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End of life doula course being offered in Squamish

Douglas College course to be held on Quest campus Dec 2. to 6
doula photo

A course for those who may be called to help someone through the end of life journey is being offered in Squamish.

Douglas College is hosting the End of life doula course on the Quest University campus.

The course runs from Dec 2 to 6. Registration closes on Nov. 22.

The program is aimed at caregivers seeking a deeper understanding of the questions and issues that arise at end of life, and at those planning to open a practice as an End of Life Doula.

Sometimes called a "death doula," the name of the role has evolved to "end of life doula" to reflect the more lengthy process of helping the dying, according to Jennifer Mallmes lead instructor for the End of Life Doula Certificate Program at Douglas College.

"'Death' sounds like one event and it is actually such a small part of what we do," she said.

"We educate and empower people and their families to make choices and have conversations about the end of life care they want to receive before... or after they have died."

Mallmes is also a director for the End of Life Doula Association of Canada.

People who work as doulas often talk through fears with clients and help them plan. "We go through all the things it takes to make, what I call a 'Gold Star Death' possible, she said.

Our culture is not great at talking about, or even thinking about death, she said.

But people whose death is imminent want and need to address it directly. Doulas can help them and their loved ones do so.

"Making sure that their wishes are followed correctly and legally, so that when something does happen [loved ones] know what your wishes are and they are not left trying to make decisions based on 'what do you think they would want.'" 

Planning while healthy is ideal, said Mallmes, who has had her advance care plan wishes written out since she was 29 years old.

One of the biggest things she has had to learn as a doula (previously called palliative care aid) for more than two decades is maintaining boundaries.

"Death can't be solved. And to really protect my own beliefs and values. And be sure I am self-aware enough that... when people are sharing such intimate things with you, you have remember that it is not your family."

The work also had led to the attitude that life could end at any moment, she said, so she lives life to the fullest.

"As far as I know, no one in our lifetime has cheated death. We have a 100 per cent mortality rate," she said.

"You still make plans, you still pay the bills. I would be sad if I died today or tomorrow, but I think I have my relationships current, my plans and wishes made."

Find out more about the Douglas College program here.