Death Doula: Saying Goodbye in Comfort and Dignity

In a culture that tends to shy away from conversations around death, it’s more important than ever to have access to a compassionate ear. You may have heard of doulas associated with birth, but did you know that a doula can help support you through death, too?

Unlike doctors or nurses whose focus lies on physical care, death doulas provide holistic, emotional, and spiritual support tailored to the individual’s unique needs and wishes. “Meet them where they are,” death doula Marlene Marrow said.

Also called end of life doulas, they’re meant to help people approach death with dignity and independence, ensuring that their final days are filled with comfort, compassion, and meaning. Support isn’t limited to the person facing their final days. Death doulas can help facilitate conversations and planning for the whole family.

The Role of a Death Doula

1. Emotional support. The process of dying brings many strong emotions, like sadness, fear, anxiety, and sometimes relief. A doula can be there to listen to both the individual and their family. They can also provide insights to the family on how to prepare for life after the passing of a loved one. 
2. Advanced care planning. Doulas can help you to create a written document detailing your wishes concerning care (i.e. who can make medical decisions for you if you’re unable). Your doula can accurately provide the support you want even if you cannot express them in the moment. Click here for a guide on how to create an advance care plan. Click here to find it in other languages.                                                           
3. Spiritual support. Regardless of your background, doulas can help facilitate ceremonies, rituals, or practices requested to fulfill the spiritual needs of the individual and their family.
4. Alternative therapies. Doulas are not licensed medical professionals, so they cannot treat physical ailments. But they can guide you through alternative methods like music therapy, aromatherapy, and creating a calming environment. 
5. Working with your healthcare team. Doulas aim to create a seamless feel in care by working in tandem with your existing healthcare team and any members you may add along the way. 

Cost

Currently, death doulas are not covered by public or private insurance. Payment can vary widely between associations and practitioners, but average between $40-100 per hour. Prices can change based on time commitment and location. Some practitioners offer flat rate packages or sliding scale rates, as well. 

“It would be great if death doulas could be recognized as a professional, so people don’t have to pay for us to come into their homes,” Marrow said. As a member of Home Hospice Association (HHA), Marrow shared that HHA continues to petition Health Canada to be considered an essential part of the medical team and therefore be covered by insurance. 

“It bothers me that some people die alone because of the financials. A lot of us do a sliding scale model, but we still can’t reach everyone,” Marrow continued. 

If you’re comfortable with the idea, you can negate the cost with a volunteer death doula. Many associations, like the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, require their members to complete a certain amount of volunteer hours before they are eligible to join. 

Embracing the End

At the end of life, we all need support and compassion. Family and friends are a great resource for support, but with emotions running high it can be crucial to have an outside ear. “It’s a safe space for me and I can lend them my sense of safety,” Marrow said.

Death doulas remind us that the end of life isn’t just about medical care—it’s about connection, dignity, and honouring what matters most.

For those facing their final days, a doula can be a steady presence, who listens without judgment and helps create a sense of peace for you and your family. No one should have to navigate loss alone. 

We may not always get to choose how or when we go, but with the right support, we can shape the way we say goodbye—with love, with meaning, and with the people who matter most.

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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.