Some prisons are experimenting with training inmates as death doulas.
Tonight, 8pm Eastern, watch a free showing of Academy Award nominated Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall with a discussion following. Get your free ticket through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prison-terminal-film-screening-panel-discussion-tickets-407716018587?
What is a death doula?
A non-medical professional who is trained to help those nearing the end of their lives with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Death doulas work with the dying and their families to ensure comfort and ease during what can be a difficult process.
A death doula's work ranges from logistical planning for the time before, during and after of death; conducting rituals or comforting practices; helping the dying person reflect on their life and values; and explaining the bodily functions of dying to caregivers. Any non-medical support, including scheduling of visitors or home services, intervening in family disputes, offering resources for care, for practices at death, for burial options, for creating memorial or life celebrations or any services agreed upon between the doula and family. I am a professionally certified death doula.
And in my award-winning book, The Courage to Care: Being Fully Present with the Dying, I show you how you can be and act so as to support someone as a doula might.
Aging parents? Dying friend or family member? If this is new to you, and even if it isn't, you'll gain practical advice, tips and lots of stories and music. Get your copy today.
