What is an end-of-life (EOL) doula?
EOL Doulas (also known as death doulas) are people with experience and training in death who provide resources, education, as well as emotional and practical support to individuals and their loved ones. Doulas offer a range of non-medical services that complement palliative care at home, or at nursing facilities, and hospitals. The National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) has created a comprehensive scope of practice.
What is a death educator?
A Death educator, also known as a thanatologist, teaches interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on the physical, psycho-social, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of death, dying, and bereavement. The five key areas are: understanding the dying process, decision making for end of life, loss, grief, and bereavement.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative Care is individualized interdisciplinary care designed to improve quality of life and alleviate suffering caused by the symptoms and/or treatment of a serious illness. At its best, palliative care is integrated into medical training and other departments of medicine in hospital and begun in the early stages of treatment. Studies have shown that people who receive palliative care with treatment live longer than those who receive curative treatment alone.
Hospice is a form of palliative care for patients who are not receiving curative treatments. Most people receive hospice services in their own home, although it does not cover round the clock care. Hospice is free, voluntary and can be quit at any time. To receive hospice benefits you must have a prognosis of 6 months or less. There are many myths and misconceptions about hospice care. Find some here.
