FAQs
What is a Certified End-of-Life Doula (CEOLD)?
End of Life Doulas (EOLD) are caregivers who offer non-medical, holistic support and comfort to dying people and their families. They act as a guide and companion, helping to make end-of-life plans, facilitate conversations, provide comfort and support the family with grief and the deceased’s final wishes. Services are varied to meet individual requirements and may include education and guidance, as well as emotional, spiritual or practical care. EOLDs enrich the experience for patients, family members and friends, and strengthen the relationship between medical and non-medical end-of-life support.
Does insurance cover the services of CEOLDs?
No. End of Life Doulas are private pay.
Why do we need CEOLDs if we have hospice?
Due to Medicare reimbursement guidelines, the hospice team has a very limited amount of time that they are able to spend with patients and families. End of life care is 24/7. End of life Doulas are able to attend to the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of dying as well as advocating for the patient and family. EOLDs also provide additional support with no time limit or restrictions.
Most hospice teams leave a case after the patient has died. Many times, families are feeling this as another loss. Hospice does offer bereavement services for up to a year or 15 months in most states. The original hospice team that worked with the family is not part of this service.
Can a CEOLD give medications?
No. An End-Of-Life Doula never gives medication whether it is prescription or over the counter.
What are some benefits of Certified End of Life Doulas?
CEOLDs provide companionship and presence, emotional support and interaction. CEOLDs set a sacred space by planning for smells, sounds and gentle touch during the final days of a patients life. They also provide autonomy to patients and caregivers, better coping skills and peace making within the family.
Can a Certified End Of Life Doula help make funeral arrangements?
Yes. A Doulagiver/End-of-Life Doula has a ”scope of practice” that includes everything from the time of a terminal diagnosis to helping patients and families as the illness progresses, to the vigil, time of death, after death care, understanding and honoring grief, and finally, reentering life after loss.