Hospice of the Western Reserve Launches End-of-Life Doula Program

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Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR) has launched an innovative end-of-life doula program to enhance support for patients and their families in the final phase of life. The new program will be provided exclusively by specially trained volunteers at the nonprofit agency.

Just as labor doulas offer a trusted source of support for expectant mothers by serving as advocates and engaging them throughout the birthing experience, HWR’s volunteer end-of-life doulas will focus on supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual facets of death for both hospice patients and their families.

“We believe the final phase of a person’s life deserves the same care, planning and reverence as the day they were born,” explained Lisa Scotese Gallagher, director of staff experience. “Death, just like birth, is a natural part of the life cycle. The personalized support provided by our volunteer end-of-life doulas ensures this final life transition will unfold according to each patient’s personal beliefs and desires.”  

Gallagher said the doulas will accompany patients throughout their end-of-life journey, nurturing consistent communication and empowering them to choose how they would like to see the final journey unfold.

“The individualized approach fosters dignity and personal expression,” she added. “Actively engaging patients in the planning process may empower them to find deeper meaning and a greater sense of peace through exploration.”

The volunteer doulas will serve as integral members of hospice clinical care teams as they support patients throughout their end-of-life journey. Through legacy work, the doulas will help patients find meaningful ways to share their stories so their life lessons, values and experiences can be memorialized for future generations of their family.

Through a process called vigil planning, patients’ wishes for their final days will be documented, ensuring each individual is provided with the setting and environment they desire. The volunteer end-of-life doulas will also be available during the final hours to providing a reassuring presence and added support for patients and their loved ones.

Families may speak with any member of their HWR care team to request end-of-life doula support for a loved one. More information about the program is available by contacting Lori Scotese, Volunteer Service Manager, at 216.287.8193 or lscotese@hospicewr.org.
 

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More than 1,000 Hospice of the Western Reserve employees and 3,000 volunteers live and work side-by-side in the same neighborhoods with our patients and families. We are privileged to have cared for more than 100,000 Northern Ohioans since our inception.