For nearly 40 years, Hope staff and volunteers have served as doulas to support people throughout their end-of-life journey. Now, as this role becomes more recognized, Hope’s doula program has significantly expanded in size and scope to offer even more support to families during the final days and hours of life.
More than 30 Hope volunteers have completed a specialized hospice doula educational program, where they learned about creating and maintaining a sacred space by using sound, touch, color, and other sensory experiences to alleviate pain and anxiety. Doulas can also offer legacy projects that serve as emotional touchstones and family keepsakes.
“Much in the same way a doula helps a new mother navigate childbirth, end-of-life doulas help enhance Hope’s holistic, personalized approach by facilitating a gentle, tranquil, and meaningful passing whether in a Hope Care Center, the hospital, or home,” said Hope Healthcare President and CEO Samira K. Beckwith.
Hope Hospice honors each person’s beliefs about life, death or the afterlife. Doulas are non-denominational and work with all faith traditions, as well as with those who are not religious.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization recognizes the value of end-of-life doulas, who enrich the experience for patients, family members and friends and strengthen the relationship between medical and nonmedical end-of-life support.
Upcoming doula education series:
Mondays, October 8, 15, and 22
HealthPark Office, Fort Myers
Each class is held from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Current Hope volunteers are welcome to sign up
