Q: What is an End of Life Doula?

 

A: An End of Life Doula is a companion to someone who is dying and to the dying person’s loved ones. They are a non-medical, holistic practitioner, who provides physically, emotional and spiritual support.

 

Q: What is the difference between a hospice nurse and an EOL Doula?

 

A: Time and roles. The hospice nurse is the medical manager of the terminal patient with limited time at the bedside. The EOL Doula is the non-medical professional that is the eyes and ears of the case with no time limitations. The Doula alerts the hospice team to any changes in the patient’s presentation so that the hospice nurse can assess and update the care plan for the maximum daily comfort of the patient.

 

Q: What is the difference between a hospice volunteer and an EOL Doula?

 

A: A Doula can do everything EXCEPT give medication (including over the counter meds) or any form of medical treatment or wound care. The hospice volunteer needs to follow Medicare regulations and in most states in limited to a maximum bedside visit of 4 hours. The average volunteer visit is 1-2 hours a week. This does not provide the adjunct support that patients and families so desperately need at this stressful time.

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Q: Does insurance cover the services of an EOL Doula?

 

A: No. Doulas are private pay. All “companion” services such as Home Instead, Visiting Angels, Comfort Care, etc. are all private pay.

 

Q: Can a Doula help make funeral arrangements?

 

A: Yes. An EOL Doula has a “scope of practice” that includes everything from the time of a terminal diagnosis to helping patients and families as the illness progresses, to the vigil, time of death, after death care, understanding and honoring grief.

 

Q: What can a Doula do that a Hospice Home Health Aid can’t do?

 

A: Time. Most hospices provide HHA services up to a maximum of 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. This is based on acuity of the patient and is only available if hospice has an available aid.  

 

Q: Is there a government licensure for End of Life Doulas?

 

A: No. EOL Doulas are a Non-Medical Profession just like the establishment of Birth Doulas over 60 years ago. This is not regulated by a government license.

 

Q: Does Hospice approve of End of Life Doulas?

 

A: YES. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is the membership organization for all the hospices in the US. They have put together the End of Life Doula Council to be able to share with Hospices and families how the Professional EOL Doula can assist and complete the hospice team to fill in “the gaps in care” and allow for the best end of life experience for both the patient and their loved ones.

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