Frequently Asked Questions About End-of-Life Doula Services

Courageous Goodbyes® is based in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, and I primarily serve families throughout the Edmonton region, offering in-person support.

Yes, I offer virtual support beyond my local area.

• For those outside the Edmonton area, or for families separated by distance, I provide compassionate guidance through phone or video visits. This ensures my support is accessible wherever you are.
• Whether we meet in person or connect virtually, my intention is always the same: to walk beside you with presence and understanding.
• I also offer bedside support and guidance for families who are unable to be physically present, helping you feel connected to your loved one even when you are far away.

The titles End-of-Life Doula and Death Doula essentially refer to the same non-medical professional role. The difference is primarily the Doula's naming preference. I originally referred to myself as a "Death Doula" and now an "End-of-Life Doula" because it emphasizes the journey I take with a family and the type of support I provide throughout the living, planning and dying phases. My focus is not just on death but also life!

Both titles describe a professional trained to provide holistic, compassionate support to individuals nearing the end of life and the loved ones who accompany them.

The Doula's Central Role

Much like a Birth Doula prepares and supports families for the arrival of new life, an End-of-Life Doula provides guidance and support for the transition out of life with the same reverence, respect, and attentive care.

As the Doula behind Courageous Goodbyes®, I provide support through two main phases:

1. Preparation and Planning (Before Death)

This phase focuses on ensuring the client and family feel supported, informed, and empowered. The Doula's role includes:

• Emotional & Practical Guidance: Offering a steady, non-judgmental presence to discuss fears, hopes, and concerns.
• Education: Discuss options and scenarios. Help families understand and navigate the physical and emotional stages of dying.
• Creating a Personalized Plan: Working together to create an End-of-Life Care Plan that reflects the individual's wishes for their final months, days, and hours (including legacy projects, vigil plans, etc.). 

2. Vigil and Active Support (During & After Death)

The Doula serves as a steady, experienced presence during the active dying phase and immediately afterward.

• Reassurance and Continuity: Remaining at the bedside during the active dying phase to offer comfort and gentle guidance.
• Post-Death Support: Offering support and guidance to the family immediately following death, addressing the next steps, and navigating the family's needs.

My commitment is to provide both practical and emotional guidance so families feel supported, informed, and empowered during this sensitive time.

The core difference lies in their focus: medical teams primarily focus on physical comfort and clinical care, such as managing symptoms, administering medication, defining prognosis, and providing medical treatment. The Doula's focus is from a non-medical perspective, providing continuous presence, emotional guidance, practical planning, advocacy, and support, especially during the active dying phase. 

End-of-Life Doulas complement, not replace, the medical team. I work alongside the medical professionals; together, we ensure the dying person and their family receive comprehensive care for both body and soul.  When appropriate, I can translate difficult medical conversations in the presence of the medical professionals into terms the family can understand. I am frequently told by medical staff how they value and appreciate my presence and the positive difference it makes.

The Doula's Unique Role

As medical professionals come and go, I remain a steady, compassionate presence—someone families can turn to for guidance, understanding, and advocacy.

My support becomes especially meaningful because:

• Continuity: With an established relationship built on trust, I offer a constant source of support throughout the entire process.
• Active Dying: During the active dying phase, I provide comfort and reassurance while gently helping families understand what is unfolding, easing fear and uncertainty.
• Holistic Care: I tend to the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs, helping each person feel supported, heard, and cared for during this deeply sacred time.

I am a Registered End-of-Life Doula (REOLD) with the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada (EOLDAC).

To maintain my "Registered" status, I adhere to the Association's Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. This requires:

• Completion of ongoing education and training.
• Submission of police security clearances.
• Demonstration of continued professional development.

I have also had the privilege of serving one term on the EOLDAC Board of Directors.

