• I support all my clients in their right to choose an end of life that is meaningful and consistent with their belief system and values (cultural, religious, spiritual and personal preferences).
• I compassionately guide and encourage my clients (of any age, pre-diagnosis, and after diagnosis) to think about and plan for their end of life as they wish. Planning includes ensuring all legal documentation such as a Will, Power of Attorney, and Enduring Guardian are completed.
• I give gentle guidance and support my clients to make informed choices by discussing options available, and to document their end of life wishes by completing an Advance Care Plan or Directive. This may include supporting my client to share their completed plan with their loved ones.
• I offer holistic person centred care which could be of a practical, emotional, spiritual, or psychosocial nature. I provide practical information, resources and referrals to other services that my client may benefit from.
• I offer companionship and support in navigating life’s transitions to help my client live their life as well as they please (this may be in the years, months or weeks prior to end of life). This may include assisting my client to access support services in their own home, to transition into respite care, a residential nursing home or palliative care setting depending on their needs and preferences.
• I act as an advocate by liaising with health professionals, support services, carers, family/significant others to coordinate care and support as my client’s needs change. I ensure open and clear communication, and that a consistent person-centred approach is achieved which honours my client’s end of life wishes.
• I act as a companion and support person by accompanying my client to medical appointments or treatment. I can assist my client by taking notes, helping them to ask any questions they may have, and by ensuring they are informed regarding treatment or medication choices available.
• I guide and provide reassurance and support so my client can live fully to the end. There may be something on the “to do” or “bucket list” that I can help to achieve.
• I provide support and assistance in creating legacy items for loved ones. This may include creating photo memory books, slideshows, recordings of stories and family history, making a living or emotional will, organising a living wake or any other wonderful ideas my client may have.
• Approaching end of life, I offer a vigil (bedside) service for my client and support for their loved ones who may be present, assisting in the maintaining of an intimate, spiritual and peaceful space and experience for everyone involved, whether medical support is required or not, and whether in the home, in an aged care facility, palliative care, or hospice.
• I offer support, guidance and advocacy in the event of sudden accident, illness or death which can be a traumatic and overwhelming time for family and friends. You or your family/friends may need support in the home, hospital, palliative or hospice care setting which I offer via phone, online or in person where possible.
• I offer a caring, compassionate and personalised approach to after death care, providing support to create beautiful rituals and ceremony which may include making funeral/celebration arrangements, preparations such as care of the deceased, the decoration of shrouds and coffins, and body disposal options.
• I assist in arranging home or other venue based after death care to carry out loving and time-honoured practices for those wishing to participate in the last significant rite of passage. I also offer my services as a Funeral Celebrant which supports continuity of care for my client, their family and friends.
• I provide grief and bereavement care and support needed at the end of life, as well as afterwards for your family or significant others including children.

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Note: The role of a doula is non-medical, I do not offer medical advice or recommend the starting/stopping of medication or treatment. A Doula does not administer medication.