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
