As death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or death midwife, I am a professional who provides unique yet comprehensive support to people who are dying and their families. With my background, I collaborate easily and effectively with medical personnel, taking a systems approach.
What do I do as a Geriatric Care Manager/Death Doula?
- As a gentle yet authoritative advocate, help end of life wishes/advanced directives be honored throughout the dying process.
- Assure continuity of the care plan, provide ongoing education to all in the circle of care including paid caregivers and medical professionals.
- Manage transitions with or for the family/HCP (e.g., transfer to hospice services, possibly placing out or hiring in 24-hour care, making referrals). Provide ongoing oversight and monitoring, especially for people without family nearby.
- Provide dying person and family emotional and logistical support services at any point in the process including before hospice is on board or what I would call palliative/comfort care.
- Educate family new to the dying process as well as their loved one’s unique needs.
- Provide 1:1 bedside care as needed, cultivating calm and supportive environment as well as space for letting go.
- Work with senses i.e. music, positioning, touch, aroma therapy, light, etc.
- Can include creating a bedside page or book with bio, pictures and favorite poems for volunteers and caregivers to use as a tool to know this person on a more intimate level.
- Assess and work with nursing in person to optimize pain management with PRN meds as medical advocate.
- Update family and/or HCP as person moves through the dying process
- Facilitate medical decision making with family or HCP.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues, conflicts or gaps in care.
- Provide after death logistical and emotional support including grief counseling.
