“…but rather the inadequate life.” This quote by Bertolt Brecht may bring comfort or possibly a sense of urgency to get off the couch and get things done. But what about that scary transition between the adequate life and death? To help us along this path, a profession is out there called End-of-Life Doula and Care Consultants. To tell us more, my friend Sigrid Swerdlin agreed to a short interview.
Kristi: Please describe the services an End-Of-Life Doula and Care Consultant.
Sigrid: An EOL Doula is a non-medical person that gives physical, emotional, mental and spiritual support to someone else. As such an EOL Doula provides any non-medical service required to make the remaining time of a person on this earth as comfortable as possible.
The specific tasks are flexible and range from life review projects to sitting with the patient during the final transition. The EOL Doula provides service to the patient as well as the family by either helping to establish the final wishes or ensuring previously made wishes are implemented. The EOL Care Consultant is a professional specially trained to help another person through all aspects of advanced care planning.
The two parts of the role can be viewed like that of a program manager – someone who guides and supports the client from a holistic point of view on all aspects of the remaining time on earth. Experts can and will be pulled in where necessary, but at all times the overall picture is considered.
Kristi: You have an established career in business. What made you decide to become a certified practitioner in this field? Why do you think it is important?
Sigrid: I have been looking for something more meaningful than what my business career provides. Unfortunately, individuals are not in the foreground of a corporate’s interest.
When I learned about the existence of End-of-Life Doulas I spent a lot of time researching the various training options. The need sparked my interest and with hospice volunteering. I realized this is where my passion and talent can be applied whilst giving me so much happiness.
Traditionally the role of an EOL Doula was taught from a grandmother to a granddaughter. With modern family structures this role is missing. We have a growing aging population where the elder are either without a family or with broken family ties.
The EOL Doula service is not limited to the elder though. Anyone with a terminal illness can also benefit from a Doula’s service.
Kristi: When is a good time for a family to engage the services of an End-Of-Life Doula?
Sigrid: Anyone who want to embrace the task of making the end of life time as smooth as possible should engage with an EOL Doula. Making sure your wishes are thought through, documented, and communicated in advance will be so much easier than once you have a terminal diagnosis or get otherwise to the end of your life.
Once that is in place the EOL Doula services should be called on either at time of receiving a terminal diagnosis or when you feel your end is coming.
Finally, I would like to share my favorite quote around End of Life from Sadhguru: “Death is the last thing you do in your life, shouldn’t you do it gracefully?”
Sigrid, thank you so much for shedding light on this necessary and compassionate service. To contact Sigrid about End-of-Life Doula services, email [email protected].
