Frequently Asked Questions About End-of-Life Doula Services

These titles refer to the same non-medical role. While some prefer "Death Doula," I use End-of-Life Doula because it encompasses the entire journey—focusing not just on the moment of passing, but on the quality of life, planning, and support leading up to it.

Much like a Birth Doula supports the arrival of new life, an End-of-Life Doula provides guidance for the transition out of life with reverence and attentive care. My role is to ensure you and your family feel supported, informed, and empowered through two main phases:

• Preparation & Planning: We discuss fears and hopes, navigate the emotional stages of dying, and create a personalized Care Plan (including legacy projects and vigil wishes).
  
• Vigil & Post-Death Support: I provide a steady, experienced presence at the bedside during the active dying phase and offer practical, compassionate guidance to the family immediately following the passing.
  

My commitment is to provide the clarity and presence needed to navigate this transition with dignity and peace.

If you have more questions about how a Doula integrates with your existing medical team, I would be happy to share more during a free discovery call. 

While many families reach out during the final weeks or days, the most impactful support often begins much sooner. Engaging a Doula early, shortly after a diagnosis, allows us to build a foundation of trust. This ensures that when the journey becomes more difficult, we already have a plan in place, allowing you to focus entirely on being present with your loved ones. 

I am based in St. Albert, Alberta, and primarily serve families in-person throughout the Edmonton region.

Yes. Compassionate guidance is available regardless of your location. For families outside my local area or those separated by distance, I offer:

• Virtual Visits: Support via phone or video to provide clarity and emotional presence.
• Distance Advocacy: Bedside support and guidance for families who cannot be physically present, ensuring you remain connected to your loved one’s care.

If you are navigating the end-of-life journey from a distance and aren't sure how virtual support works, I’m happy to explain the process in a phone call. Reach out to chat.

My commitment is the same whether we meet in person or connect virtually: to walk beside you with presence, understanding, and dignity.

Fee Structure. Support is provided at a rate of $60 CAD per hour.

End-of-Life Doula Services. My non-medical support is designed to provide practical help, emotional presence, and informed guidance through three distinct phases:

• Planning & Preparation: Creating personalized end-of-life care plans, assisting with Advance Care documentation, and preparing a calm, comforting environment.
• Active Support & Presence: Providing a compassionate presence during the death vigil, offering respite care for primary caregivers, and supporting remote families through bedside assistance.
• Post-Death & Bereavement: Offering practical guidance immediately following a passing, funeral planning assistance, and non-clinical support for those navigating loss.

Additional Offerings

• Reiki: Gentle relaxation and spiritual comfort.
• Gift Certificates: Available for those who wish to provide the gift of support to a friend or loved one.

Support looks different for everyone. I would be honoured to discuss how these services can be tailored to your unique situation. Reach out to begin that conversation with me. 

Currently, End-of-Life Doula services are not covered by Alberta Health Services, nor, to my knowledge, by private insurance providers. My services are private-pay, which allows me the flexibility to provide highly personalized non-medical support without the time constraints often found in the medical system. Many families view this as an investment in their peace of mind and the quality of their loved one's final experience. 

Medical teams focus on physical comfort and clinical care—managing symptoms and providing treatment. As a Doula, my focus is non-medical. I provide continuous emotional presence, practical planning, and advocacy, tending to the emotional and practical needs of the individual and their family.

I am a collaborative presence. I do not replace your medical team or any other professionals; I work alongside them to ensure comprehensive care. I serve as a facilitator for families, helping to:

• Coordinate & Communicate: Ensuring your wishes are clearly understood by all involved, from palliative care teams to funeral home directors.
• Provide Continuity: While other professionals change shifts or fulfill specific roles, I remain a constant, familiar presence for you.
• Support the Active Vigil: Offering reassurance and insight during the active dying phase, helping to ease fear by explaining the natural stages of the process.

My role is to ensure that while each professional fulfills their specific duty, you and your family feel supported, informed, and empowered.

Absolutely. In fact, this is where Doula support often shines best. While Hospice and Palliative teams provide excellent medical and symptom management, they are often limited in the amount of time they can spend at the bedside. I fill that gap by providing continuous presence, emotional support, and practical help that complements their clinical care. Think of the medical team as your experts on care and your Doula as your expert on presence. 

Yes. One of the most important roles I play is supporting you or your support system. Caregiving is an act of love, but it is also physically and emotionally exhausting. I provide respite care—stepping in to sit vigil or manage household logistics—so that family members can rest, eat, and recharge. This ensures that when at the bedside, they can be fully present rather than depleted. 

I am a Registered End-of-Life Doula (REOLD) with the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada (EOLDAC). To maintain this status, I adhere to a strict Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics, which includes regular police security clearances and ongoing professional development.

I also had the privilege of serving a term on the EOLDAC Board of Directors, helping to support the vision and standards of this profession in Canada.

Training & Certification. My foundational training was completed through programs recognized by the EOLDAC:

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

International Standards. I have earned the NEDA Proficiency Badge from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (USA). This validates that my care aligns with recognized international best practices and core competencies.

