National End of Life Doula Day (or National Death Doula Day) is observed on April 20th every year. This day aims to raise awareness about the role of end-of-life doulas and the benefits they provide to individuals facing death and their families. Doulas offer holistic support, including physical, emotional, and spiritual care, helping to navigate the end-of-life journey with compassion.
- What is an End-of-Life Doula?An end-of-life doula is a non-medical professional who provides support to individuals facing death, their families, and friends. They offer comfort, guidance, and advocacy throughout the end-of-life process.
- Why is National Death Doula Day Important?This day helps raise awareness about the valuable role end-of-life doulas play in providing compassionate and holistic care during a difficult time. It also encourages conversations about end-of-life planning and dying well.
Why we need End-of-Life Doulas now more than ever:
- There are 76.4 million Baby Boomers living in the US and 20% of them do not have children to act as caregivers
- 9/10 people want to be kept at home if they become terminally ill – yet over half are dying in the hospital or long-term care facility
- In 2034, adults aged 65 and over will outnumber children aged 18 and younger for the first time in US History. The number of people aged 65 and over is projected to increase from 52 million in 2018 to 98 million by 2060.
- As the number of elderly people is increasing, the number of medical professionals is decreasing. The US could see a shortage of 120,000 physicians ad will need 12 million new nurses by 2030.
- What do End-of-Life Doulas Do?They may assist with:
- Emotional support: Providing comfort and understanding to those facing death and their loved ones.
- Spiritual support: Assisting with finding meaning, peace, and connection during this time.
- Family support: Helping families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of end-of-life care.
- Advocacy: Helping ensure the individual’s wishes and preferences are honored.
- How to Celebrate National Death Doula Day?You can celebrate by:
- Learning more about end-of-life doulas and their work .
- Sharing information about the day with your network .
- Supporting end-of-life doulas and organizations that provide this care .
Quinlan Care Concepts partners with International Doula Life Movement to offer comprehensive EOL Doula training to all members of the Quinlan Care Navigators team. To learn more about becoming an EOL Doula please visit: https://www.internationaldoulalifemovement.com/newjersey-death-end-of-life-doula-specialist-program/
