faQ’s + Terminology

what is A Death Doula and what do they do?

End-of-life (EOL) doulas sometimes known as death doulas are non-medical people

trained to share resources, information, education and companionship, comfort and

support with those nearing the end of life and their caring community. Just as the term

doula has long been used to describe a person trained to assist expectant mothers to

usher new life into the world, EOL doulas perform a similar function by helping

individuals to leave the physical world when they have reached the end of their lives.

Death Doulas are trained death educators, specializing in all aspects of end-of-life and

after-death care in the home setting.

Offering non-medical support, EOL Doulas work alongside caregivers, hospice and

palliative care. Doulas work with other providers to complement their efforts with the

common goal of achieving a beautiful and peaceful death for the client. First and

foremost EOL doulas assist opening the way for the client and family to have open

conversations about death and dying and the grief they are or will experience. Doulas

may serve clients receiving in-home hospice care, support the dying process in the

home, may assist with Washington’s Death with Dignity act and with after-death care in

the home if requested. EOL doulas will co-create an EOL plan of care with the dying

person and caring circle of friends or family.

What is an advanced directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes for medical care if they are unable to communicate their wishes. Advance directives help ensure that a person's wishes are honored if they become too sick or unconscious to make their own decisions. They also help to avoid confusion and provide peace of mind for the person and their loved ones.

What is medical aid in dying (M.A.I.D) ~ used to be called death with dignity and who is eligible?

Medical aid in dying (MAiD) is a process that allows a terminally ill patient to request a lethal dose of medication to end their life.