Death Doulas: Who are they?

Death doulas support people going through a terminal illness and who are at the end of their life. They provide support, guidance and companionship, while making them and their families feel comforted through the end of life transition.  Death doulas aim to help families cope with death through recognising that death is a natural and important part of life.

They advocate for the wishes and needs of the person and work with the health care team in their ongoing care. Doulas coordinate with the family and friends to help maintain a supportive network for the person who is at the end of life. The role of a doula is to educate and empower families to exercise their natural right to care for their loved one. 

Similar to a birthing doula who assists in the beginning of life, a death doula helps a person and their family navigate the end of life cycle. Other terms that can be used to describe a death doula are end of life doula, end of life guide, home funeral guide and celebrant.

A doulas role is quite versatile and includes preparing death plans, providing spiritual, psychological guidance and social support during a personal and crucial time before and just after death. Doulas also guide mourners in their rights and responsibilities and can help families with planning funerals and memorial services. Doulas assist people in finding meaning, creating a legacy project this can be a photo album, video memory and planning for how the last days will unfold.

They can facilitate conversations about unresolved issues and might act as a mediator for complex family dynamics due to a person's final wishes not being agreed upon by those closest to them.

A death doulas philosophy believes that when we are prepared for death, we are better able to face it when the time comes. Doulas also work with those who are healthy and want to prepare for death. They can advise on post death options and pre death planning including wills, prepaid funeral arrangements and probate.

Doulas play an active part in the death positive movement which is a social and philosophical movement that encourages people to speak openly about death, the dying and grief. The goal of a doula is to provide information and knowledge to families about the alternative methods such as cremations, celebration of life memorials, natural burials and planting ashes.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in deathcare and alternative methods to funerals which has seen the presence of a death doula evolve in recent years. Although death doulas are not licensed medical professionals, people who are interested in becoming a doula can undertake formal training across Australia. 

Death doulas fill the gaps in care and handle difficult situations while being a calming presence for loved ones and the dying. They are caring and empathetic people who want to support patients in their final stages of life. They are the neutral third party making sure someone isn't facing death alone and are there through the whole process.   

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