Specialized Education

• Hospice Care. Certified Hospice Volunteer (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association).
• Dementia Care: Certificate in Understanding Dementia (University of Tasmania, Australia).

The complimentary discovery call is a no-obligation conversation designed to provide both clarity and a sense of connection. It is an opportunity for us to discuss your situation and for you to determine if my presence feels like the right fit for your family.

What We Will Explore

• Your Current Situation: We will discuss your concerns, goals, and any immediate challenges. This is a space for you to be heard without judgement.
• The Doula’s Role: I will answer your questions about how my support works in practice and how I facilitate communication with your existing network—including medical teams, funeral homes, and other professionals.
• The Path Forward: We will discuss the next steps for planning or active support, helping you see a clear way through the complexities of the journey.

The Value of the Call. Above all, this call is designed to help you feel reassured, safe, and understood. Many families find that simply having this first conversation provides a much-needed "exhale"—the realization that you have a dedicated advocate to help you navigate this ordeal with purpose and dignity.

Absolutely. I deeply respect the autonomy and courage involved in this decision. My role is to provide a non-judgemental presence, ensuring that both the individual and their loved ones feel supported, informed, and heard throughout this journey and process.

How I Support the MAiD Journey. A death on a chosen date and time is emotionally intricate. I help navigate these complexities by providing:

• Preparation: Assisting the family in creating a safe, comfortable environment where the individual’s wishes for their final environment (music, readings, or atmosphere) are honoured.
• Presence During the Procedure: Offering a trusted, calming presence during the MAiD procedure to provide a layer of reassurance for everyone in the room.
• Immediate Post-Death Care: Remaining with the family after the medical team departs. I provide the space to process the experience and offer practical guidance regarding next steps and coordination with the funeral home.

My commitment is to walk beside you through this choice with the same reverence and dignity afforded to every journey I support.

Resources. For more information on the MAiD process and eligibility, please visit: 

• Government of Canada MAiD Overview
• Alberta Health Services MAiD Information

Immediate Post-Death Care. Yes. My support continues after the moment of death to help loved ones navigate the practical and emotional steps that follow. This includes:

• Guidance & Presence: Helping the family manage immediate next steps in a calm, unhurried environment.
• Coordination: Actively communicating with the funeral home to ensure a seamless transition of care when the family is ready.
• Ritual & Intention: Facilitating simple spiritual or symbolic rituals to help the family honour the moment of passing with intention.

Funeral & Celebration of Life Assistance. I serve as an advocate and an additional layer of emotional support during the planning and execution of ceremonies:

• Liaison: At your request, I can work with the Funeral Director to ensure your wishes are clearly understood and respected.
• Presence at the Service: Providing practical assistance and emotional support during the funeral or celebration of life.

Trusted Partnerships. While I collaborate with all funeral homes, I work most closely with Brandy at Pine Box Funerals Inc. Our shared values of choice, simplicity, and meaningful ritual ensure that you receive a consistent circle of care from the final days through to the funeral.

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

Inclusive & Personal. Yes. I offer inclusive, non-denominational spiritual support designed to help both the individual and their loved ones find peace and meaning. My approach is always guided by your personal beliefs, values, and traditions.

Fostering Spiritual Well-being. I create a safe, non-judgemental space to explore the deeper questions that often arise at the end of life, including:

• Reflecting on Life’s Meaning: Celebrating accomplishments, reviewing your life’s purpose, and honouring the legacy you leave behind.
• Finding Emotional Peace: Gently addressing fears, exploring forgiveness, and resolving "unfinished business" to ease the spirit.
• Cultivating Readiness: Embracing the transition with intention, helping you find the clarity and serenity needed for a courageous goodbye.

My goal is to support your spiritual well-being so that you may navigate this transition with a sense of wholeness and peace.

Empowering Through Education. Yes. I provide specialized education sessions for organizations, community groups, and corporations. These sessions offer an End-of-Life Doula’s perspective on the importance of having meaningful conversations and planning long before a health crisis occurs.

Key Areas of Focus. I help participants move past the discomfort of the subject to gain practical skills in:

• The Value of Early Planning: Understanding why and how to start end-of-life conversations before they become urgent.
• Fostering Compassionate Communication: Developing the empathy and language needed to support colleagues, friends, or family through a transition.
• Building Personal & Professional Confidence: Reducing the fear and uncertainty surrounding life’s final transition through education and preparation.

If you would like to schedule a session or discuss a tailored presentation for your group, please reach out to discuss the details.

Whether you are looking for information or require immediate support, I am here to help.

1. General Inquiries & Discovery Calls. For non-emergency questions or to schedule your complimentary discovery call:

• Online Form: Please use the "Send me a note" button on my [Contact Page]. I respond to all inquiries as soon as possible to begin our conversation.
• Email: If you prefer, you may email me directly at courageous.goodbyes@gmail.com.

2. Immediate Support. If you are in a crisis or require immediate, time-sensitive End-of-Life Doula support:

• Call Directly: 780-910-3496

My priority is to ensure you feel supported and heard from our very first point of contact.