A Death Doula's Substack

A Death Doula's Substack

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A Death Doula's Substack
A Death Doula's Substack
Death Doulas in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Death Doulas in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

We better care for patients during this inevitable part of life.

Catherine Durkin Robinson's avatar
Catherine Durkin Robinson
Feb 20, 2025
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A Death Doula's Substack
A Death Doula's Substack
Death Doulas in Hospitals and Nursing Homes
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While 80% of Americans may want to die at home, unfortunately, many will die in hospitals and nursing homes, including skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Many of the staff in these facilities, including doctors, nurses, health care aides, and administrators, do not know how to comfort or support dying people.

That’s why they need end-of-life or death doulas.

What is a Death Doula?

A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula, provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to dying individuals and their families. We support our clients with end-of-life planning, giving comfort and companionship, facilitating conversations about death, and assisting with legacy projects.

Death doulas know how to transform a cold and sterile room into a warm, comfortable space. We don’t pester a dying woman with food and water, we hold her hands instead.

Doulas don’t poke and prod a dying man for unnecessary blood tests. Instead, we moisten his lips and rub lotion on his feet.

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