End-of-Life Doula
And since we’re on the topic of jobs revolving around end of life issues, let’s talk about doulas. People in this industry help those left behind to deal with their loss and trauma, from family to friends of the deceased. Transitioning can be extremely difficult for a lot of people, so doulas can help them come to terms with their loss.
But the job entails much more than that- after all, doulas can earn from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. Let’s say that an individual is in hospice care. There, they’ll get the necessary medical needs whereas doulas will help with the social aspect of dying by helping to tie up loose ends, planning forgiveness rituals, legacy planning, helping with arrangements for at-home funerals and aftercare for grieving loved ones.
Keep in mind that doulas have to deal with a whole range of emotions from different people, from depression to fear and anxiety. Though you might want to comfort people to the best of your abilities, keep in mind that someone’s death could bring forward old arguments and even family divisions.
You might do everything in your power to create a peaceful environment, but human nature could lead to the exact opposite if you’re not careful. On top of that, if the dying individual has any communicable diseases, you have to take all the precautions you can to keep yourself safe even if you’re not going to administer any medical treatment.
