Q & A
Q: Are there fees for your services? Do you take insurance?
A: Yes, there is a charge. End-of-life Doula services are not covered under insurance policies. Services are private pay, similar to other companion/caregiver type services. Fees are affordable and are charged hourly. There are discounts available if you choose multiple services. Please contact me today to schedule a free consultation.
Q: Who regulates or organizes regulating standards for the End-of-life Doula profession?
A: National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) has set a national practicum with Core Competencies for the practice of professional End-of-life Doulas. The End-of-life Doulas who pass the proficiency exam receive the NEDA National Credential and are listed as "NEDA Proficient" in the NEDA directory.
Q: Is there a governing body for End-of-Life Doulas?
A: No, not at this time. End-of-life Doulas are non-medical professionals. Just like the establishment of Birth Doulas, though we are professionally trained, there is no government established regulatory body that provides guidance for licensing. There are certifying processes and micro-credentials that can be earned.
Even though there are organizations that provide training and certification please understand that anyone can say he, she or they are an End-of-life Doula, Elder Care Doula, Birth Doula etc. It's up to the client to consumer to thoroughly research a person before hiring them to help. Doulagivers, NEDA and INELDA all have directories for End-of-life Doulas that have either completed training and/or competency exams. It is best to do your own research in order to find someone who will work best for you and the needs of your loved ones. This is very intimate work; therefore, trust is of great importance.
Q: What is the difference between a hospice volunteer and an End-of-life Doula?
A: Hospice volunteers are mandated by Medicare law. Volunteers can only spend about hour hours a week at hospice. Hospice are required to have at least 5% volunteer hours. The assistance that hospice volunteers are allowed to provide is strictly regulated by Medicare. An End-of-life Doula can spend as much time with a patient or family as they choose.
Q: Can an End-of-life Doula work with hospice, hospice staff, or Home Healthcare Aides in the care of a loved one?
A: Yes. The Doula can be an extra set of eyes and ears and have no time constraints. An End-of-life Doula can notify the hospice team of any changes in the patient so that the hospice staff can assess and update the care plan for maximum daily comfort of the patient. It is important to remember the End-of-life Doulas are not employed by hospice.