Dying is a universal experience. Most of us have memories of a good or difficult death among those we love. The difference between those experiences may depend upon whether we have shared our wishes for how we would like to spend our final days. This is one of the most important conversations we avoid having. According to AARP’s 2024 End of Life survey, 85% of adults over 45 state they are comfortable discussing death and dying, 7 in 10 say the topic is avoided. What is the best way to get started having these tough talks.
Perhaps you are familiar with the term End of Life Doula (or maybe not). End of Life Doulas (EOLD) provide compassionate, personalized support for life’s final transitions. Doulas offer non-medical holistic support encompassing emotional, spiritual, and practical care. They offer resources to help the dying person and their circle of care to make informed decisions in a supportive environment.
EOLDs can also work with individuals who may need assistance with talking about death. For example, healthy and “non-terminal” people can work with an EOLD to talk openly about their fears or other questions in a non-judgmental environment.
In addition, doulas can offer help and support to those navigating the loss of a pet. This support could include sharing stories about their pet, deciding on a resting place for the pet, or creating a memorial or other ways to honor the pet.
Inner Ki LLC offers a variety of services, including holding open, non-judgmental discussions around death and dying, conducting a pre-planning review, or creating a legacy project memorializing your family member, friend or pet. Please email Inner Ki LLC at info@yourinnerki.com for an initial consultation to see how we can help you.
