Offerings
There are different stages of non-medical care needed late in life. The initial meeting is to figure out how I can meet you where you are presently, and support you as you navigate this new chapter of your life. I can help oversee your plan of care or evolve with the plan of care in place as your needs change.
End-of-life care
As someone with experience as both a Home Health Aide (HHA) for Hudson Valley Hospice and an End-of-Life Doula, I am unique in that I provide holistic care that meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and their families during the dying process. My dual expertise allows me to seamlessly combine hands-on physical care, such as bathing, nurturing, and conscious body positioning and gentle movement, with compassionate presence. By bridging these roles, I can offer continuity and a personalized approach, easing physical discomfort while creating meaningful moments of connection and peace. This integrated care not only supports the person who is dying but also helps their loved ones navigate the transition with greater understanding and comfort, embodying a whole-person approach to end-of-life care.
I offer compassionate inquiry and deep active listening, making meaning around the story of one’s life, including being with the emotions that arise from unresolved grief and regrets. Oftentimes, there is inspiration to complete creative projects, often referred to as “legacy projects,” and I happily assist in that. Whole being themes such as cultural, identity, physical, mental, emotional are addressed. If it feels aligned with the present needs, spiritual care is offered which can include facilitating rituals, prayers, meditations, etc. aligned with your beliefs.
bedside vigil
I like to think of vigil time as keeping the candle burning. This is a time of wakefulness and presence. I keep the person comfortable. I let the family know what is happening, normalizing this natural process that is unfolding. This time is for focusing on comfort, reverence and peace.
During this liminal time, the circle of care and loved ones may want to build an altar, sing, pray, sit silently, meditate, share stories, burn incense or share a meal around the bedside, for example.
If there is a thoughtful plan on how to care for the loved one when spoken language is not available, then the loved ones can feel more assured that they expressed their love and respect through the last breath and beyond without regret and this can greatly support their grief process.
I believe that the moment of death, following a terminal diagnosis, should not be viewed as an emergency. I offer support in preparing for these moments, creating a safe space and offering support to any ceremony or ritual that was a part of the vigil plan.
I educate, advocate and root the space.
after-death care
My services include caring for the body after death, guiding families in after-death plans, and supporting those who wish to hold home funerals, creating sacred spaces to honor their loved ones. This can be an important part of the grief process, allowing families to connect with their loved one in a deeply meaningful way. I assist in preparing the body with reverence and care, ensuring it is treated with dignity throughout the process. I also support families in navigating any legal or logistical aspects of after-death care, including liaising with funeral homes, cemeteries, and other services to make arrangements.
I am knowledgeable about local eco-friendly options and other local resources. I also help families find ways to work within their budget. I advocate for transparency when communicating with funeral homes. Planning ahead can help alleviate some of these hidden costs.
With all of my services, I am supporting and caring for the circle of loved ones as well but especially with the after death care. This is a time for the family and community to come together in their act of mourning, and I help create and hold this space alongside any celebrants, funeral directors, priests, etc.
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End-Of-Life Care
I recommend our sessions be 1-2 times per week for 3 hours per session. This is how hospice originally started and now the visits are around an hour. I will assist in ADLs with mindfulness while finding a comfortable flow to work with emotions that are arising.
These 3-hour sessions are $150
If online, 1 x week, 90 minute session $100
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Bedside vigil
Vigil Planning Sessions: Suggested 2-3 sessions $100/ session with booklet to help guide
Vigil Support $50/ hour
If accompaniment will be provided in person through the end of life, including vigil, after death care, etc., client will not be charged hourly and a separate mutually-agreed upon package will be created.
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After-Death Care
Services include and rates to be discussed:
Caring for the body: ritual bathing, dressing; preparing body for funeral home or for a home funeral $50/ hour
Home Funeral Guide: Organizing and creating a sacred space for ritual and ceremony for mourning and remembrance $50/ hour for planning and preparing and $100/ hour for the funeral itself
After Death Logistics: liaising with funeral homes, cemeteries, crematoriums, hospice, etc. $50/ hour
Final Disposition: Supporting process of making body disposition plans - exploring different options $50/ hour
Family support: Advocacy around the deceased's wishes, education, grief and bereavement support $50/ hour
I honor and embrace the diversity of humanity and am committed to providing compassionate care for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, cultural background, political or personal beliefs. My work is grounded in respect, understanding, and support for each person’s unique experiences and journey.
I provide my work on a sliding scale and will not turn anyone away if you are needing support for bedside vigil due to lack of funds.