There was a time when families and communities together as a whole engaged in work and play, celebration, worship and ritual, loss and mourning. Rejoicing, as well as meeting challenges both great and small, were equally shared. 

 

A time when families and communities provided support for one another throughout all of life's transitions.  Those dealing with circumstances regarding illness, injury, disability, death and dying were not hidden or sent away, but rather they were taken into the fold more profoundly. Care was a shared responsibility tended to and carried out by the community in its entirety. Within this model, it was not burdensome for any one person or family, but rather was upheld by the very people who one lived amongst.

 

All were familiar with these life events. Young and old alike were accustomed to the shifts, changes and life transitions that ebbed and flowed around them.  Care and concern for one another was built in, part and parcel of daily life.

 

Nowadays, few can look to and depend on support such as this. The cultural norm most experience is that family members and friends all too often, at best, able to be present only for short amounts of time.  The alternative most end up turning to and obtaining is some measure of professional care. Anyone who has been through this scenario fully understands the difficultly dealing with finances, insurance, institutions and health care agencies, etc.  So much of the time we hear stories of endless challenges trying to procure and hold on to support.  Thus, these life transitions are not met with any sort of reassurance that shifting requirements will be met, but rather they are all too often wrought with a sense of urgency and trepidation.

 

Often left is a gap between support that family and friends may be unable to provide and what institutions and professional care cannot offer. 

Here’s where care that an experienced Doula, with both personal as well as professional experience, intrinsically translates into solid support during any life transition where help may be most welcome, needed and appreciated.  When “community” as described does not exist, providing care can be, and mostly is, overwhelming.  Whether an individual or family can benefit from respite, longer term care and a custom enhanced environment is sought, support from an experienced Life Transition Doula may be the answer. 

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Care the Doula offers can bridge that gap.

No two of our clients are alike. Every new situation requires a fresh perspective and care tailored to that particular circumstance. That which is essential to the wellbeing of those requiring care based on their unique needs and preferences is the foundation we build upon.

 

Truly, most scenarios require similar basics...nourishing food, an extra pair of hands to help tend to daily chores, a clean and organized space, companionship, a calm reassuring presence, empathy, kindness, humor, the ability to listen and adapt as needs and circumstances shift...each component intrinsic to who we are and what we do.

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Illness, Injury, Post Op

Provision of care until those dealing with illness, injury and/or post op gain greater autonomy. Support is aimed at rest, rehabilitation and recovery with all we offer as a means to that goal.

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Disability

DoulaKind Doulas offer compassionate sensitive care for the disabled, supporting their unique circumstances.  We have been taught well by previous clients how best to tend to the needs and preferences of each particular situation by first coming to a full understanding of what that looks like for the person being cared for.  We continue to learn about growing social and cultural preferences by staying in touch with known advocates within the community. 

 

Eldercare

With a growing percentage of aging people, care for our Elders has become a vital concern for many of us.  With so much hinging on provision of care that not only supports but enhances the wellbeing of our aging family members and friends, choosing a provider specifically with both personal as well as professional experience is paramount. Our reverence, compassion and concern for our Elders is evident in the care we provide.  Advocates of aging in place, our focus is to enrich each experience as well as encourage a sense of normalcy, purpose and stability for those we care for.

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Respite

When an extra pair of hands would be helpful so that care of loved ones is not so all-consuming. Here DoulaKind Doulas can be called upon to step in and cover for care providers so they can take time to focus elsewhere or simply refresh. 

 

Hospice

The emotional as well as physical demands that come with end of life care are such that reliable, compassionate care is a must, not only for the hospice recipient but for those around them as well.  Having someone on board to help ease this all-important shift is a much needed component to the wellness of all involved.  The ability to listen intently, a quiet presence, gentle reassurance, familiarity with conventional as well as holistic and integrative wellness practices are all part of the care we provide.  We not only understand, we empathize and each have experienced caring for our own family members and friends as they transitioned.

 

Here’s some idea of care to be considered...

• Companionship

• Nourishing Meal Preparation

• Assistance with Bathing

• Errands

• Accompaniment to Medical Appointments/Outings

• Light Housekeeping 

• Household Organization

• Childcare

• Pet Care

 

Care provided at home, hospital, palliative care facilities, assisted living, rehabilitative care facilities. 

 

Just like all those years ago when we first brought the concept of “Doula” to the childbirth community, we now look forward to seeing this same concept of custom support tailored to those in need, growing within the broader community.

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Customized packages are available, tailored to your specific needs:

 

Interested in booking a package?  Know you need or want a specific amount of hours per day/week over an extended period of time?  Need to book in advance to secure care for particular dates that span weeks/months?  Have a concern for coverage for a loved one while traveling?

 

All our care is custom-tailored and, therefore, creating a specific package of services is what we do best.  We do not offer set packages but rather encourage our clients to consult with us about what feels most supportive.  With this as the focus, our services become based on our individual clients' needs. Once we work out what will be best for you, a pre-determined amount of hours over a specific period of time is agreed upon, booked and committed to. This allows our clients to secure support for a set period of time by reserving our services in advance.

 

Examples of when advanced booking of a set number of hours may be the most supportive option:

 

• For help following a scheduled surgery when you know you will need care post op and activity is limited for a specific
  amount of time.

• For care when the usual caregiver is unavailable or requires respite.

• For transitioning into a situation where greater support is needed and a period of acclimation becomes necessary.

 

What does care look like to you? Reach out and give us a call.

Let’s start the conversation.