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Susan Mercer was there to help “soften” the process of death.
For the last few months, Mercer had been getting to know her client and their family through Hospice of San Luis Obispo County’s in-home respite care program, which provides volunteer-based support to people and their families and a few hours of relief to the primary care provider.
As death got closer for her client, Mercer’s role gradually shifted from in-home support to that of an end-of-life doula, one of Hospice of SLO County’s newest offerings. As she changed hats, Mercer helped make the process gentler by taking care of several details. She moved her client out into a larger room in the house, changed them out of hospital garb into their own clothes and blankets, and put on soft music.
As guests came by, she prepared them for the interaction, encouraging them to be present and to leave any ongoing concerns or stresses from the outside world at the door.
The details were already planned out. Like a birthing doula—who works with the mother or parents to set up a plan for the birth—an end-of-life doula works with their client and the family to set up a plan for the death. She’s trained to mind certain details so others don’t have to, and to help guide the experience so it becomes more beautiful, graceful, or special.
To continue reading this article by Jono Kinkaide, go to: http://www.newtimesslo.com/new...ns-endoflife-doulas/
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