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A death doula is a non-medical professional that provides holistic support for the dying and their loved ones before, during, and after death. Trained in the various end of life stages, a doula is able to assist the family with understanding the natural processes while providing comfort and support.
Our services are meant to be customized to meet the needs of the individual, family, and/or loved ones we are serving at a given time. Each relationship is unique as a result. Here is just a sampling of what a death doula can provide:
Before Death
Assisting individuals with:
After Death
Assisting loved ones, caregivers, and families following a death by:
Hospice teams manage the care of a terminal patient and teach loved ones how to provide the care. However, due to Medicare reimbursement guidelines, a hospice team has a very limited amount of time that they they can spend with a patient and their family. Home healthcare aides are provided by hospice with typically a maximum of 2 hours a day 5 days a week with a patient.This is based on the needs of the patient and the availability of home healthcare aides at the time.
End of life is 24/7. A death doula can spend as much time with a patient or family as they agree upon together. The doula can serve alongside the hospice team as an extra set of eyes and ears and alert the hospice team to any changes in the patient‘s condition so that the hospice nurse can assess and update the care plan for maximum daily comfort of the patient.
In addition, hospice teams leave a case after the patient has died. Many times families experience this as another loss. Hospice does offer bereavement services for up to a year or 15 months in most states. This is usually initiated by a call from a volunteer and the living family member is told about monthly support groups that they may attend. The original hospice team that worked with the family is usually not part of this service. However, death doulas are available before, during, and after death. We are available as long as the family needs us.
Yes, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is the membership organization for all hospices in the U.S. They have an End of Life Doula Council to increase awareness with hospices and families of how death doulas can fill “the gaps in care” to provide the best end of life experience for both the patient and their loved ones. However, it is important to remember that death doulas are not medical personnel and typically not employed by hospice.
No, collaborating with a death doula doesn't require meeting any specific criteria. Doulas work with individuals at all life stages (e.g. college students, new parents, retirees, etc.), but can also be called at any stage of the end-of-life process. We encourage you to start the conversation about your end of life wishes while you are healthy.
Individuals without known diagnoses can benefit from working with death doulas. We can help you complete advance directives, provide tailored resources, and facilitate uncomfortable family meetings. The thought of death or dying is ranked as a top fear for most people. Despite that fear most understand the value of making end-of-life plans, however, according to a 2020 Gallup survey less than half of U.S. adults have taken this step.
If you or someone you love has received a terminal diagnosis, even if the prognosis is years away, please reach out whenever you feel ready to start conversations and planning.
The Mortality Mentor services are offered in-person in your home or at a mutually agreed upon location within the St. Louis, MO metro area or remotely via live Zoom meetings if outside of the St. Louis metro.
Average cost for a family ranges from $1,500-$4,000 depending on number of services provided and how many hours are worked. Since financial circumstances can vary, flexible payment plans are available to accommodate different budgets. To learn more about our services and discuss your specific needs, please reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Death doula services are not covered by insurance policies. Instead, these services are considered private pay, much like other types of caregiver services.
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