Skip to main content

End of Life Doula

What is an End-of-Life Doula?

An End-of-Life Doula is a volunteer whose role is to help patients who are actively dying and guide their families.  A Doula is a specially trained volunteer who possesses a nurturing character and is enlightened in the process of death and dying. Talbot Hospice Doulas:  

  • Provide emotional support, companionship and a calming presence to patients and families
  • Understand the physical signs and symptoms of the dying process
  • Provide a non-judgmental presence
  • Facilitate communication between patient, family, and Talbot Hospice staff
  • Notify the Talbot Hospice team of any new conditions or concerns regarding patients and families

How do I become an End-of-Life Doula?

To become an End-of-Life Doula volunteer you must complete the Talbot Hospice volunteer training, End-of-Life Doula training, and you must have served as a companion or patient care volunteer for 30 hours over a one-year period. 

Qualifications (in addition to general volunteer requirements):

  • Must have completed End-of-Life Doula training
  • Must have served as a companion or patient care volunteer for 30 hours over a one-year period
  • Must support hospice and End-of-Life Doula philosophy
  • Must have high comfort level with the dying process
  • Must be sensitive to and respect all diversity, including but not limited to gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, race, culture, ethnicity
  • Must be dependable and flexible
  • Must have good organizational and communication skills

Affiliations & Accreditations

  • Hospice Alliance
    Hospice Alliance
  • Alliance Kids
    Alliance Kids
  • Teleios Collaborative Network
    Teleios Collaborative Network
Close