"In examining disease, we gain wisdom about anatomy and physiology and biology."
" In examining the person with disease, we gain wisdom about life'" - Oliver Sacks
It is an honor and a privilege in providing loving, compassionate care to those living with a chronic life-limiting prognosis / terminal illness and support their family members through a difficult time.
To "Die Well" means to die how you want to - on your own terms. It all comes down to what is best for you. It might be having all your affairs in order ahead of time, planning who you want to be at your side in those final days, having certain comforts around you that give a sense of peace, reconciling or having difficult conversations..., all the things that create a beautiful, meaningful, intimate experience. The journey towards death is learning to recognize your needs - in terms of the medical, emotional, and spiritual. Things you realize are important as your time draws to an end.
While each situation is unique, these are some of the services offered:
Educating, empowering and encouraging the dying patient and their family to discuss the important decisions that need to be made, companionship to the dying, respite for caregivers, caregiving services, errands, advanced care planning, vigilance, creating legacy projects, grief /bereavement support...
​
As an End of Life Doula, my goal is to help those facing the inevitable with a sense of peace, tranquillity and support. My role is to provide non-medical care for a terminally ill person's physical, emotional and spiritual needs during the death process and to assist the family throughout and afterwards.
A number of services can be incorporated, depending on the needs required.
These include:
-Helping the dying person plan for what they want in the last few weeks/days, and after their death,
-Aiding in putting affairs in order
-Determining who should be there during active death and keeping vigil, contacting loved ones as needed
-Making space calm and comfortable during the dying process, which can include readings, prayers, music or other rituals important to the person
-Assisting with caregiver duties to allow main caregivers to rest, shower, eat, run errands and have "me" time
-Helping loved ones understand the signs of impending death and what their dying loved one may be experiencing
-Assisting with writing an obituary, or eulogy
-Creating a legacy project
-Helping loved ones express affection to the dying person during emotional times
-Making suggestions to create a loving and meaningful ceremony- or ritual to honor the deceased.
-Assisting with anticipatory grief and the feelings of loss after the event
It can be scary to talk about death. My goal is to help fill a need by providing guidance with a personal touch.
To sit at the bedside with the dying, and bring compassion and understanding to the living.
Please read "About Karen" to find out more of my own experiences and background.
If I can assist, please get in touch with me with your questions or for a free, no-obligation consultation
Assisting in Greater Rochester, NY area - Monroe, Livingston, Ontario counties - please contact for further afield locations. Virtual assistance can be arranged for caregivers out of the area, or where scheduling may be an issue.
DEATH IS NOT THE OPPOSITE OF LIFE,
BUT A PART OF IT.
- Haruki Murakami
​
​