A death Doula or end of life guide, provides companionship, comfort, knowledge and support for those embarking on their final life journey. As a death doula I offer a combination of Death Doula certification from Sacred Dying, Life Coaching qualification from UCT and Reiki energy healing, creating a well-rounded ability to facilitate a peaceful and meaningful transition. A doula’s role in the transition journey is to anticipate the needs and steps along the way, for everyone involved and witnessing the journey. Many services are available all the way from companionship to managing and facilitating the final resting place. For a complete list of options please click on this link to explore the entire list of options.
A death doula is a non-medical professional who provides holistic support—emotional, spiritual, practical, and sometimes physical—to individuals nearing the end of life and their families. Much like birth doulas who guide women through childbirth, death doulas offer compassionate care to ease the dying process, ensuring dignity, comfort, and alignment with the person’s wishes. Their role is highly individualized: some doulas sit vigil in the final days, ensuring no one dies alone; others assist with after-death rituals, like preparing the body or supporting home-based care. They may also guide families through the emotional and logistical complexities of caregiving, filling critical gaps in our health and social care systems.The importance of death doulas is increasingly evident as populations age and more people live with chronic illnesses, often spending their final days at home. Family caregivers, while devoted, may face overwhelming emotional and practical challenges. Death doulas provide not only hands-on support but also a calming presence, helping families and individuals navigate the dying process with greater peace and intention. As end-of-life care evolves, death doulas are becoming vital in creating new, compassionate models of care. Research is ongoing to better understand their contributions, but their ability to humanize and personalize the dying experience is undeniable, offering a profound service to those facing life’s final transition.
