on care (i.e., bathing, toileting, feeding, positioning, medication reminders, etc.).
As described above, as a specially trained and certified End of Life Doula, I offer comfort to you and your family and provide support during all phases of care. I am not not a home health aide, rather I am a professional who guides you and your family through what can be a stressful journey.
For people who don't choose hospice care but need support and guidance, I am hired to help them as described above. I also work along side of hospices and other care facilities helping their patients by acting as an extra set of eyes and ears to the hospice team and family, I made sure their person is safe, notifying the family and appropriate hospice or care facility staff if there are signs of a change in condition. I also help my clients and their loved ones through the process of what they are going through. The goal is to help them come to the best possible peaceful state ahead of their transition, and if they so choose, talk with them about afterlife.
When should we start working together?
It's never too early to start planning! Whether you're a millennial, at mid-life or in your golden years it's so important to plan out if you need some help at home, what would that look like. Or, consider how would you want to be cared for, and where you would want to be if you were given a terminal diagnosis? What if, God forbid, you died unexpectedly? Who would carry out your wishes, and what are they? From who you want by your side to where you want to be cared for, to completing your advanced directives and legacy remembrance for your loved ones, I'll help you get it all covered. Reach out today for a free 45 minute consultation so we can get started! Call Susan at 928-224-8499 or send me a message through the Contact Form to schedule it.
I'm caring for my family member and need a break sometimes. Can you help?
Yes! Either I or an associate will provide short-term respite care so that you can take a nap, run errands, get some fresh air, go out for a bite to eat, go to church or whatever you need to do. In these times self-care is of the utmost importance. Please plan ahead and provide a minimum of a week notice or longer if possible to book this service.
End of Life Care Services
As a Certified End-of-Life Doula, I am a specially trained, non-medical person who provides support physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritualiy to someone who is dying, and to the person's loved ones. End of Life Care services can also be provided virtually if needed. Services provided can include, but are not limited to:
Companion to the dying & loved ones
Explaining the 3 phases of end of life
Suggesting interventions for comfort
Facilitating unresolved feelings & issues
Assisting with faciliating family meetings
Advanced Directives explanation, review & preparation
*I do not provide home health aide or hands on medical care services.
Planning the vigil & scared space
Writing the obituary
Writing & reading of the eulogy
Leading life celebrations
Creating remembrances & legacy gifts
Guide you to peace & acceptance
Support you & your loved ones
Officiate wakes, funerals & life celebrations
End of Life Doula Care Intro & Intake - Following the free consultation, I'll spend 90 minutes-2 hours with the patient/caregiver/family reviewing the End of Life Doula approach and go through a thorough review of what services are provided. We will talk about the symptoms and signs, where the patient stands and their level of understanding of end of life planning and advanced directives, what to expect and options to consider in each stage of end of life and more. If we decide to work together, I will review the Service Agreement with you as well. (Note: This service is required in most cases.)
Positive Transition Planner - Before filling out your Advanced Directives, create a living will or create a trust, this planner helps you think through everything in the 5 end of life categories: Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and financial. This way, when the time draws near, you and your loved ones aren't overwhelmed with having to make decisions while under stress. Once you have taken time to consider how you want your end of life experience to go and completed this planner, you can either use this to fill out your Advanced Directives and final wishes on your own, or we can walk through it all together to make sure you've captured everything important.
CONTACT ME ABOUT END OF LIFE PLANNING SERVICES
Check out the upcoming workshops.
Contact Susan for Rates & Payment Options
Please contact me about hourly and customized packages that are available. Services are private-pay as I do not accept insurance for payment.
The Infinite Path services are prepaid via Zelle, PayPal or Venmo. If received in advance, personal checks are also accepted (made payable to Susan Luddy). PAY FOR SERVICES
In case of a death, hours remaining in the package purchased can be applied to another family member or whoever you designate to receive services from The Infinite Path. There are no refunds.