End of Life Care & Bedside Attendants

In my work, I have found myself amidst many people who are terminal, nearing the end of their lives, or wanting to look for alternative resources and outlets to discuss and manage their care.

Recently, I have begun the more technical journey of being able to provide bedside care, and comfort to not only the ill or dying individual, but to their families and loved ones as well.

Here are some things to know about Medical Aid In Dying & Death Doulas:

1. Medical Aid in Dying is NOT assisted Suicide, nor is it considered such. Patients typically seeking this process are terminal, or do not see any recovery or peace from their condition or health status.

2. Not all hospices or doctors provide the option, as they are neutral parties in some cases, and practices. It is best to discuss if this is the step a loved one (or yourself) are wanting to take with your physician, and to try and find a referral to one who approves this

3. Medical Aid In Dying is LEGAL in ten states, including the District of Columbia. There are even some countries, like Switzerland who have similar medical options, and different regulations.

4. A Death Doula can be viewed as “The bridge between your living life, and into the next phase, of death” for you to have a spokesperson, or mediator to help speak for you, and discuss the hard topics that circulate around this process.

5. The process of finding a death doula or bedside end of life care person, can be difficult, as it is not a nationally recognized medical position (like Nurses, Doctors) - but there are several experienced people appearing more and more, as this role is becoming less feared or ‘taboo’.

6. Many Death Doulas go through sensitivity training with all age groups, religions, beliefs, and races or cultures. I believe, Death Comes for us all, and there is ZERO space in this type of work for any racial, social, or political bias. Life is hard enough!

7. When you make the choice to have control over your end of life care, you are also allowing yourself the ability to say goodbye on your own terms, with those you wish to be with. And you are comforted and supported along the way.

There is SO much more to offer and write about in this journey, but I hope that as the years pass, I not only continue to learn about this process, but how to appreciate the precious life we have all been given.

xo

-Zachariah The Witch