End-of-Life Doula
Counsel and Support for Life Transitions
Elder Care Services
Mental, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, and Practical Help
Companionship
Companionship through conversation, and meaningful activities.
Accompaniment to medical appointments and social engagements.
Organization
Reminder services for important items such as medications, dates, routines, etc.
Coordinating logistics with other care providers.
Resources
Identification of community resources in your area.
Respite Care Services
Respite care is a short break from caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers should use respite services to give themselves the opportunity to rest and recharge.
Shanen is an end-of-life companion. This form of respite care provides non-medical, holistic support and comfort to a dying person and their family. Including education and guidance as well as emotional, spiritual, or practical care, from as early as initial diagnosis through bereavement.
Shanen can help ease talking about death & dying and make it more comfortable. It is okay if you don't know how to ask for or offer support when someone you love is dying; as an end-of-life companion, Shanen can help.
Having accompanied individuals and families before, during, and after the time of transition from this world allows her to ease this transition for you. She supports individuals, families, and significant others during the end-of-life process.
Comfort and Support
I am blessed with empathy and deep compassion, a natural ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level with a full intention to offer comfort and understanding during one of life's most challenging times.
I can provide non-judgmental support, creating a safe space for individuals to express their fears, hopes, and regrets.
I'm skilled in active listening and can tune into the needs and concerns of the dying and their families at a time when they truly need to be heard. I am thankful that both my nature and my training enable me to communicate with clarity and sensitivity to present guidance in a way that is both comforting and informative.
Providing You with Short Breaks from Caregiving
Respite is a short break from caregiving responsibilities.
Every caregiver should be vigilant in self-care so as to keep a healthy balance between duties and personal life.
In end-of-life circumstances I can provide education and guidance along with emotional support at all phases, from diagnosis through bereavement.
You are not alone; I can help.
Organization
My organizational skills make me able to assist with practical situations as well, such as creating advance care plans, coordinating with medical professionals, managing end-of-life directions and paperwork.
I believe an important function of my services is to be aware of varied cultural, religious, and personal practices surrounding death, finding ways to respect and incorporate these into the care of the loved one.
Respite care may look different for everyone.
Below are some examples of services that have helped others:
-
Extensive end-of-life comfort care, including: guided meditations, holding, singing, healing space; and most importantly, teaching loved ones comfort care: life review, reflection, legacy, story telling, communication, vigil planning.
-
After death wishes, home funeral planning, memorial services, etc.
-
Sitting vigil with dying and supporting community.
-
Collaborate with client's supportive community at home, nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, or hospital.
-
Communication mediation between the dying, their supportive community, and/or medical providers.
-
Emotional and spiritual support.
End-of-Life Doula Services
End-of-life doulas complement the work of medical professionals and hospice care, enhancing the overall quality of life during a person's final days.
As a professional doula and ordained minister, I have the training and ability to remain present and grounded in the moment, providing a stabilizing force as well as a calming presence. This helps to reduce anxiety and can bring a sense of peace, often achieved through mindfulness practices such as meditation, prayer, and other comforting techniques.
The sense of protective advocacy that is my calling leads me to educate families about what to expect during the dying process, demystifying the experience, and also causes me to remain vigilant that the desires and rights of the dying are upheld. Dignity requires that we work to facilitate a death that aligns with personal values and wishes.
Overall, I can play a crucial role in providing holistic, compassionate care to individuals and families during one of life's most profound transitions.
Support and Compassion
An End-of-life doulas is sometimes known as a midwife to the dying; we provide compassion and comfort to those who are transitioning from this life and their loved ones.
This challenging time of life presents opportunities of support and guidance for all involved; a time to learn acceptance, for important conversations about our memories and values, and to make an emotionally intense situation become a source of peace and serenity.
Offering not only nonjudgmental emotional support and compassion, we can create a safe space for individuals and families to discuss fears, hopes, and preferences surrounding the dying process and after-death care.
Resources and Services
I can also provide information about available resources and support services and assist with such practical matters as writing advance directives, organizing paperwork.
A network of creative community resources can assist in making funeral or memorial services both personal and deeply meaningful.
I usually work closely with other members of the care team, including medical professionals, hospice workers, and spiritual advisors, to ensure continuity of care and support for the individual and their family.
We also design our care support to be personalized, to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual and family we work with. Close attention is paid to honoring individual values, beliefs, and cultural traditions.
Continued Support
I continue to support families after the death, helping them process their grief and begin the healing journey. No one should feel alone in these moments of ending, of adjusting to the New Beginning of life without the loved one.
My role as an end-of-life doula is to serve as a compassionate companion, a knowledgeable guide, and a steadfast advocate of ensuring that this final chapter of life takes place with dignity, respect, and profound care.
My intent is to imbue you with confidence and empowerment, encouraging an active role in the end-of-life process. We offer companionship and reassurance to both you and your loved one.
We may sit vigil with the dying person, offering presence and support as needed. We offer grief support and continue to stay in contact after death, helping you navigate the grieving process and find ways to honor and remember your loved one.
End-of-Life Doula care is personalized
and tailored to your specific needs.
Below are some examples of services that have helped others:
-
Extensive end-of-life comfort care, including: guided meditations, holding, singing, healing space; and most importantly, teaching loved ones comfort care: life review, reflection, legacy, story telling, communication, vigil planning.
-
After death wishes, home funeral planning, memorial services, etc.
-
Sitting vigil with dying and supporting community.
-
Collaborate with client's supportive community at home, nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, or hospital.
-
Communication mediation between the dying, their supportive community, and/or medical providers.
-
Emotional and spiritual support.
End-of-Life Doula Testimonials
"During his three-months in hospice, Shanen provided meaningful support to my father with frequent visits. With a depth of understanding and a keen sensitivity to the individual, she guided his end-of-life process, encouraged him, and prayed with him. Her comforting presence uplifted my father and gave the family an invaluable peace of mind. We were blessed that Shanen was available to share her gifts with us throughout our journey."
Susan S
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a respite caregiver? And why would you consider one?
Respite is a short break from caregiving responsibilities. It's advisable that caregivers use such services to give themselves the opportunity to rest and recharge. A respite caregiver allows you to have that important break. In difficult times, with unusual stress and perhaps a long-term commitment disrupting our daily lives, it is crucial to take care of ourselves. Even a minimum level of self-care requires taking active steps towards coping with emotions, physical exhaustion, and maintaining a balanced personal life. This doesn't just happen; let me help.
Do you provide CNA services?
No, we do not provide CNA healthcare services.
Why did you choose to do end-of-life care?
Having accompanied individuals and families before, during, and after the time of transition from this world, I have learned the importance of support, compassion, and a certain amount of order. I support individuals, families and significant others during end of life, by: •Companionship to hospice patients and caregivers •Addressing the fears and concerns of the spiritual journey •Assisting with Advance Directives •Assisting Life Review and Legacy: memories, photo album, video, etc. •Planning End of Life celebrations and rituals •Funeral and/or vigil planning
Do I need respite services?
Respite care is a short break from caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers should use respite services to give themselves the opportunity to rest and recharge.
