My mission is to serve terminally ill people and their families through advocating for their needs, tending to their emotional and spiritual concerns, and providing compassionate guidance toward a comfortable and peaceful relationship with death.
With a growing aging population in a society ill-equipped to prepare for and emotionally process the transition from life to death, the services of an End of Life Doula are more important than ever. Through dedicated patient advocacy, emotional and spiritual support, companionship and knowledge, an End of Life Doula offers guidance and comfort through the last steps of life.
Benefits of working with me
- It is common for people who are dying to feel lonely – End of Life Doulas provide companionship and support to people who are dying (and their family members) when they feel isolated and afraid
- I have been around people who are dying and am well-equipped with the resources needed to cope with difficult and upsetting situations
- My twenty years of experience in healthcare helps me efficiently guide patients through the system and allows me to effectively advocate on their behalf about their conditions and treatment options. I prioritize patient needs and ensure they receive the attention and care they deserve
- I am a qualified Naturopath and Massage Therapist in San Antonio. I bring tools with me (like massage and natural remedies) that can help both the patient and their family to adjust to this transitional time
- End of Life Doulas can advocate on behalf of patients, organizing questions for and attending appointments to help the patient and their family get the information they need from medical professionals and make informed decisions
- Many people do not want to go into a hospital and would prefer to die peacefully at home. End of Life Doulas provide flexible advice and companionship in the home environment (or hospital environment if that is the preference)
- I am non-judgmental regarding religious beliefs, lifestyles (LGBTQ Friendly!) or family traditions. I am open-minded and my aim is to make patients and family members feel comfortable and heard
What is the difference between an End of Life Doula and Hospice?
Though End of Life Doulas and Hospice care both offer services centered around the transition from life, they vary in significant ways. End of Life Doulas can spend significantly more time with the patient and their family and attend to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life, prioritizing comfort and quality of the patient’s life by reducing emotional suffering and honoring the patient’s life, needs, and preferences. Hospice care is a type of health care that is more focused on medically assessing and tending to a terminally ill patient’s pain and symptoms. Please see my article “End of Life Doulas & Hospice: The Best Support for the Patient” for more information.
Book a consult today!
Are you ready to take the first step toward understanding the end of life process? Do you have some questions regarding how to navigate this important chapter in your life? Facing this transition can be fraught with uncertainty, but you do not have to do this alone. An end of life appointment, can provide a safe space to discuss your fears, your concerns and get some of your questions answered. I've helped many patients through this process and I can provide empathy, support and resources to help you through this challenging time.
Let's navigate this chapter together, ensuring your peace and dignity every step of the way. We can have a Zoom face-to-face meeting or a phone call if that is more comfortable for you. Book an appointment and let me help you during this important time.
Latest Articles
Compassionate Care Across Distances: Virtual End of Life Care
Approaching the end of life can be an overwhelming journey, filled with a myriad of emotions such as anger, sadness, and grief. Planning for this crucial phase is challenging, often requiring more support than one can manage alone. This is where a Death Doula (also...
About VSED: A Legal Option for Many
In recent years, there has been growing awareness and interest in Voluntarily Stopping Eating & Drinking (VSED) as an end-of-life option. VSED is a conscious and deliberate choice made by individuals who are terminally ill and wish to hasten their own death by...
What is an End of Life Doula
An End of Life Doula is a guide in the emotional, spiritual, and practical care needed when a person and their family is faced with death. End of Life Doulas provide non-medical, holistic support and comfort and offer education.
Death Cafes-Liberating Conversations About Death
Death Cafes - the term may not initially inspire a sense of ease or comfort, but the reality is that Death Cafes serve as safe, guided environments for strangers to gather over vitalizing tea and cakes and discuss the tabooed subject of death in a manner that is...
What are the Benefits of Working with an End of Life Doula (also known as a Death Doula)?
Death is a natural part of life, but it can be a difficult and emotional time for those who are dying and their loved ones. A Death Doula, also known as an End-of-Life Doula, can provide support and guidance during this time. Death doulas are trained professionals who...
Evolutionary Conversations About Death, Dying and Living
This conversation was hosted by Leanne McClain.
