What is an end-of-life doula?

An end-of-life doula provides compassionate, non-medical support to individuals nearing the end of life and their families. Unlike hospice, which focuses on medical comfort care, a doula offers emotional, logistical, and physical support — helping with advance care planning, family conversations, vigil sitting, legacy projects, and grief support.

When should I hire an end-of-life doula?

There's no wrong time. Some families reach out after a terminal diagnosis. Others call when a parent starts declining and they're not sure what to do next. Many of my clients come to me months or even years before end of life — for help with planning, family dynamics, and navigating the healthcare system. The earlier you reach out, the more support I can provide.

What's the difference between a doula and hospice?

Hospice is a medical service focused on comfort care in the final months of life. An end-of-life doula is a non-medical companion who provides emotional support, practical guidance, and advocacy. I work alongside hospice teams — not instead of them. Think of it this way: hospice manages pain and symptoms; I support everything else.

How much does an end-of-life doula cost in NYC?

Fees vary depending on the level of support needed. I offer a complimentary initial consultation so we can discuss your situation and I can recommend the right level of support. Contact me to schedule a free call.

What does an end-of-life doula actually do?

I help with advance care planning, facilitate difficult family conversations, sit vigil during the dying process, create legacy projects like letters and videos, navigate medical systems and hospice decisions, and provide grief and bereavement support after a loss. Every family's needs are different, and I tailor my support accordingly.

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) support in NYC

A new option is coming. I can help you prepare.

New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act takes effect on August 5, 2026. For the first time, eligible New Yorkers with a terminal illness will have the legal right to request medication to end their lives peacefully, on their own terms.

I am now accepting clients who are considering or planning for MAID.

What is MAID?

Medical Aid in Dying is a process that allows a terminally ill adult with decision-making capacity to request medication from their doctor. The patient must self-administer the medication. It is available only to people who meet strict legal requirements.

Many people who obtain the medication never use it. For them, simply knowing the option exists brings peace of mind. For others, choosing MAID means being able to say goodbye on their own terms — with family present, at a time of their choosing.

MAID is not suicide. It is a carefully considered, legally protected medical process for people who are already dying.

How I can help:

The MAID process involves multiple medical appointments, legal requirements, and a waiting period. It also involves hard conversations — with doctors, with family, and with yourself. My role is not to make any decisions for you. It is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and not alone at every step.

For the person considering MAID:

Helping you understand the process and what to expect
Being a steady presence as you move through the legal requirements
Helping you communicate your wishes to your family and care team
Preparing you — emotionally and practically — for the day itself

For family and loved ones:

Helping you understand what will happen, so nothing comes as a shock
Creating space for your feelings — whatever they are
Being present on the day, so you can focus on being with your person

My training:

I have completed specialized MAID doula training through the Academy of Aid-in-Dying Medicine (AADM), the leading national organization establishing best practices in aid-in-dying care. I also work in close collaboration with a mentor and co-doula who has completed the same training.

For additional information and resources about MAID in New York, End of Life Choices New York is an excellent place to start.

Let’s talk.

If you or someone you love is considering MAID, reach out for a complimentary consultation. There is no pressure and no commitment. Just a conversation.

Contact Gillian

Testimonials

“Gillian Fein‘s end of life counseling was vital to me and my wife as we worked through the end stage of our 64 years together. As my wife’s health deteriorated, Gillian wisely guided us on every issue we encountered over a period of several months. She shared her extensive expertise and helped our family bear inevitable feelings of loss. She continues to counsel me and my family during an ongoing process of healing.”

— AB

“I met Gillian when I was overwhelmed managing the progression of my husband’s pancreatic cancer after he was released from a prolonged hospital stay. It is not easy to be a caretaker and navigate the numerous tentacles of the health system while making sure we have all the conversations and information needed before the announced passing of a loved one. Gillian helped my husband and I articulate our needs and desired directions: she had long and profound discussions with both of us before my husband was no longer able to communicate, and helped me and the children manage our feelings before and after my husband’s passing. Gillian was not only very helpful in managing dynamics, she was a beacon of calm and quiet with a smile warming up the room. Thank you for everything.”

— BMB

“The aging presentation helped me build a six-month strategy to support my mom with intention and clarity. It turned overwhelming concerns into manageable goals, and gave me the tools to move forward with confidence and compassion.”

— FL

Where I Serve

I support families throughout Manhattan – including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, TriBeCa, and Greenwich Village – as well as Brooklyn and Connecticut . I partner with New York City synagogues, churches, community organizations and private groups to lead workshops and provide end-of-life planning support to their members.

I also work with families who've moved loved ones to specialized care facilities, including Mary Manning Walsh Home and other hospice and palliative care settings throughout the region.