Victoria Holistic Death Planning & Care

Birth Doulas and Midwives are reclaiming their rightful place as supports in ushering in new life. A Death Doula tends to the practical, emotional and social needs of a person transitioning out of life. Doulas do not provide medical care but rather fill in the gaps that exist between health care, family support and post death care.

As a Doula I encourage meaningful conversations about all things related to end of life. I am passionate about engaging the whole family in these discussions. I facilitate inclusivity by tailoring the conversation to each individual, family or group.

Education surrounding the many options at end of life helps individuals identify their own values, make informed decisions, and provides family members with knowledge of how to protect their loved ones wishes, rather than guessing what they would want.

Our meeting begins with a consultation call to identify your needs. I tailor my services meet the individual, couple or group where they are at currently. Sometimes there has been a health concern or diagnosis and families want to gather information and plan for the future. Some groups are friends simply wanting to get the conversation started in a comfortable way, then learn how to broach the subject with their own families. For an expected death at home I provide information on what to expect to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable.  I return after the death has occurred to facilitate the care of the body.  Every meeting is uniquely designed to meet your needs.

Values Based Advance Care Planning - 5 hours over 3 visits (in person or via zoom).  Individual $525;  For 2 $750;  Chosen Family up to 6 people $1000.  Resources, phone and email support included.

Home Funeral -  Preparation for what to expect and guidance caring for the body after death. Assisting with transportation to the funeral home, crematorium or cemetery as required. $1000

For information, resources, and short term goals $120/hr

Finances should not be a barrier to accessing quality end of life care. My services are customized depending on your means and needs. Let's talk.

Death is a part of life. Often kids intrinsically understand this with more ease than adults. I believe that the fear of death is learned through growing up in our death denying culture. Children are welcome and encouraged to be present with their families and I have age appropriate materials for engagement and comfort.

No, I hope you’ll meet with me sooner! Discussions surrounding end of life wishes can be ongoing because wishes and feelings change. My mission is to empower families to have these conversations together. I have witnessed the heartaches of families left to navigating the death of a loved one based on guessing and instinct alone. I think families can be more present in life, illness and death when they have given some forward thought together.

It is not uncommon to prefer someone other than family to step in to protect your wishes. In the event that a person cannot make health decisions for themselves, there is a standard, government dictated list of who has the right to make decisions on your behalf. That person is called your Temporary Substitute Decision Maker and you can find the list here in order of authority. If you are not comfortable with that designated person making decisions on your behalf, you can fill out a Representation Agreement to name the person of your choosing (with their consent). This can be useful if you do not wish your spouse to have to make decisions on your behalf and prefer a trusted friend. Or if you are closer with your chosen family rather than your family of origin.

Talking about end of life with loved ones is often awkward and uncomfortable. It is my passion to help facilitate these discussions with levity and a feeling of calm and security. When I tailor a family meeting, I start with some individual engagement to get everyone on the same page, so when we meet the ball is already rolling, whether the meeting is in person or virtually.