Vigil

We are available for bedside vigil once you (or your loved one) enter the active dying process. This is the time when it’s most useful for a doula to hold space for the intensity of the active dying process, the moments of saying your final farewells. We can sit with you, advocate for your wishes, and help guide you and your family through your final moments and the moments after your death. Some of services we offer during vigil include:

• Creating a peaceful environment. We will work together to design an environment that allows you to relax as much as possible during your final days.

• Respite for caregivers. Close caregivers don’t want to leave a dying or seriously ill person alone. We can sit with you, giving your primary caregiver an opportunity to take some time for themselves.

• Judgement-free companionship. We are here to accompany you in your final days. We can provide a space for you to talk about what’s on your mind, without judgement or agenda.

• Guided visualizations. We will work together to create a guided visualization that we lead you through. Often these visualizations take you to a place that has personal significance for you. Research has shown that these visualizations offer a great deal of comfort.

• Guidance for signs of active dying. We can guide your loved ones to notice the signs of active dying, and we can notify loved ones when it appears death is imminent.

• Rituals for the final moments. Often, loved ones aren’t sure what to do in the very last moments, and the moments after death. We will work with you and your loved ones to design a ritual that honors the sacredness of your life and the sacredness of your death.

Rates run $100-$2000. No one is turned away for lack of funds.