Agency, Grace, && Peace of Mind Advocate

What Does The PreNeed Doula Do?

Empowering Agency

Respecting Autonomy:  Allow clients to make informed decisions about their care, even if those decisions differ from what family members or healthcare providers might prefer. This involves open and honest discussions about prognosis, treatment options, and the likely course of their illness.

Advance Care Planning:  Encourage clients to document their preferences for future medical treatment through living wills, advance directives, and appointing a healthcare proxy. This ensures their wishes are known and respected, even if they become unable to communicate them.

Providing Information and Resources:  Educate clients and their families about available services like palliative care and hospice care, and the benefits of each.

Facilitating Communication: Serve as a liaison to ensure open and collaborative dialogue between the client, their family, and the healthcare team.

Promoting Grace

Maintaining Dignity: Preserve the client's sense of self-worth and respect by treating them with compassion, empathy, and recognition of their unique values.

Creating a Supportive Environment:  Foster a culture of empathy and understanding in healthcare settings.

Addressing Spiritual Needs: Respect diverse spiritual beliefs and offer opportunities for spiritual support and guidance, if desired.

Cultural Sensitivity:  Be aware of and respect the client's cultural background, traditions, and beliefs related to death and dying, adjusting care practices accordingly.

Enhancing Peace of Mind

Effective Symptom Management: Prioritize pain control and symptom management to ensure the client is as comfortable as possible during their final days.

Emotional and Psychological Support: Offer a compassionate ear, validating their feelings, and providing support for grief, loss, anxiety, and depression.

Focusing on Quality of Life:  Emphasize comfort, connections with loved ones, and engagement in meaningful activities to enhance well-being and a sense of dignity.

Ensuring Legal and Financial Preparedness: Help clients organize their legal and financial affairs to provide peace of mind for both them and their families.

Honoring Legacy:  Support clients in preserving and passing on their legacy, for example, through life review or creating a legacy project.