In addition, I hold certificates of completion from respected End-of-Life Doula training programs recognized by the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada:

• Douglas College (Canada)
• International Doulagivers Institute (USA)

I have earned the NEDA Proficiency Badge from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (USA). This micro-credential, developed in collaboration with the National Hospice Council, validates that I meet NEDA’s professional standards and core competencies—assuring families that my care aligns with recognized best practices in the field.

Additional certifications include:

• Certified Hospice Volunteer – Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (Canada)
• Certificate in Understanding Dementia – University of Tasmania (Australia)

Fee Structure

The fee for all End-of-Life Doula services provided by Courageous Goodbyes® is:

$60 CAD per hour

End-of-Life Doula Services and Guidance

My non-medical support is categorized below to reflect the distinct phases of the journey. My goal is to provide practical support, emotional presence, and informed guidance from pre-planning through to bereavement.

Planning & Preparation

End-of-Life Care Plan: Guidance in developing a comprehensive, personalized plan for your final months, days, and hours, ensuring your wishes (e.g., environment, music, interventions) are honoured.

Advance Care Planning; Support in understanding the importance of documenting your wishes regarding medical care, final arrangements, and the disposition of your assets, so they are clearly communicated and honoured.

Environment Creation: Assistance in creating a calm, comforting atmosphere tailored to the preferences and sensory needs of the person nearing the end of life.

Active Support & Presence

Death Vigil: Compassionate presence and reassurance during the active dying phase, offering comfort and insight when medical teams must attend to other patients in their care.

Caregiver Respite Support: Companionship and non-medical care for your loved one, allowing primary caregivers to take essential, restorative time for themselves.

Emergency & Remote Support: Bedside assistance to families and to those who cannot be physically present with their loved ones due to distance, ensuring consistent support during their absence.

Reiki: A gentle practice promoting deep relaxation and spiritual comfort. 

Post-Death & Bereavement️

Post-Death Support: Emotional and practical assistance immediately after a loved one’s passing, including guidance on the next steps and coordination with the funeral home when the family is ready for transfer into their care.

Funeral Assistance: Support with sharing ideas, offering experience, and providing emotional presence during the planning and execution of the funeral or celebration of life.

For Those Who Mourn: Compassionate, non-clinical support to help individuals navigate life after loss.

Gift the Service

Gift Certificates are available to offer the gift of Courageous Goodbyes® End-of-Life Doula services to a co-worker, friend, neighbour, or family member who would appreciate this essential support.

Ready to discuss which services are right for you? Schedule your free discovery call today.

The complimentary discovery call is a no-obligation, private conversation designed for connection and clarity. We'll take time to explore your unique needs and discuss how my End-of-Life Doula support can best serve you and your family.

What We Will Cover

This conversation is an opportunity to get to know me and learn exactly how Doula support works:

• Understanding Your Needs: We'll explore your current situation, concerns, and goals, whether death is years away or quickly approaching.
• Clarifying the Doula's Role: You're welcome to ask any questions about my role, the specific support I provide, and my professional credentials.
• Discussing Pre-Planning: We'll gently introduce end-of-life options and discuss how the Doula approach assists with pre-planning, advocacy, and navigating difficult conversations.

The Value You Will Gain

Above all, this call is an opportunity to experience what it feels like to be supported by a Doula:

• Connection: Experience firsthand my compassionate, non-judgmental presence.
• Clarity: Leave the call with a clearer understanding of your options and the next steps available to you.
• Confidence: Begin to feel the relief that comes from finding someone comfortable with the end-of-life journey and death, who can advocate for you and guide you through sensitive decisions.

It's the initial space for connection and clarity.

Absolutely. I deeply respect the courage it takes to make this decision and to navigate the complex emotions that accompany it. Supporting both the individual and those they love through this choice is an honour.

How a Doula Supports the MAiD Journey

The path toward a death on a predetermined date and time is emotionally intricate. My support is focused on ensuring everyone feels comfortable, informed, and supported.

