Below are some of the common questions we are asked:
What is your training and experience?
Being in someone's life during end of life is a huge privilege, and I don't take that privilege lightly. I have taken every bit of training that is available in this emerging field:
You can learn more about my background and training here.
Are End of Life Doulas regulated?
I am a member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, which provides framework for End of Life Doula work. I adhere to the association's Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice; some highlights of which include:
If you're interested in learning more about the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, please visit https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/
Are your services covered by MSP or Extended Benefits?
One of the goals of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada is to get doulas covered under MSP. Until that happens, end of life doulas are a privately-obtained service and are paid for out of pocket like counselors, prescriptions, eye exams, and more.
Are you insured?
With respect to liability, Honour End of Life Care is a fully insured company with an insurance package that is customized to end of life doula work. It requires me to keep to the End of Life Doula Association of Canada's scope of practice in order to be covered by the insurance.
I also have a current business license in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
What is the difference between an end of life doula and a private nurse?
Both end of life doulas and private nurses provide care to our clients at home and engage resources to help our clients. Private nurses' priority is your healthcare, so much of your appointment will focus on your physical wellness and symptom management. End of Life Doulas focus on your emotional health. Our appointments are dedicated to talking with you about what you're experiencing and how you are feeling emotionally, in addition to providing planning services to ensure your wishes are honoured and respected.
Do you administer medication or offer medical advice?
I do everything I can to make your life, and the lives of your loved ones, as easy as possible during this important period of life, however I am not a medical professional. Here are the limits to my scope of practice:
Will you be there when I die?
My doula packages include added-value vigilling, which is supporting you and staying by your side during the active dying phase. I will be there as much as I am able, keeping in mind that death is unpredictable. I will also educate your loved ones on what to expect and how to best support you, so that the people of your choosing can be with you at your death.
What are your hours of work?
I do in-person meetings Monday-Friday from 930 a.m.-230 p.m., as well as on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
I am available by phone or text from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. each day.
What is your training and experience?
Being in someone's life during end of life is a huge privilege, and I don't take that privilege lightly. I have taken every bit of training that is available in this emerging field:
- Completed the Douglas College End of Life Doula certificate program, developed and taught by End of Life Doula pioneer Jennifer Mallmes
- Member of End of Life Doula Association of Canada
- Palliative Care Support training at my local hospice
- Weekly volunteering at my local hospice since June 2018, including helping to run their Virtual Reality program
- Completed the Fraser Health training for preparation of Advance Care Plans
- Regularly attend palliative care seminars and workshops to keep up on the latest industry developments.
- Mealtime Companion training at my local hospice
- Children Experience Grief Too: Supporting Children Through the Dying and Death of a Family Member webinar hosted by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
- Medical Assistance in Dying webinar hosted by the End of Life Doula Association of Canada
You can learn more about my background and training here.
Are End of Life Doulas regulated?
I am a member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, which provides framework for End of Life Doula work. I adhere to the association's Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice; some highlights of which include:
- End of Life Doula training from a recognized institution
- a commitment to on-going education and training
- a valid criminal record check, completed every 2 years
- a requirement to keep up to date with Government and Health agencies policies
If you're interested in learning more about the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, please visit https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/
Are your services covered by MSP or Extended Benefits?
One of the goals of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada is to get doulas covered under MSP. Until that happens, end of life doulas are a privately-obtained service and are paid for out of pocket like counselors, prescriptions, eye exams, and more.
Are you insured?
With respect to liability, Honour End of Life Care is a fully insured company with an insurance package that is customized to end of life doula work. It requires me to keep to the End of Life Doula Association of Canada's scope of practice in order to be covered by the insurance.
I also have a current business license in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
What is the difference between an end of life doula and a private nurse?
Both end of life doulas and private nurses provide care to our clients at home and engage resources to help our clients. Private nurses' priority is your healthcare, so much of your appointment will focus on your physical wellness and symptom management. End of Life Doulas focus on your emotional health. Our appointments are dedicated to talking with you about what you're experiencing and how you are feeling emotionally, in addition to providing planning services to ensure your wishes are honoured and respected.
Do you administer medication or offer medical advice?
I do everything I can to make your life, and the lives of your loved ones, as easy as possible during this important period of life, however I am not a medical professional. Here are the limits to my scope of practice:
- I do not perform medical or clinical tasks
- I do not administer medication
- I do not diagnose a client
- I do not make decisions for a client
- I do not project our own personal beliefs on a client
- I do not handle the body after death
- I do not act as your appointed representative in an advance care plan
Will you be there when I die?
My doula packages include added-value vigilling, which is supporting you and staying by your side during the active dying phase. I will be there as much as I am able, keeping in mind that death is unpredictable. I will also educate your loved ones on what to expect and how to best support you, so that the people of your choosing can be with you at your death.
What are your hours of work?
I do in-person meetings Monday-Friday from 930 a.m.-230 p.m., as well as on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
I am available by phone or text from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. each day.