Q&A

Questions Families Often Ask

We know that conversations about death, aging, illness, or grief can feel overwhelming. Our role is to make this time easier — by guiding, supporting, and walking alongside you and your family with clarity and care. Below are answers to the questions we’re most often asked about what we do and how we can support you.

What is an end-of-life doula?

An end-of-life doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support before, during, and after death. We guide individuals and families through the dying process, help them understand what to expect, offer emotional and spiritual support, and ensure that this time is filled with comfort, dignity, and meaning.

Do you replace hospice?

No. Hospice focuses on medical care and symptom management. We complement that care by providing everything hospice often doesn’t have time for — ongoing emotional support, education about the dying process, guidance for families, bedside presence, legacy projects, and help creating a peaceful environment. We work alongside hospice, not instead of it.

When should we reach out?

Any time you or a loved one could benefit from extra support. While we specialize in end-of-life care, many families contact us long before that stage — when an aging parent could use companionship, when someone is living with chronic illness, or when a caregiver simply needs help and relief. Reaching out early allows us to build trust, offer practical guidance, and create a care plan that supports everyone involved.

What support do you offer for someone who is dying?

We offer ongoing visits that include companionship, discussions around wishes and fears, education about physical changes, coordination with hospice or caregivers, help creating legacy projects, and support for spiritual and emotional needs. We also provide bedside presence during the active dying phase to ensure the environment is calm and sacred and the family feels supported.

How do you support families and caregivers?

We educate families on what’s happening, offer communication tools for difficult conversations, and provide emotional support throughout the process. We also offer respite visits so caregivers can rest or take time for themselves while knowing their loved one is cared for.

Can you be present during the final hours?

Yes. We provide bedside vigil support during the final hours or days, offering comfort measures, helping loved ones understand what’s happening, and creating a peaceful environment with music, rituals, or silence — whatever feels most meaningful to the family.

Do you offer virtual support?

Yes. We offer virtual sessions for education, planning, emotional/grief support, and even legacy work for families who are far away or unable to meet in person.

What if my loved one is afraid of death or doesn’t want to talk about it?

We offer gentle, judgment-free conversations that help them process fears and emotions at their own pace. If they’re not ready to talk, we provide quiet companionship and presence, meeting them exactly where they are.

Can you help with family conflict or unresolved emotions?

Yes. We facilitate conversations, help families express what’s on their hearts, and offer tools for forgiveness, closure, and healing before death occurs.

Do you offer support after death?

Yes. We offer grief support sessions to help individuals and families navigate the grieving process. Together, we work through emotions, develop healthy coping tools, create rituals of remembrance, and explore ways to stay connected to the memory of their loved one.

What does grief support look like?

We offer one-on-one sessions virtually or in person. We focus on processing emotions, understanding grief responses, building coping strategies, and creating ways to honor and integrate the memory of your loved one into your life. Sessions can be one-time or ongoing, depending on your needs.

Is it too late to seek grief support if it’s been a while?

No. Grief has no timeline. We work with people weeks, months, or even years after a death when emotions resurface or new layers of grief appear.

What is a companion doula and who is that for?

Companion doula support is for anyone who is aging, living with chronic illness, or feeling isolated, even if they are not nearing the end of life. We provide regular visits for conversation, social connection, activities, emotional support, and practical help like going on walks, sharing meals, or attending appointments together. We become a trusted member of the family.

Can you explain what to expect as death approaches?

Absolutely. We explain the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that occur at each stage, so you feel informed and prepared. We provide education on signs and symptoms, ways to bring comfort, and how to support your loved one’s final days.

Do you communicate with hospice or medical providers?

Yes, with your permission. We coordinate with care teams to make sure everyone is aligned and your loved one’s wishes are honored.

How often do you visit and how long are the sessions?

Visits can be scheduled weekly, several times a week, or as often as needed. Sessions typically range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the type of support you want. Most common lengths are 1 to 1.5 hours once a week but of course this varies widely depending on presonal need.

Do we need to plan far in advance?

There’s no strict rule. Some families reach out months ahead, others just days before. The sooner we begin, the more time we have to plan meaningful support.

What are your fees?

We offer hourly services as well as discounted packages for longer-term support. During our initial conversation, we’ll talk about your needs and create a plan that works best for your family.

Do you accept insurance?

Our services are private pay and not covered by insurance. However, some families are able to use HSA or FSA funds for certain parts of the support.

What’s the most important thing to know?

That you’re not alone. Whether you’re preparing for the future, caring for someone now, or learning to live after a loss, compassionate support can make this time feel less overwhelming and far more meaningful. Our role is to guide you every step of the way.

Questions & Answers

Questions Families Often Ask