End-of-Life Doula Services

Connection and Support

When someone you love is aging, declining, or facing the end of life, the hardest part often isn't the medical care. It's everything else: the family disagreements about what to do, the paperwork no one explained, the guilt, the exhaustion, the feeling that you should know how to handle this but don't.

That's where I come in. As an Aging Guide and End-of-Life Doula, I provide the support that falls between the cracks — the conversations your doctor doesn't have time for, the planning your family keeps putting off, and the steady presence that helps everyone feel less alone.

I work alongside your medical and hospice teams, not instead of them. Some families call me months or years before end of life, when a parent first starts to slow down. Others call in crisis. There's no wrong time, and there's no minimum level of "bad enough" to reach out.

Your Story, Your Way

Your life is so much more than any diagnosis or limitation. You have stories to share, connections to cherish, and wishes to honor. I listen deeply to understand your values, memories, and priorities, so together we can shape this chapter in a way that reflects your life as a whole, not just its final moments.

What I Offer

Companionship and Conversation — I visit regularly, in person or by phone. For some clients that's weekly; for others it's daily during a difficult stretch. I'm a steady, calm presence when days feel long or uncertain.

Advance Care Planning — I help you complete advance directives, healthcare proxies, and other paperwork. More importantly, I help you and your family talk through the decisions behind the paperwork — what matters most, what you want, what you don't.

Family Navigation — When family members disagree about care, or when no one knows how to start the conversation, I facilitate. I've sat with families through hundreds of these discussions. I help people hear each other.

Medical Advocacy — I attend doctor's appointments, hospice intake meetings, and care conferences with you. I help you understand your options, ask the right questions, and make sure your wishes are heard.

Legacy Projects — Letters to loved ones, filmed interviews, poetry booklets, memorial videos, milestone letters. I help you create something lasting that keeps your voice alive for the people you love.

Vigil Sitting — When the time comes, I sit with your loved one so they are never alone. I help the family understand what's happening, what to expect, and how to be present.

Respite for Caregivers — Caring for a dying person is exhausting. I step in so you can sleep, take a walk, or just breathe — knowing your loved one is in steady, attentive hands.

Grief and Bereavement — My support doesn't end with a death. I help families navigate the weeks and months that follow — the paperwork, the holidays, the waves of grief that catch you off guard.

A Team Approach

I collaborate with your family, friends, and care team to align your daily routine and preferences. My goal is to help you live this chapter as you wish, with peace, dignity, and connection.

What Working Together Looks Like

First, we talk. You reach out by email or through the contact form, and I follow up to schedule a free phone call. We talk about what's happening, what you need, and whether I'm the right fit. No pressure, no commitment.

Then, we make a plan. If we decide to work together, I'll visit you or your loved one — usually at home, but sometimes at a hospital or care facility. We'll talk about what matters most and figure out the right level of support.

I show up consistently. Depending on your needs, I might visit once a week for ongoing companionship and planning, or I might be there every day during an acute period. I'm available by phone and text between visits. Families tell me the biggest relief is knowing someone is there — not just for the big decisions, but for the Tuesday afternoons when everything feels hard.

I stay as long as you need me. Some families work with me for a few weeks. Others for months or years. I don't disappear after a death — I continue supporting your family through grief and the transition that follows.

When to Reach Out

There is no wrong time to reach out for support. Many reach out:

  • When first receiving difficult news or noticing changes in health

  • As you're beginning to think about hospice or palliative care

  • During transitions between hospital, facility, and home

  • When families need clarity or consensus

  • After a loss, for grief and meaning-making

  • Or even while healthy, to plan thoughtfully for the future

Whether you're planning ahead, navigating aging, facing a crisis, or processing grief, I provide guidance, structure, and presence so that each chapter unfolds with intention, dignity, and peace.

Let’s Connect

If you or someone you love could benefit from aging and end-of-life guidance and support, please contact me for a complimentary initial consultation. I am based in Manhattan and am here to support you and your family whenever you are ready.

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How I Support You and Your Family

End-of-Life Planning

I understand how overwhelming advance directives and care planning can feel. I'll help you break down these important decisions into manageable conversations, ensuring your voice is heard every step of the way. My comprehensive planning services include advance care directives, vigil preparation, respite care, and holistic emotional support for individuals nearing end-of-life and their families.

Individualized Support

Every family's journey is unique. I provide practical, personalized guidance through every step – from navigating paperwork and advance care directives to understanding and preparing for the dying process. Whether I'm supporting a family on the Upper East Side through their first hospice meeting or helping someone in the Village create a legacy project, I meet you wherever you are in this process.

Family Navigation

Families often struggle with conflicting opinions about care decisions. Having facilitated many difficult conversations, I help family members communicate openly and find common ground, even when emotions run high. I provide specialized support for children experiencing grief, help spouses navigate caregiving stress, and offer respite care for exhausted family caregivers.

Bereavement Support

Death doesn't end relationships - it changes them. I continue supporting families after their loved one dies, helping navigate grief's unpredictable waves and finding ways to maintain meaningful connections with those we've lost. This ongoing support includes memorial planning, anniversary and holiday guidance, and helping family members process their continuing bond with loved ones.

Lasting Legacy

Some of my most meaningful work happens when families create something lasting together. Whether it's recording stories for grandchildren or writing letters for future milestones, these projects often bring unexpected healing and connection during difficult times. Through legacy exploration, we build lasting memories that honor your unique story and help you connect deeply with loved ones.

Getting Started

Reaching out is the first step and it's a simple one. Send me an email and I'll follow up to schedule a free call. We'll talk about what's happening, what you need, and whether working together makes sense. There's no pressure and no commitment.