Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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At Rest Easy, I know that approaching the end of life brings big emotions, deep questions, and a need for gentle, reliable support. Below are some of the most common questions people ask about working with a death doula—whether for themselves or someone they love.

A death doula (also known as an end-of-life doula) is a non-medical support person who offers emotional, spiritual, and practical care for people at the end of life. We hold space for meaningful conversations, offer comfort to families, help plan for death, and support the transition with peace and intention.

We do not replace hospice or medical care—we complement it, and can provide additional support, as hospice is typically not full-time care, for the client and their loved ones. 

Rest Easy provides personalized support that may include:

• End-of-life planning and vigil design
• Holding emotional space for the client and their loved ones
• Planning & support of One-More-Time Trips
• Life review and legacy work
• Goodbye party or living funeral planning
• Hourly respite care
• Grief support and after-death care for families
• Guidance through Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) in California
• End-of-life planning guide & document holder
• Presence during the dying process, if desired

Each journey is unique, and my work is shaped around your values, needs, and wishes.

No. I am not a doctor, nurse, or hospice worker. As a death doula, my support is non-medical. I do not provide diagnoses, administer medications, or make medical decisions.

I do, however, work alongside medical teams when invited—often coordinating communication between all members of the client's Care Team.

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is a legal option in California that allows terminally ill, mentally capable adults to request and take medication that gently ends their life. I offer emotional and logistical support throughout this process, including:

• Helping you understand the steps
• Planning your final day
• Providing support and presence, if you choose to take the medication
• Supporting your loved ones through it all

I do not provide or administer medication and am not part of the medical approval process—but I walk beside you with compassion and care.

Death planning might include:

• Writing an Advance Health Directive & appointing a health power of attorney
• Creating a peaceful environment & document vigil wishes
• Deciding who you want present at vigil time
• Legacy projects--Writing  letters or recording memories, or more
• Pre-planning funeral arrangements, such as, choosing music, scents, readings, or rituals 
• Making after-death wishes known, such as, funeral home arrangements or arrangements to have a funeral at home, disposition after the funeral, instructions for scattering remains (if cremated)

This isn’t about "getting everything right"—it’s about aligning your final moments with what matters most to you.

Absolutely. Death affects everyone. I support families and caregivers with:

• Each package comes with visits focused on your loved ones and caregivers, checking in and providing practical support
• Hourly respite care, to give caregivers time for much deserved self-care, or to run errands
• Emotional support 
• Education about what to expect
• Help preparing for death or saying goodbye
• Gentle guidance through grief and the days after death

Sometimes the most meaningful help is simply being there to hold space when everything feels overwhelming.

Yes. I provide general grief support, help with after-death care planning, and offer resources or referrals for additional support. Whether you need someone to talk to, help creating a memorial, or just someone to sit with you in quiet—I’m here.

Each package comes with after-death support and visits, or A La Carte options are available. 

While death doulas typically work with a person who has received a terminal diagnosis or who is undergoing treatment for a serious illness, there are many levels of support and care a death doula can provide, perfectly personalized for you at each stage of life. 

If you’re facing the end of life—or supporting someone who is—and you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or in need of emotional or practical support, a death doula may be exactly what you need.

You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to offer calm, compassionate presence and care in one of life’s most tender transitions.

You can begin with a free consultation to talk about what you're facing and what kind of support you’re looking for. There’s no pressure—just a warm, honest conversation. Send a message below.