liv·ing leg·a·cy
ˈliviNG/ /ˈleɡəsē/
(n): a lasting contribution or impact created during one’s lifetime that continues to benefit others both during and after the creator’s life
“Her mentorship program became her living legacy, enriching lives both while she led it and long after.”
What is a Death Doula?
According to The Doula Toolkit, a Death Doula is:
“a trained, non-medical professional of extraordinary compassion and kindness, who brings emotional, practical, and unbiased support and expertise for those nearing death. Also known as end-of-life doulas, these caring professionals are often called upon to provide comfort, calm, and education for the dying person and their loved ones.”
A Death Doula can…
spend time with and provide vigil for a dying person
help work through any unresolved regrets, unfinished business, guilt, shame that a dying person may be holding onto
carry out relevant cultural, religious, or spiritual rites and rituals as requested by the dying person and/or their families
facilitate legacy projects
assist loved ones with preparing ACDs, selecting burial options, and planning funerals
bring personalized comfort to a dying person, i.e. play their favorite music, read their favorite books, source special snacks or activities, etc.
offer unbiased and nonjudgemental support
connect families with grief resources
… and anything else the patient or their loved ones may need, before, during, and after death.
“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.”
- Haruki Murakami
How can I help?
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Legacy Work
Legacy projects, reconciling fear surrounding death, ensuring your affairs are in order, advance care directives, funeral plans, releasing any regrets, unfinished business, guilt, or shame.
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11th Hour
Active dying process, respite care, deathbed preparation, active vigil, familial support.
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Postmortem
Funeral planning and advocacy, death certificates, family legacy projects.