In 2019 my father died after a surprising and very short illness. Both of them received excellent medical care during their illnesses and deaths. Both of my parents chose to die at home. Each was assigned a hospice team after their doctors told them they had exhausted all medical options and they should go home and get their affairs in order. The hospice team consisted of a doctor, a nurse, and personal care attendants. Everyone was kind and compassionate and performed their roles and responsibilities dutifully. And yet, there was a gap. Something was missing. For months after my father's death, I replayed the weeks, days, and hours leading up to the morning he died. I started scrutinizing the generally accepted end-of-life practices and wondering if there wasn't a more person-centred way to help people with life-limiting illnesses and their families plan for and experience a "good death." Was there a more holistic approach that allowed a person to explore their life's social, physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects as they faced death? Was there someone who could help them with their death/vigil planning, create a legacy remembrance, and be there for their family and friends when they were no longer there? I found the answer and my life's purpose in late 2020. Death Doulaship. Death doulas provide non-medical care and support to people facing life-limiting illnesses. With compassion, empathy, and purpose, I aspire to contribute to and participate in the end-of-life care of people before, during, and after death. I companion the dying and those they love to ensure a good death and a stable support system for grief and bereavement. Before becoming a Death Doula, my career path allowed me to hone my communication, planning, advocacy, and relationship-building skills in the social and human services sector. I took my extensive Death Doula training and education with the Home Hospice Association of Ontario.
