Megan Sheldon became an end-of-life doula, someone who provides non-medical care to the dead, the dying and their families, after what she describes as a “grief storm.” It was a time when a close family member was diagnosed with a terminal illness and she and her husband had experienced multiple pregnancy losses.
with multinational conglomerates, like Service Corporation International, owning tens of thousands of funeral homes throughout the states.and without the same multinational market share. But what is the same is the general process of death care: a loved one passes, they are sent to a funeral home, and then to a cemetery.
One of the ways Ms. Bootle helps her clients is to recognize that there is no rush when someone dies. The bodies of the deceased do not need to be taken away to a funeral home immediately. In fact, they don’t need to go at all. And being embalmed is also not a requirement. Families can wash and dress the bodies and even keep the person at home for days if they choose.
An end-of life doula herself, Ms. Phillips says, “We are there to hold space for you and get you what you need. Because you are the expert in your own death.”The work these women do is emotional, mental and physical, but the challenge remains in being recognized for this work and compensated accordingly, explains Ms. Sheldon.
PUT THEM IN A COOLER THAT WAY YOU CAN HOLD ONTO THEM LONGER