Frequently Asked Questions
What is an end-of-life guide/death doula?
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An end-of-life guide, sometimes called a death doula, is a non-medical, end-of-life professional. I'm trained and practiced to offer comprehensive support to people as they face death - whether that be their own death, that of a loved one, or a beloved animal. An end-of-life guide does not provide legal or medical advice but instead focuses on organizational and emotional support, providing a consistent, comforting, and knowledgeable presence throughout every stage of your experience. For more information on the specifics of the services I provide please reach out, or visit the relevant pages on my site: Families, Pets, Zoos and Aquariums, Mortality, Mentorship.
How are you different from what hospice offers?
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I highly recommend that any person or family facing terminal illness contact hospice as soon as possible. The services of an end-of-life guide do not replace the medical care provided by your doctor/hospice/palliative care, but are meant to support and compliment it. How I differ is I'm able to provide more of my time, more personalized attention, more continuity, more advocacy, and more availability beyond what hospice is normally able to. I'm not part of a structured, larger organization with many goals and needs to meet. An end-of-life guide's extensive training FAR exceeds what hospice volunteer programs provide and I am not a volunteer - I'm a professional under contract to you. End-of-life guides are trained and practiced to be present with intense and difficult emotions and be deeply knowledgeable about the dying process. Reach out today so you can receive the deep level of emotional and logistical support you deserve.
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At what point should I contact you?
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As soon as possible! Whatever your situation, the sooner you reach out the more input you'll be able to give, the more comforting stability I can provide you, and the greater depth of meaning you'll take from our work together.
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Do you accept insurance or Medicare for your services?
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Unfortunately, at this time, end-of-life guides are not eligible to bill Medicare or insurance. The benefit of that is we're not constrained by bureaucracy in the care we provide. I will meet with you free of charge to determine what your specific needs are and put together a package that makes sense for you. Everything will be laid out in black and white with nothing included that you don't need and no surprises. Please note, I am not in the practice of turning anyone away due to financial constraints. If you have need, please reach out and we will discuss your situation.
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Is Illumination End-of-Life Guidance, LLC associated with any particular religion or spiritual tradition?
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No, services are not tied to any religion or spiritual practice. My role is to support you through your own personal journey of relationship to death and provide a sense of dignity no matter your race, religion/spiritual practice, lack of religion/spiritual practice, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, culture, or ability. My services are relevant and available to ALL.