In service of the dying and those who love them
It can be shocking when we learn the devastating news that we or a loved one are facing death. The confusion, grief, and fear can cloud our judgement of what to do next, and limit our ability to be there for others. Challenges like these are where an end of life doula can provide support, clarity, and comfort.
Separate from medical care, an end of life doula helps navigate the dying process with practical guidance and emotional support. Whether it be ensuring financial affairs are in order, making days as comfortable as possible, offering strategies to complete loose-end tasks, assisting with memorial arrangements, or guiding loved ones through their unique and personal process of grief, an end of life doula can ease the difficulties of a painful time.
Talking about death is hard. Many don’t know what to say, or avoid the topic altogether. When we most need direction, instead there is silence. Grief has overtaken the situation. But there’s never a more appropriate time to speak up and ask for what we want than at the end of our lives. As an advocate for the wishes of the dying and those who love them, an end of life doula can ask hard questions with kindness and help weigh options that would otherwise seem overwhelming.
Why did I choose this path after twenty years in the home mortgage business? My journey as an end of life doula began when my mom's husband, Mel, was preparing to pass after a long illness. The hospital had sent him home with hospice care and my mom was overwhelmed with confusion about what was happening. I discovered that the organization, problem-solving, and management skills from my former line of work naturally flowed into where we found ourselves, in unexpected chaos and stress. I acted as an advocate for both Mel and my mom with hospice care, ensuring they understood and accepted the situation and could be present with each other during his few final days. Mel passed away peacefully with us at his side. In that moment, I felt humbled and grateful to be present during his passing, and felt a calling to pursue this service as a career.
- Free initial consultation, interview, and pricing determination
- One or two face-to-face visits where we'll discuss goals & options, prepare for your vigil, outline a meaningful legacy project. and confirm all related documents and affairs are in order
- Telephone, text, and email support to offer continued guidance as you and your family explore your life’s meaning and work on your legacy project
- Telephone, text, and email support for you and your family throughout the end of life and the early stages of dying
- Referrals as needed to community or other resources
- In-person vigil support to you and your family throughout active dying
- Initial bereavement support following the death
- One or two follow-up visits with family in the early weeks after the death
AREA SERVED
Western Riverside County
(Cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Menifee, Hemet, Sun City, Murrieta, Temecula)
I pledge to be fully transparent and upfront regarding my fees, which are adjustable based on your desired set of services. In our initial consultation, we will work out your specific needs and I'll follow up with your personalized pricing before we proceed. The typical range for my services varies from $1000 to $3500, depending on the options selected and the nature of your specific situation.
"In 2023, we lost my mom after a long battle with lymphoma. During her last two years we engaged the services of in-home caregivers, which is how we met Kristin. What a godsend she has been to my family! Not only was she a wonderful companion for my mom, but she was there for all of us at the end. She gave us such loving support and in my mom’s final days she helped us understand what would happen so that even though it was so incredibly sad and difficult, it wasn’t scary because we knew what to expect in her final hours. Kristin supported us through the entire experience and beyond, even meeting us at the mortuary to help us navigate that experience. Saying goodbye to my mom was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through and it was such an incredible blessing to have Kristin’s unwavering support and caring through it all. Her knowledge, skill, and compassion, along with her passion for helping the terminally ill and their families through the end of life process make her an invaluable resource and support in a tender time."
— Laura P.
