Doulas and hospice for dying and grieving
Doulas. Just as midwives and doulas offer emotional, spiritual, and skilled support during the birthing process, doula programs now operating across the country offer similar support for people as they go through the dying process.
What they offer: Trained doulas, most of them volunteers, don't provide medical care but do give the dying patient and family members whatever practical, emotional, spiritual, and social support they need most. Typically, doulas:
- Provide companionship
- Offer advocacy with medical practitioners
- Help with navigating medical bills
- Create spiritual rituals
- Witness cremations
- Care for children who are present
For more information: Visit The Shira Ruskay Center.
Hospice Sabbath. Often observed during National Hospice Month in November, hospice Sabbath recognizes people who are near the end of life. Usually, hospices and coalitions of spiritual, religious, and community groups organize hospice Sabbaths. These may be single interfaith services that bring the community together in one place; or they may form partnerships with faith communities, encouraging them to recognize patients and families during selected "worshipping weekend" services.
What they offer: During hospice Sabbath, faith communities are organized to pray for hospice patients and families and all people facing serious illness. Some hospices and coalitions also provide sample prayers and poems and offer staff and volunteer speakers.
For more information: To find out whether such a service exists in your area, contact local hospice agencies or the Hospice and Palliative Care Center.
