Do I need to be terminally ill to work with a death doula? 
No specific condition is necessary to work with a death doula. In fact, it’s often better to begin earlier rather than later. If you or a loved one has received a life-limiting or terminal diagnosis, even if the expected timeline is years away, you are welcome to start the conversation and planning whenever you’re ready. Many people without any diagnosis also work with death doulas for help with advance directives, tough conversations, and managing anxiety around death. If you think we might be able to assist you, you’re probably right. Get in touch and let’s explore how we can work together. In our society, it’s easy to assume we will always be “healthy” and “well,” but the reality is that our bodies are constantly changing. Loss is an inevitable part of life, and none of us have to face it alone if we don’t want to.

Do death doulas collaborate with hospice? 
Yes, death doulas complement and supplement hospice care. Many families discover that hospice care hours can be limited due to resources, staffing, or budgeting. Death doulas often work alongside hospice teams to fill in gaps and provide additional support.

When should I contact a death doula? 
Death doulas work with people at any stage of life, including throughout the end-of-life process. It’s never too early to reach out. Unlike hospice, which has specific criteria, death doulas can begin important conversations and planning at any point during an illness.

What does this service cost, and who pays?
Many organizations like us use sliding scale pricing, and some hospices provide doula services as part of their offerings. When part of hospice, doulas are typically volunteers, and their coordination is usually handled by a social worker. These services aren’t yet covered by insurance. For those with financial means, fees typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the level of service and time commitment. You can view our sliding scale here, which helps make care accessible to more people.

Where do death doulas work?
Death doulas work wherever they are needed. We serve the greater Los Angeles area but we can and do also work virtually. Additionally, we are connected with other Doulas in the United States and abroad. National institutions like INELDA have lists of Doulas per state as well.

What if someone is seeking Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD)?
In states where Medical Aid in Dying is legal, including California doulas can assist individuals through the process. We are happy to provide support for MAiD, where permitted by law.

Who certifies death doulas?
There is  currently no single certification body for death doulas, though many training programs exist, and more are expected as the field continues to grow

How do I find a doula if you’re not in my area?
You can always reach out to schedule a consultation to ensure the doula’s values align with your needs. Asking for references is also a good idea. Additionally, you can search for doulas through organizations like INELDA.org or NEDAlliance.org, which require their members to adhere to a code of ethics and best practices.
 
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care? 
The main difference between palliative care and hospice care lies in the stage of illness and the goals of treatment:

1. Palliative Care: This focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with serious, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses. It can be provided at any stage of illness and is often offered alongside curative treatments. The goal is to relieve symptoms such as pain, stress, and other physical or emotional burdens of the illness. It is appropriate for patients of all ages and can be received in a hospital, at home, or in long-term care settings.

2. ​Hospice Care: This is specifically for patients who are nearing the end of life, typically those with a prognosis of six months or less to live. The focus is on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatment. Hospice care supports both the patient and their family, providing medical, emotional, and spiritual care to ensure comfort in the final stages of life. Care is usually provided in the patient’s home, a hospice facility, or a hospital setting, depending on the needs and preferences of the patient.

​In short, palliative care can begin at any point during illness, even alongside treatment, while hospice care is reserved for the final months of life when treatment is no longer pursued.