“To be among the dying & to know it, that is another word for love.”

— Carvell Wallace

support

As an end-of-life doula (also called a “death doula” or “death midwife”), I offer non-medical, holistic support to individuals, their family / caregivers and hospice team as they navigate the dying process. I provide emotional and practical assistance to facilitate a more peaceful and informed transition for both the dying person and their loved ones. My assistance includes, and is not limited to:

Practical Assistance & Caregiver support

  • Educate and reassure caregivers of the normal signs and stages of dying

  • Coach caregivers and reinforce how to care for their loved one, from brief changes to medication tracking and repositioning

  • Compassionate support and check-ins for caregivers

  • Observe and note overall state, pain level, needs, etc., to communicate to caregivers and hospice team

  • Provide practical solutions for immediate needs

  • Help maintain a safe, functional space

  • Discuss resources and assist with end-of-life planning

Holistic Care

  • Discover and work towards creating the setting and experience envisioned at the end of life, while actively dying, and after death

  • Gently explore the meaning of life and death through client-led conversations

  • Compassionately listen and hold space for external processing of life review, unresolved issues and intense emotions

  • Advocate for client wishes and support

  • Help ease pain, fear, and anticipatory grief with practices like guided meditation, visualization, music, bringing in “favorite things”, reading / discussion of spiritual / religious / non-religious values, suitable massage (I am also a licensed massage therapist) & connective touch, aromatherapy and breath work

Near & After Death

  • Routine check-ins by phone / in person

  • Help plan and organize the death bed vigil

  • Hold sacred space for the dying and their family, during and after death

  • Assist in notifying hospice / friends and family of death

  • Advise and guide in the bathing / anointing and care for the dying body near or after death

  • Discuss best practices for social media communication of death / obituary

  • Educate and prepare for a loved one’s body to be cared for safely for a home funeral or family goodbyes prior to funeral home transport

  • Support with the mortuary / funeral home transfer and visitation

Local Resources & Information of Interest

  • Advanced Directives & Legal Support

  • VSED (Voluntarily Stopping Eating & Drinking)

  • Funeral Homes & Disposition Options

  • Arrangements for Care & Rehoming of Pets

  • Green Burials / Private Property Burials

  • Grief Support / Queer Grief Support Group

  • Home Funerals & Living Funerals (also known as Celebrations of Life)

  • Home Organization / Estate Sales

  • Preferred Hospice Provider List

  • Legacy Projects including photography, written and creative projects

location

My in-person support is available to the greater Northwest San Antonio area. Most end of life support and services are available remotely as a tele-doula, communicating via Zoom, FaceTime, phone and text. Medicare does not cover end-of-life doula services. Pricing is offered at both hourly and package rates, and a sliding scale is offered to make support available to most families.

Are we a good fit?

Please fill out the form below to schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation on zoom or by phone where we can discuss your needs. You can also email this information.