International End-of-Life Doula Association

Role and Responsibilities:

End-of-life (EOL) doulas provide emotional, spiritual, and physical support to individuals facing a terminal diagnosis, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Their work begins at any stage following a diagnosis but is especially focused on the final months of life.

Guidance and Advocacy:

• Assist in understanding the dying process, offering information to help individuals and families make informed decisions.
• Facilitate life review and legacy projects, helping individuals reflect on their experiences, values, and impact.
• Advocate for the dying person’s wishes, ensuring their preferences for care, environment, and interactions are honored.

End-of-Life Planning & Vigil Support:

• Help plan for the final days, including preferred setting, sensory environment (sound, lighting, touch), and interactions with caregivers and loved ones.
• Provide vigil support, ensuring a comforting presence and adherence to the pre-discussed care plan.
• In cases of conflict, advocate for the dying person’s choices while offering guidance to their loved ones.
• Utilize sound, readings, guided imagery, and ritual to bring comfort and meaning.

Physical Support (Non-Clinical Care):

• Assist with simple comfort measures, such as mouth care, repositioning, applying compresses, or wiping perspiration.
• Will not administer medication, change wound dressings, or perform clinical procedures.
• If in a hospital or hospice setting, physical assistance is only provided if requested by clinical staff and in compliance with facility regulations.

Education and Communication:

• Inform families about the signs of active dying and what to expect.
• Direct families to clinical professionals if deeper medical intervention or understanding is needed.
• Provide post-death support by guiding loved ones through the bereavement process.

Post-Death Support & Bereavement Care:

• Facilitate sessions to help loved ones process the dying experience, reframing difficult emotions and highlighting meaningful moments.
• Introduce bereavement rituals, music, or guided imagery to support healing and closure.
• Refer families to grief support resources and community services.

Ethical Guidelines & Professional Boundaries:

• Will not engage in medical assessments or interventions beyond the doula’s training.
• Will not form intimate relationships with those directly involved after services end.
• Will not solicit business or exploit relationships established during care.

End-of-life doulas offer emotional, spiritual, and non-clinical support to individuals and families navigating the final stages of life. With a focus on dignity, comfort, and personal wishes, they provide guidance through life review, vigil planning, and bereavement care—ensuring a meaningful and peaceful transition.

Supporting You with Compassion—Every Step of the Way.