SERVICES
“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life.”
-Cecily Saunders, founder of Hospice Movement
ways we can Assist you
We assist, support, and advocate for the dying and their loved ones before, during, and after death, in a way that may help bring more comfort and ease.
It takes a community to support and uplift one another and no one needs to do it alone.
Our services are personalised to meet each person’s needs.
End of Life Planning
• Assist you in creating a death plan that honors your values and wishes
• Help you to prepare completely – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
• Offer ideas and projects that reflect your legacy and life review
• Support your communication with loved ones about your plans
Voluntary Stop Eating and Drinking (VSED) & Medically Aid in Dying (MAiD)
• Provide information about these end-of-life choices
• Connect you with community resources for these choices
Companioning
• We are present for you and your circle of support throughout your journey.
• We keep our focus on YOU and YOUR wishes and plans.
• We advocate for you when communicating with hospice and your care team.
• We keep you and your circle of support up-to-date about what is happening.
After Death Care
• We talk about options for choosing after-death plans – possibly a ceremony, ritual, home vigil or laying-in honour.
• We offer opportunities for reprocessing and advocate for bereavement care for your family and support circle.
• If desired, we are present with family members after a death.
Education & Outreach
• We collaborate with holistic practitioners, death doulas, caregivers, elder law advocates and support groups within our community.
• We provide on-going information and updates about VSED, MAiD and Death Doula supports.
• We offer consultations and presentations about our services and end-of-life education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Death Doula?
A death doula, sometimes called an end of life guide or death midwife, is a non-medical person who serves the dying person and their family. A death doula supports the individual and family with compassionate attention, listening, guidance, advocacy, resources, and coordination.
Why would I want a Death Doula?
When supporting the individual and family, a death doula may coordinate all the areas of support that are being used: medical, legal, hospice, caregivers, spiritual, friends, and support circle. Support is individualised care adapted to the unique needs of each person and family serviced.
What does it mean for Pathway Home Doulas to be a collective?
Being a collective will enhance the services we provide as well as keep us informed of the latest resources available.
What are your fees?
Please contact us about fees and package pricing. More fee information is located here.
What’s MAiD?
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) is a legal way to hasten one’s death by ingesting medication. Often called “Death with Dignity”, this legal end of life choice is available in several states currently, including Washington State. Specifics can be found at www.endoflifewa.org.
What’s VSED?
Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) is a legal way to hasten one’s death through dehydration. It requires medical support as well as extensive planning and preparation. Specifics can be found at www.vsedresources.com.
What are holistic health care practitioners?
These health care practitioners often work in tandem with traditional Western medical physicians and other providers in supporting a person’s total well-being. Examples include: chiropractic care, massage therapy, Reiki, acupuncture, aroma therapy, craniosacral therapy, threshold singing, psychedelic therapies, grief counselling, and more.