For those of us who aren’t familiar, could you describe the phases one goes through at the end of life? How do you assist in each phase?

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: For those of us who aren’t familiar, could you describe the phases one goes through at the end of life? How do you assist in each phase? A: The Shock Phase: This is when a person gets a terminal diagnosis. Both the patient and his/her family can experience an overwhelming feeling of shock.  I always begin by asking what can I do for you. I allow

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What’s the difference between a “good” passing and a “bad” passing? A: I have never personally witnessed a bad passing.  I believe the universe gives attention to each passing and what is supposed to happen happens.  I spend time supporting individuals in articulating what they would like for the passing to be.  Whether they articulate it in thei

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: Is being a death doula as scary as it sounds? A: I have felt many emotions when serving the world as a death doula, but feeling scared has never been one of those emotions.  I am constantly developing and preparing myself to serve the world in this capacity. Continued professional learning and experiences allow me to be prepared for the people, f

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What is the key to getting families to be more open to talking about death/end of life? A: I meet people on their terms, see them as whole beings, and build relationships with them and their loved ones.  I enter into their lives with no expectations.  Trust, honesty and relationships are important factors that allow people to open up and share.  

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such.  Q: In your experience, why are people afraid of death? How does your line of work help ease those fears? ???????A: Not everyone is afraid of death.  Those who are may be afraid for different reasons. Most are afraid of what they don’t know.  In addition, we have so much to leave behind in this world. The person with the terminal diagnosis may have

The time we have on Earth is precious. It’s a privilege to be able to wake up every day and have a conscious experience of this vast and fabulous universe, with all its people, beauty and mystery.  As humans, we can struggle to appreciate all moments in life. While birth is a celebration, the end of life is often viewed as a tragedy. Doulas – present at both birth and death – believe that each moment in life is equally valuable. It doesn’t matter if a person is breathing their first breath

Have you thought about what it means to grow old and how you will die? I know it’s not a pleasant thought for many but one you should explore. In the United States, we don’t have traditions or customs to help us prepare for death. There are hospice workers and palliative-caregivers that offer pain management but what if that’s not what you need. What options do you have?  Death Doulas, End-of-Life Doulas, Soul Midwives or Transition Coaches fill that need. There are many roles that a Death Doul

YES. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization ( NHPCO ) is the membership organization for all the hospices in the US. The have just put together The End of Life Doula Council to be able to share with Hospices and families how the Professional End of Life Doula can assist and complete the hospice team to fill in “the gaps in care” and allow for the best end of life experience for both the patient and their loved ones.

No End of Life Doulas are a Non-Medical Profession. Just like the establishment of Birth Doulas 40 years ago. This is not regulated by a government license.

YES! ( NEDA ) The National End of Life Doula Alliance has set a national practicum with Core Competencies for the practice of professional End of Life Doulas. All End of Life Doulas that pass the assessment receive the NEDA National Credential and can become members of the national membership organization.