• ​The essence of doula care is to provide non-medical, non-judgmental support and guidance to individuals and families through times of critical, transformative life change.

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• EOL doulas nurture, inform, support, guide, empower and comfort.

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• EOL doulas work with other caregivers and members of the medical team.

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• Doulas foster self-determination in their clients by assisting them in gathering information and encouraging them to make informed choices that are right for them.

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• For client needs outside of the doula’s scope of practice, the doula makes referrals to appropriate professionals and community resources.

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• Doula support is focused on, and adapted to, the unique needs and requirements of each family served.

 

 

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• As non-medical care providers, end-of-life doulas do not perform clinical tasks (e.g., monitor vital signs, administer medication).

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• The doula refrains from giving medical advice or from persuading clients to follow a specific course of action or treatment.

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• The doula refrains from imposing his/her own values and beliefs on the client.

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• Doulas do not undermine their clients’ confidence in their caregiver(s). Instead, the doula uses good listening skills to support clients who initiate a discussion about dissatisfaction with a caregiver's practice or attitudes.

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• Doulas do not usurp the role of other professionals and caregivers such as the hospice nurse, social worker, chaplain, home health aide, etc.  [Instead, doulas are an important part of your care team, helping to bridge the gap between professional caregivers and loved-ones, to improve continuity of care.]

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