• Preparation: I help the individual and family prepare for this moment, creating a safe and comfortable space where wishes are clearly understood and honoured.
• During the Procedure: Having a trusted End-of-Life Doula present during the MAID procedure offers comfort and an additional layer of reassurance for all involved.
• After the Medical Team Departs: My ongoing presence becomes significantly reassuring to the family. I continue to offer guidance and practical support. In addition, I provide a compassionate space for the family to untangle their immediate thoughts and emotions as they process their experience with someone who has shared their journey with them.
• Post-Death Support: I provide coordination with the funeral home when the family determines they are ready for their loved one to be transferred into their care.

For information about the MAiD process, visit the Government of Canada MAiD Overview by clicking on this link.

Click on this link for MAiD information from Alberta Health Services.

Yes, my care continues beyond the moment of death. The support I provide helps loved ones navigate the practical and emotional steps immediately following a passing.  

Immediate Post-Death Support

My immediate care is designed to ease the transition and create a space for grief:

• Guidance and Presence: I offer gentle guidance and compassionate presence to help loved ones manage the practical next steps.
• Coordination:  This involves actively communicating and coordinating with the funeral home to ensure a seamless and coordinated transition of care.
• Ritual and Intention: My care may include simple spiritual or symbolic rituals at the time or place of death, helping families step into their grief with intention and reassurance.

Funeral and Celebration of Life Assistance

I serve as an additional layer of emotional support during these important ceremonies:

• Liaison and Advocacy: At the family’s request, I can liaise with the Funeral Director to ensure the family’s wishes are understood and respected.
• Support During Service/Memorial: I can provide practical assistance during the funeral or celebration of life.
• Collaboration: While I do not replace the role of the Funeral Director, I am dedicated to the family's well-being at all times, especially on the day of the formal gathering and tribute to their loved one.

Every aspect of my support is tailored to meet your needs, preferences, and pace.

Trusted Partnership

I maintain positive relationships with all of the funeral homes I work with. I collaborate most closely with Brandy, the Funeral Director and owner of Pine Box Funerals Inc., whose values and approach to deathcare closely align with the end-of-life doula philosophy, honouring choice, simplicity, and meaningful rituals.

Yes, I offer inclusive spiritual support to help both the dying individual and their loved ones find peace, meaning, and acceptance as they approach the end of life.

My Approach to Spiritual Well-being

My support is non-denominational and is always guided by your personal beliefs and values. I create a safe space to explore the deeper questions of life and death, which may include:

• Reflecting on Purpose: Reviewing life's purpose, celebrating accomplishments, and finding meaning in the journey.
• Emotional Peace: Gently facing fears that may arise and seeking or offering forgiveness if it is important to the person.
• Finding Readiness: Embracing the bittersweet gifts of your journey to find comfort, clarity, and a sense of readiness for each courageous goodbye.

My goal is to support your spiritual well-being in the hope you will experience serenity.

Yes, I do. I offer specialized education sessions for organizations, community groups, and corporations focused on end-of-life planning and conversations.

What the Sessions Cover

These sessions provide an End-of-Life Doula’s perspective on the importance of preparation long before health declines. I help participants feel more confident in:

• Understanding the Value of Pre-Planning: Highlighting why and how to start end-of-life conversations early.
• Fostering Compassion: Developing empathy and practical skills for supporting others through the phases of the end-of-life transition.
• Building Confidence: Preparing participants for life’s final transition, both personally and professionally.

Please reach out to discuss details or to schedule a session for your group.

Getting support and answers is easy. Here are the best ways to reach Beverley at Courageous Goodbyes®:

1. General Inquiries & Scheduling (Non-Emergency)

For all non-emergency inquiries, questions about services, or to schedule your complimentary discovery call:

• Online Form: Please click the "Send me a note" button on the "Contact Me" page.
  • I will respond as soon as possible to initiate a discussion on how I can support you or someone you love.
• Email: You can also email me directly if you haven't heard back within 24 hours:
  • courageous.goodbyes@gmail.com
    

2. Immediate Emergency Support

If you require immediate emergency End-of-Life Doula support:

• Call: 780-910-3496