Do I need a death doula if my loved one is on hospice? │ Woodstock Death Doula

The key difference between hospice care and death doulas (or end-of-life doulas) is this:
Hospice provides medical care and support. Death doulas do not.

So, for example, a death doula will never administer medication… but a death doula can help the caregiver keep track of the medication schedule, create a log that notates what each medication is for, etc.

I encourages families who are eligible for hospice care to use hospice. Hospice may be covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and if your loved one is staying at home versus a hospice facility, hospice may provide your loved one with a hospital bed and other medical necessities, like pain medication to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible at end-of-life.

However, hospice is often under-staffed, may not be able to visit for very long, and may not provide sitting services. This is where doulas can provide extra support. As we discuss our unique needs and schedules, we can determine how often I can visit and for how long, and how I can support you and your loved one.

Heart-centered, holistic care is the doula’s specialty.