Scope of Practice
Please review Kimberley's Scope and Limits of Practice
Scope of Practice
As a Home Hospice Association (HHA) Death Doula, I endeavour to support, educate, encourage, and embrace the person living with a life-limiting illness and your loved ones experiencing illness progression by providing compassionate care within the four domains of care (Legacy, Death Planning, Vigil, and Grief). The following will briefly discuss my commitment to you if we choose to work together.
EARLY IN TRAJECTORY – Close to Time of Diagnosis
• My role is to discuss your options, what you might expect during your unique experience, determine your wishes, and develop a personalized care plan
• Your End-of-Life Doula can also discuss/provide information on resources such as local funeral homes, legacy work, types of funeral options and types of death plans and vigils
• Support you while you discuss your preferences with your family
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LATER IN TRAJECTORY – When you recieve news.... “There’s nothing more we can do for you.”
• Suggest non-pharmacologic comfort measures for pain and symptom management
• Provide soothing massage for relaxation and pain relief
• Suggest positions that may help provide comfort and pain relief
• Provide suggestions and apply methods to promote relaxation
• Provide positive verbal encouragement, reassurance, praise, affirmation, and validation. I commit to being a good listener and communicator.
• Set up and maintain an environment conducive to a death plan/vigil that is respectful of the person and loved one’s wishes
• Provide support and suggestions to the loved ones
• Facilitate communication between the family and health care team
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At Time of Death and/or Bereavement
• Hold space for loved ones to express themselves regarding your loss
• Advocate for loved one’s rights and wishes
• Work with healthcare team as necessary
• Emotional support/follow up
• Referral to appropriate community resources as needed