What is a death doula?
A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or a death midwife, is a trained professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives, as well as to their families and loved ones. Much like a birth doula supports individuals during childbirth, a death doula assists individuals through the process of dying, helping them to navigate their feelings, fears, and wishes surrounding death and supporting them in creating a peaceful and meaningful end-of-life experience.
Death doulas may offer a range of services, including assistance with advanced care planning, providing companionship and emotional support, facilitating communication between the dying person and their loved ones, and helping to create personalized rituals and ceremonies.
Overall, death doulas strive to empower individuals to have agency and dignity throughout the dying process, and they often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, hospice teams, and caregivers to ensure that the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the dying person are met.
Death doulas may offer a range of services, including assistance with advanced care planning, providing companionship and emotional support, facilitating communication between the dying person and their loved ones, and helping to create personalized rituals and ceremonies.
Overall, death doulas strive to empower individuals to have agency and dignity throughout the dying process, and they often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, hospice teams, and caregivers to ensure that the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the dying person are met.
Meet Laura Silver, Death Doula and Guest Presenter at the CMS AGM in February 2024
Slide deck from the presentation
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Laura Silver, a Certified Death Doula based in Calgary, Alberta, is dedicated to compassionate care. With over 15 years of experience, she previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor and Project Manager in the Ontario healthcare system, contributing to various strategies and initiatives. Since 2016, Laura has led impactful projects in Alberta, including the creation of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program. As a Certified Lean Green Belt in Healthcare and PROSCI certified professional, Laura is committed to ensuring that every community has access to supportive resources for individuals to spend their final days in comfort and peace. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Home Hospice Association and chairs the Alberta Chapter of HHA, working towards her vision of every community having a local death doula. Laura's contact information is listed below.
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Watch Laura's Presentation: The Compassionate Role of a Death Doula
Death Doula's In Calgary and Area
Person |
Location |
Background |
Contact |
Calgary |
Compassionately supporting those approaching end of life from receipt of terminal diagnosis through to bereavement. Specializing in bedside vigils to the actively dying. |
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Laura Silver Certified Death Doula Director, Home Hospice Association |
Calgary |
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DEATH DOULA'S IN Edmonton AND AREA
Organization |
Location |
Specialty |
Contact |
Lee (Elicia) Andrus |
Edmonton |
Lee is a Spiritual Care Counselor/Chaplain in Edmonton and a Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Member. She works part time as a Chaplain at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton and is currently working on completing the Contemplative End of Life Doula Course through the Institute of Traditional Medicine. |
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Beverley Shiels Courageous Goodbyes |
St. Albert |
Providing practical & emotional support to those courageously saying goodbye to health, life or a loved one. We specialize in serving those with a terminal diagnosis and those that choose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). |
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Edmonton |
I assist families by being a companion to loved ones. I spend beneficial time with them, allowing you to take care of yourself. My role is to provide support and comfort in a kind, compassionate manner that best suits the client and their family. I fill in the gap between medical professionals and caregivers in an unobtrusive, empathetic, and respectful manner. |
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Rayne Johnson End-of-life consultant, death doula, comfort touch (palliative massage) therapist, aromatherapist, public speaker, and educator. |
Edmonton |
I support and assist the dying and their families through the final stages, decision-making, and post-death arrangements. I advocate, guide, and advise throughout the dying process and post-death period. My role is to help you navigate the chaos, make choices, and be your guide. I can help you plan your wishes in advance, offering alternatives to standard hospital care and funerals. For caregivers, I provide support and education to personalize care and reduce stress. My unique program, Sacred Aromas & Essential Oils, is designed just for you. |
DEATH DOULA'S IN Other AREAS
Organization |
Location |
Specialty |
Contact |
North of Calgary, Balzac to Olds |
My approach is practical, honest and simple. One of my passions is legacy gifts, ensuring that you are leaving behind something meaningful to you for your family and friends. I will also work to assist you in making sure your paperwork is in order or any other needs you may have. |
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Medicine Hat & area |
Certified End Of Life Doula and a Certified Nursing Aide. Passionate about providing Dignity & Grace around death and dying and leaving nothing unsaid or undone for our loved ones. |
If you are a Death Doula and would like your information added to this list please contact us at 403-248-2044.