Conversations about death, dying and facing one’s own mortality are difficult topics. The checklist of things to get accomplished when there is limited time available can seem overwhelming. Navigators, End-of-Life Doulas (EOLDs) are available to ease your fears, address your questions and provide education and support. The program, launched by Quinlan Care Concepts, is staffed by graduates of International Doula Life Movement (IDLM) who are available to provide compassionate, non-judgmental, non-medical support to individuals and their families nearing the end-of-life.
Participants in the Navigators program do not have to be on our Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice or Quinlan Palliative Care programs to use the service. The Karen Ann Quinlan Friends of Hospice, a philanthropic group, provided the funding for the training and certification of participants in the program. The certification included over 70-hours of specialized training. After two cycles of training the Navigators program will be staffed with more than 20 IDLM trained EOLD’s. More trainings will be offered in 2025 to staff, volunteers and those in the community who are interested in the program.
“This is how we give back to the community that has supported us for more than 44 years,” said Lee Ellison, Director of Marketing and Media at the organization and a Navigators, EOLD. “End-of-life doulas bridge gaps in care and can help create legacies, conduct rituals, plan vigils, lead guided visualizations and lend a helping hand when needed.”
“We can start as early as when anyone wants to talk about their death and figure out advanced directives or end-of-life wishes,” Ellison said. “We can also offer support when someone is no longer conscious to help their loved ones understand the process, educate them about what dying looks like, and then remain with them afterward to talk about the grieving process.”
The services provided by Navigators, EOLDs can include legacy projects, such as helping create memory books, stories or recordings designed to preserve memories, reflect on life experiences, and leave a lasting impact message that honors the person’s life and values.
EOLDs also offer emotional support which includes companionship and support to the dying person and their family and loved ones, helping them navigate their feelings and fears about death. “We also assist with practical matters by providing resources about end-of-life options and facilitating communication between loved ones,” said Ellison.
An EOLD is an advocate for the patient and family providing education about the dying process and what to expect while providing empowerment to make informed decisions. The EOLDs in our Navigators program personalize support based on individual needs, beliefs, and desires for how you, your family and loved ones wish to experience the end-of-life. We work to enhance the quality of the dying journey and ensure it aligns with your personal values and preferences. While EOLDs support those who’ve arrived at the end of their days, they can also make those final moments something their loved ones will carry forward and treasure.
We understand that you may have questions and look forward to providing support. For more information about the Quinlan Care Concepts Navigators EOLD Program please call us at 973-506-8233 or online at QuinlanCare.org/Navigators.
Our mission: Quinlan Care Concepts/Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is a not-for-profit, organization which provides a full continuum of high quality medical, emotional and spiritual services to hospice patients, their family members and the community.