What services and support will hospice provide for me after my loved one has died? What does the End of Life Doula provide for grief support?

Most hospice teams leave a case after the patient has died. Many times families are feeling this as another loss. Hospice does offer bereavement services for up to a year or 15 months in most states. This is usually initiated by a call from volunteer and the living family member is told about monthly support groups that they may attend. The original hospice team that worked with the family is not part of this service.

An End of Life Doula can do everything EXCEPT give a medication and do any form of medical treatment or wound care. There is no limit of number of hours to sit bedside. The hospice volunteer needs to follow Medicare regulations that prohibit any form of touching, moving, feeding, bathing, toileting etc. The hospice volunteer in most US states is limited to a maximum weekly bedside visit of 4 hours. The average volunteer visit is 1-2 hours a week. This does not provide the adjunct support that p

No, An End of Life Doula never gives any medication whether prescription or over the counter.

Yes. An End of Life Doula has a ”scope of practice” that includes everything from the time of a terminal diagnosis to helping patients and families as the illness progresses, to the vigil, time of death, understanding and honoring grief and finally recover of life after loss.

No. End of Life Doulas are private pay. All “companion” services such as Home Instead, Visiting Angels, Comfort Keepers etc. are all private pay. Most End of Life Doulas have a sliding scale payment option.

The hospital health team you didn’t know you had David Griffiths couldn’t breathe.  The 69-year-old cinematographer had been losing his voice for months. Then, one night last summer, he woke up gasping for breath.  “It was frightening,” says Griffiths. “I walked around all night because I was afraid to go back to sleep.” The next day at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, an ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor) probed Griffiths’ throat and discovered a huge white tumor wrapped around his larynx

Stretch your time and cover your bases Over 40 million Americans are taking care of a loved one 50 or older. Approximately six in ten of them are doing it while also trying to earn a living. If you’re among them, here’s help. Human Resources Ask your HR rep about company policies and programs to support caregivers. Many companies have a plan in place to help employees find community services, counseling, respite care, legal and financial assistance, and caregiver support groups. Others offer

Identifying the Best In-Home Care Options for You If your goal is to allow your loved one to continue to live independently at home —in-home care might be the best solution for your loved one and you. There are flexible options that provide care for a few hours, a few days or live-in. The following steps can help you choose the right care arrangement for your situation. Step 1: Determine what you need help with Step 2: Figure out how often you need help Step 3: Assess your budget Step 4:

End-of-life doulas provide a new type of caregiving to patients and families Cheri Rigby always knew she wanted to work with the dying. As a registered nurse, she was exposed to death frequently, but she believed that more support was needed for those who were facing it. Through an unfortunate circumstance, she was given the opportunity to make a difference. “There was a tragedy — one of my very best friends,” Rigby recalls. “Her daughter was a special needs child. She choked on a Fruit Ro

Researchers identify four key reasons for reluctance and provide families with strategies to overcome them A recent AARP survey found that 76 percent of adults 50 and older want to live in their home as long as possible. Yet as their physical, functional or cognitive needs mount, some are reluctant to accept the help they need, which can compromise their safety and eventually jeopardize their ability to stay in their home. “In my clinic I frequently see patients where I know they need help