Client A is in her mid 70s and although currently in good health, was looking ahead to her end-of-life stage. She had a will but was looking for advice on other things that she could plan ahead of time. She was very motivated to reduce the number of decisions that her loved ones would need to make in the event of her death or cognitive impairment.

 

Our doulas met with Client A over a series of sessions to discuss and explore all the things that can be planned in advance. For example, ideal wishes for your final days (where do you want to die, who do you want to be there, etc.), funeral/celebration of life wishes, body disposal wishes, and creating an Advance Care Plan. Advance care planning involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about your medical care if something happens to render you unable to communicate your wishes. It is not a legally binding document but it helps your Power of Attorney (person who can legally make medical decisions on your behalf) to make decisions if you are not able to communicate your wishes. Our doulas also provided advice to Client A about how she could have these meaningful conversations with her loved ones.