Why an End-of-Life/Death Doula?

As a family caregiver, I have had many unanswered questions over the last 10 years.

I am often searching for resources to guide me in my decision-making, to relieve stressors, and assist my loved ones. I believe that helping others to find their own answers while being a good listener, is one of the kindest ways to empower people to make informed decisions for themselves.

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Over the last 30 years, I have worked as a Home Support Worker, an Integrated Support Worker, and an independent care provider off-and-on. I enjoyed working to help where needed, and encourage independence when that was the goal. While my current main employment is very far from this, I am always drawn back to helping roles in some way.

 

I have recently taken an interest in becoming more knowledgeable about dementia, cognitive impairments, and am a part time student of a Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator for Older Adults program. My aim is to use my life experiences with loss, and continued training, to help others along the way.

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I completed one year of formal training with the Home Hospice Association in December 2022 where I received my certificate as a Death Doula.  I have also received thorough training and experience via a Palliative organization where I have been a volunteer for the past three years.

 

I am currently working toward becoming a member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada by fulfilling their community experience and education requirements.

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End-of-life Doula services are currently an unregulated profession here in Canada, much like Birth Doulas or Midwives once were. By focussing on professional development, gaining many varied experiences, and establishing solid relationships in the field, my hope is to add to the credibility and integrity of this profession. 

 

End-of-life care is something that affects everyone at some point or another. Having healthy conversations, and being well-educated in these matters can help to contribute greatly to the well-being of people facing end-of-life concerns, their loved ones, and communities at large. 

 

Helping to create a roadmap, holding space, sitting vigil at the end of life, and facilitating conversations around death and grief both virtually and in the community;

are my main interests as an End-of-Life/Death Doula. 

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Bonnie Carpenter,  

Certified End-of-Life/Death Doula

Precious Days