Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an End-of-Life Doula?
An End-of-Life Doula provides compassionate support to individuals and families before, during, and after the dying process. My role is to offer presence, guidance, advocacy, emotional support, and education, working alongside existing medical and care teams.
What training and certifications do you have?
I am an internationally certified End-of-Life Doula and hold certification in Palliative Care. I also bring over 30 years of experience in Health Care, along with lived experience supporting loved ones through illness, dying, and loss. My work is grounded in compassion, confidential, and ongoing learning.
When should I reach out to an End-of-Life Doula?
You can reach out at any time—when you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting diagnosis, during active dying, or even well before a crisis. Many families find comfort in connecting early to plan ahead, ask questions, and ease uncertainty.
Do you replace medical care team?
No. I do not replace medical or home care services. I work collaboratively with physicians, home care, and other health-care professionals to support comfort, communication, and continuity of care.
What does advocacy look like?
Advocacy may include helping ensure comfort needs are addressed, supporting families in asking questions, communicating observations to the care team, and assisting with requests for equipment or additional supports—always in a collaborative and non-medical role.
Do you support families as well as the individual?
Yes. I support both the individual and their loved ones. Families often need reassurance, information, and a calm presence as they navigate emotions, decisions, and changes.
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Is your support confidential?
Yes. All support is provided with the utmost confidentiality, respect, and discretion.
Do you only work at the very end of life?
No. While I do provide bedside and vigil support, I also work with individuals and families earlier—through education, advance care planning, and conversations about wishes and values.
Are you a grief counsellor?
No, I am not a certified grief counsellor. However, I do provide compassionate grief and bereavement support and will gladly help connect you with appropriate, qualified grief counselling resources when needed. I also have a small library of death- and grief-related books that clients are welcome to borrow.
Do you provide medical equipment?
I do have access to some medical equipment. I can also assist individuals and families with requesting additional medical equipment or supports through appropriate health-care providers and community resources.
Do you work for MAiD?
No, I do not work for MAiD, but I have been present during MAiD visits. If you are looking for MAiD information, please feel free to reach out and I can help connect you with the appropriate contact information.
Do you offer education or workshops?
Yes. I provide education for individuals, families, caregivers, seniors, Care teams and community groups who wish to learn more about end-of-life, dying, and end-of-life care. Sessions can be one-on-one, small group workshops, or community presentations.
Where do you provide services?
I primarily serve rural Saskatchewan communities and surrounding areas. Please reach out to discuss location, availability, and options.
How do we get started?
The first step is a conversation. You are welcome to reach out to ask questions, share concerns, or simply talk through what support might look like for you.
If your question isn’t listed here, please feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk.
Cindi McAuley LFJ End-of Life Planning & Doula Services 306-482-7320