The Importance of Having the Support of a Death Doula:
What They Do and How You Can Benefit
I had the pleasure of speaking with Estella Hutchinson, founder and director of YourSunset, which provides end-of-life services. In our conversation, Estella's insights underscore the invaluable role of death doulas in providing compassionate support, guidance, and advocacy during life's most challenging moments. Through their dedication and expertise, death doulas help individuals and families navigate the complexities of end-of-life experiences with dignity, grace, and peace of mind.
Death, grief, and loss are inevitable parts of the human experience, yet navigating these difficult moments can be overwhelming and isolating. In the face of such profound challenges, having the support of a death doula can make all the difference. Estella Hutchinson, an end-of-life doula, grief counsellor, and funeral advocate, sheds light on the vital role of death doulas and the broad array of support she provides to individuals and families during times of transition and loss.
Personal Inspiration and Professional Journey:
Estella shares her personal journey, saying, "In my mid-20s, my partner was killed in a motorcycle accident... that was my first introduction to grief and bereavement." She describes her natural inclination towards supporting others and her years of volunteering in palliative care, leading to her decision to become a death doula. "I was always the person my friends and family came to in times of loss, making this choice of career a natural calling."
Services Provided by Death Doulas:
Estella Hutchinson emphasises that the role of a death doula extends far beyond the mere logistics of end-of-life planning. She provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual and family. Estella elaborates on the depth and breadth of support offered by death doulas, stating, "I start at the planning stages, where we delve into advance care plans, ensuring that individuals' wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care are clearly articulated and legally documented."
Beyond advance care planning, Estella stresses the importance of ensuring that legal matters, such as wills and estates, are in order. She assists individuals in navigating these complex decisions, offering guidance and support every step of the way. "Having a comprehensive plan in place ensures that your loved ones are spared from added stress and uncertainty during an already challenging time," Estella affirms.
Moreover, Estella places a strong emphasis on addressing anticipatory grief—the complex emotions that arise when individuals and families anticipate the loss of a loved one. She provides a compassionate and empathetic presence, offering support and guidance as individuals navigate the emotional rollercoaster of grief and loss.
In addition to addressing anticipatory grief, Estella is dedicated to supporting families through the difficult times that follow a loss. Whether providing emotional support, facilitating communication between family members, or coordinating after-death care, Estella is committed to ensuring that families feel supported and cared for during their time of need.
Her professional services encompass a holistic approach to end-of-life care. From advance care planning to addressing anticipatory grief and supporting families through the grieving process, death doulas offer invaluable support and guidance during life's most challenging moments.
Empowering Through Advance Care Planning:
Estella stresses the significance of advance care planning: "Making sure that people know what you want for your healthcare is paramount." She encourages individuals to have difficult conversations and document their wishes to spare their loved ones from uncertainty and distress.
Supporting Individuals and Families:
Estella highlights her role in providing support to both individuals and families: "I can be with the individual or quite often I'm the support for the family." She emphasizes the importance of companionship and after-death care, offering comfort and guidance during life's most challenging moments.
Education and Advocacy:
Estella's passion for education and advocacy shines through: "The biggest part of my passion is that education... letting people know there are options." She describes her initiative, "Brunch with Death," as a platform for open, honest conversations about death, dying, and grief in a supportive environment.
To learn more about Estella’s services and to join "Brunch with Death", visit YourSunset's website.
This month's Brunch with Death is an "ask me anything" session - bring along any questions about death, dying, after death care, funerals, grief, being an end of life doula etc…
Date: Saturday 20th April 2024
Where: EQ Bakehouse Cafe, 70 Kent Street, Deakin
Time: 10am - 12pm
Cost: $20 - food and beverages at your own cost
Bookings: online at https://www.trybooking.com/CQGEV or give me a call on 0474 307 584, and I can process your card payment over the phone.
If you know a friend or colleague you think may enjoy this session please forward this email!
Author: Luisa Capezio, Aged Care Adviser at Phillips Wealth Partners