Death Doula
What is an End-of-Life Doula or Death Doula?
The International End of Life Doua Association defines an end-of-life doula as a nonmedical companion who provides personalized and compassionate support to individuals, families, and their circles of care as they encounter and navigate death, loss, and mortality. An end-of-life doula advocates self-determination and imparts psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and practical care to empower dignity throughout the dying process.
How do they serve?
- Provide the opportunity to speak openly and frankly about dying
- Talk about creating an advance care directive
- Explore the meaning of the dying person’s life and legacy
- Discuss and support end-of-life care planning
- Develop a plan for how the space looks, feels and sounds
- Incorporate traditions or create new rituals to mark special moments
- Encourage appropriate ways of touching the dying person
- Bring a focused and intuitive presence to the bedside
- Assist with physical and practical care to ease the burden on caregivers
- Provide respite for exhausted caregivers
- Explain the signs and symptoms of the dying process
- Process the emotions and experiences with loved ones
- Support the spiritual practices of all involved
- Guide people through the early stages of grieving
Lori Rizzo
I'm an end-of-life doula and dementia support consultant, supporting individuals and families through aging, illness, and memory changes. While others manage symptoms, I tend to hearts. Life's final chapters aren't merely medical experiences; they're deeply human ones. I'm here for the human part, walking alongside you to transform what feels overwhelming into something meaningful. Guided by the truth that every life matters infinitely, I offer warmth, patience, and unwavering acceptance. I am here to help you find meaning, even when words are hard to find.
I received end-of-life doula training from the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA), the Doulagivers Institute, and The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death, with specialized education in dementia care and grief support. I am a Certified Dementia Practitioner and hold Dementia Doula Certification through Second Wind Dreams. I am endorsed by the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) through the achievement of an End-of-Life Doula Proficiency Badge. These credentials ensure that I am well-equipped to provide compassionate and personalized support to families, guiding them with expertise and empathy during difficult times.
Victoria Fanning
I’ve been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, with more than 14 years devoted to hospice care. I am also a certified End-of-Life Doula and a member of NEDA. My work is grounded in presence, compassion, and deep respect for the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of individuals and families as they navigate the final chapter of life.
My approach as a doula is centered on “being with” — creating a calm, grounded space where people feel heard, supported, and never alone. I offer guidance, education, emotional support, and gentle companionship, drawing from decades of bedside experience and a lifelong commitment to honoring dignity at the end of life.
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