Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions I hear most often about death doula work, hospice support, end-of-life care planning, and funeral celebrancy. If you don’t see your question answered here, please reach out to me directly. I’m happy to help.
1. What is a death doula?
A death doula provides compassionate emotional, spiritual, and practical support for individuals and families during the end-of-life journey from planning to the final days, and through bereavement. A death doula holds space, guides conversations, offers comfort, and helps navigate decisions that arise at the end of life. I often work alongside hospice to make sure your loved one is supported every step of the way.
Learn more about how a Death Doula can guide you through the final chapter of life. I have many episodes of my podcast featuring death doulas. This blog post gives you a handful to start.
2. How is a death doula different from hospice care?
Hospice provides medical care for those nearing the end of life, focusing on symptom management and comfort. A death doula complements hospice by offering holistic support; emotional presence, spiritual guidance, end-of-life planning, ceremony creation, and caregiver support. Together, hospice and a death doula provide full-circle care for you and your family.
Read more about how a death doula can work alongside hospice to provide comfort and guidance.
3. What is MAID and VSED, and how can a death doula help?
MAID (Medical Aid in Dying) and VSED (Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking) are legal end-of-life options in certain areas, including New Jersey. I work with a network of trusted physicians for MAID consultations and prescriptions, while providing compassionate guidance for you and your family. I can support you emotionally, practically, and spiritually, whether you are considering hospice care or other end-of-life options.
Learn more about planning compassionately for MAID with a death doula.
4. When should I start working with a death doula?
It is never too early to start working with a death doula. Preplanning and discussing what matters most to you can be done at major life milestones: your 18th birthday, marriage, birth of children, or after a medical diagnosis.
Even if someone is already in hospice care, I can help provide guidance, advocacy, and emotional support. The earlier we start, the more I can help advocate for your wishes and ensure your end-of-life experience aligns with your values.
5. When should I start end-of-life care planning?
End-of-life care planning is valuable at any stage of life; ideally, before starting hospice care or as soon as you’re enrolled. Planning begins by exploring your values, priorities, and wishes. I guide you step by step, helping you communicate your decisions with loved ones. Plans should be updated with major life changes, such as medical diagnoses, marriages, divorces, or the birth of children.
6. What is a funeral celebrant?
An InSight Certified Funeral Celebrant is trained to provide personalized funeral services, memorials, or tributes that reflect the life, personality, and values of the deceased. Celebrants work directly with your funeral director and family to create meaningful, comforting services. We help families share stories, choose readings and music, and design rituals that honor your loved one’s life.
Learn more about working with a Funeral Celebrant to create a deeply personal tribute.
7. Do you offer virtual services?
Yes. I provide virtual end-of-life planning, death doula support, and educational sessions anywhere in the world. You can schedule a no-cost consultation to see if my services are a fit, and if not, I can connect you with a hospice or death doula professional who is.
8. How much do your services cost?
Pricing varies depending on the type and scope of services. Please visit the services pages for end-of-life care planning, death doula support, and funeral celebrant services for details, or contact me directly so we can discuss your needs and create a plan that supports you and your loved ones.
I cannot accept insurance, so all services are private pay. However, I offer a sliding scale to make my support accessible to anyone who needs it. My goal is to ensure that finances never prevent someone from receiving compassionate guidance and care during this important time.
9. Can a death doula help families?
Absolutely. Death doulas support not only the person who is dying but also their loved ones. We educate, guide conversations, teach coping strategies, provide respite suggestions, and hold space for grief and reflection. Families often tell me that having a doula reduces anxiety and creates more meaningful, peaceful moments together.
10. How does hospice work with a death doula?
Hospice and death doula care are complementary. Hospice focuses on medical comfort and symptom management, while a death doula provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support. Together, they create a fully supportive environment for the patient and family.
For those considering Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), hospice and death doula care can be part of a compassionate, integrated approach that honors your autonomy, comfort, and values.