Education/Planning in the areas of:
- Disposition Options e.g., traditional burial, green/natural burial, aquamation, and cremation
- MAID-Medical Aid in Dying
- VSED-Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking
- After-death body care coaching
- Emotional support during the transition phase (Pre- active dying)
- Recognizing signs and symptoms of active dying
- Paperwork e.g., Advance Directives, POLST (Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
- Accessing Community Resources
Emotional Support:
- Deep active listening
- Holding space for healing
- Inviting emotional processing
Tools We Use:
- Legacy Project (The emotional and spiritual inheritance you leave behind) e.g, Letter writing, Photo album, etc.
- Vigil Plan - A plan for how the dying person wishes the last days of life to look, sound and feel. It engages the senses, is grounded in their values and guides visitors during the final days.
- Guided imagery sessions and rituals
- Best 3 Months of Life: A vision map for end of life care
- MARO-Material Artifact Reorganization-How to curate a Legacy Project from your “stuff”
Client Advocacy:
- Speak to the hospice/palliative team
- Support visitors in respecting Vigil Plan
Practical Support:
- Calling funeral homes for pricing/information
- Set-up and facilitate Zoom meetings e.g., care/support team meetings
- Information gathering
- Resource curation
- Help create support team and identify roles
- Make phone calls
Bereavement:
- After-death reprocessing visit
- Resources
What Evening Star EOL Doulas are NOT:
Patient advocates, counselors/social workers, medical providers, physical caregivers, or legal/financial advisors; however, we can help identify resources for you in these and any related areas.