What if our modern approach to hospice care is missing the mark on its original compassionate intent?

Join us on this eye-opening journey through the rich history and transformative evolution of hospice care, from its heartfelt beginnings in the 1960s with Dame Cicely Saunders to its present-day challenges in the United States. We unover the pivotal moment when the Medicare hospice benefit of 1982 shifted the focus from non-profit, holistic care to the for-profit model, often compromising the essential values of time and empathy. As we navigate these changes, we shed light on the pressing need to restore the core principles of hospice to truly honor end-of-life experiences.

Throughout this episode, we tackle the critical issue of the "hospice gap," highlighting the overwhelming burden on family caregivers and the systemic hurdles that contribute to inadequate end-of-life care. We explore how fear, delayed hospice engagement, and limited professional interaction leave families unsupported. To empower you, we share vital questions you should ask when selecting a hospice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the holistic nature of care and the role of family support. With resources from the Doula Givers Institute, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to revive the sacredness of life's final chapter.

We dive into:

(00:02) The Evolution of Hospice Care

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Why is our modern society so terrified of death, and how can this fear be transformed into a meaningful part of life?

Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, as we unpack the deep-seated anxieties surrounding death and explore how these fears can lead to poor decisions and missed opportunities for those at the end of life. Drawing from my experiences as a hospice and oncology nurse, I reflect on how historical reverence for death contrasts sharply with our current culture of avoidance, urging a shift in perspective to embrace death as a natural milestone.

Discover the profound lessons that death imparts and the importance of living each day to the fullest in the face of life's uncertainty. We discuss the complexities of extending human life and the significant challenges the medical community faces in end-of-life care. Through touching narratives, including poignant personal stories, I highlight the need for honest conversations about Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and advocate for a cultural shift to see death as a human experience rather than merely a medical issue. These discussions underscore the urgency for compassionate and innovative solutions in end-of-life care.

In our final segment, we reflect on the universal themes of connection, love, and the preciousness of time, illustrated through the emotional journey of Maureen, a 44-year-old woman with gallbladder cancer. Her story underscores the critical importance of human connections in the final moments and the power of compassionate care. I emphasize the necessity of open conversations and education to ensure positive end-of-life experiences, inviting you to join our Good Death Seminar Series to transform our collective approach to death with kindness and support. Your questions and comments are welcome for future episodes as we continue this vital dialogue.

We dive into:

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

What if you could ensure a dignified, compassionate end-of-life experience for a loved one?

Join us in this transformative episode of Ask a Deaf Doula as Suzanne O'Brien, former hospice and oncology nurse, introduces the groundbreaking Good Death Seminar Series. This six-month, entirely free program is designed to bridge critical gaps in hospice care by equipping families with essential knowledge and skills. Suzanne passionately discusses the current state of hospice care, stressing the urgent need for better family preparation and support. From historical perspectives on death to practical caregiving skills, this series promises to be an invaluable resource.

Mark your calendars for key sessions that will reshape your approach to end-of-life care. Tune in on December 4th to explore defining quality of life and making informed medical choices, and on December 18th for nine must-answer questions to ensure a good death experience. Discover the importance of family conversations about end-of-life wishes on January 1st, and gain tools for navigating family disagreements on January 15th. Finally, on January 29th, we will discuss three common end-of-life phenomena reported globally. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the end-of-life journey with dignity and grace.

SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST "GOOD DEATH" SEMINAR SERIES on OCTOBER 2nd at 7pm ET Click here

The Good Death Seminar Series will be hosted LIVE on Zoom! Space is limited! Save your seat now: 

We dive into:

(00:02) Good Death Seminar Series Announcement

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Imagine facing the end of your life with a sense of peace and support.

In this episode, Suzanne O'Brien shares her insights on creating an impactful and authentic death doula website that reflects your passion for end-of-life care. We explore user-friendly platforms like Squarespace and Wix, offering practical advice on presenting your services with clarity and genuineness. Discover how to use colors and images to resonate with your unique approach and learn about the necessity of proper training and resources to provide the highest level of service to patients and their families.

Ever wondered about the crucial role of death doulas? Suzanne delves into the non-medical support they provide, encompassing emotional, physical, spiritual, and informational care. Reflect on your preparedness for end-of-life situations and listen to personal stories that highlight the importance of building trust through sharing credentials. We also discuss the comprehensive services offered by death doulas, from facilitating vital end-of-life conversations to creating vigil plans and offering spiritual support, demonstrating how they ensure a positive and comfortable end-of-life experience for everyone involved.

Death doulas fill significant gaps left by traditional hospice care, providing extended, personalized support before, during, and after a loved one's death. Suzanne discusses the acceptance of doulas by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the rigorous training they undergo. Learn about the affordability and availability of doula services, including teledoula support, and the importance of creating accessible end-of-life resources. Whether you're considering becoming a death doula or seeking support for a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into the profound work of death doulas.

We dive into:

(00:00) Build Death Doula Website

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

What if you could transform the end-of-life experience into a holistic, human journey rather than a purely medical one?

Join us as we explore the profound and often overlooked aspects of end-of-life care on this episode of "Ask a Death Doula." We’re breaking down the three phases of end-of-life, from initial comfort measures to the body's natural decline, and highlighting the critical role of proactive planning. Discover how you can enrich these final moments for your loved ones and yourself by embracing new, progressive choices that celebrate life and honor the environment.

Understanding legal preparations is crucial, and this episode sheds light on the importance of advanced directives and POLST forms. Learn why these documents are vital for ensuring your wishes are respected by medical professionals and how they can prevent common pitfalls. We share real-life stories to illustrate the necessity of awareness and education about these forms, empowering you to make informed decisions. This chapter is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate end-of-life care with confidence and clarity.

We also take a heartfelt look at sustainable end-of-life options that go beyond traditional practices. Imagine the intimacy of home wakes, the eco-friendliness of natural burials, or the innovative choices of water cremation and human composting. These alternatives not only honor the deceased but also tread lightly on the planet and are often more financially viable. Host Suzanne O'Brien expresses her gratitude for your participation and encourages you to explore the free resources available at doulagivers.com. Prepare to transform your perspective on end-of-life care and make it a deeply meaningful experience.

We dive into:

(00:02) Navigating End of Life Care

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

What if a life-threatening health crisis could transform not just your body, but your spirit as well?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Peggy Lindsay, heart transplant survivor and author of "My Beat Goes On," as she recounts her extraordinary journey. Peggy opens up about her family's history of heart disease and the unexpected health scare at age 51 that led her to seek a second opinion, ultimately revealing the urgent need for a heart transplant. Her story underscores the power of proactive medical care and the compelling need for firsthand patient narratives, a gap she aims to fill through her book.

Listen to Peggy's gripping account of her medical journey, where her healthcare surrogate battled to get her the advanced care she needed, leading to a timely diagnosis of cardiogenic shock. She shares the emotional crossroads between opting for hospice care and choosing the rigorous path to a heart transplant—a choice she made thanks to her daughter's unwavering support and the exceptional team at Tampa General. From navigating the trials of surgery and recovery to discussing the intriguing phenomena of cellular memory and heightened intuition, Peggy's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of modern medicine.

We dive into:

(12:34 - 13:31) The Importance of Having an Advocate

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Adrian Allotey, Founder of You Are Not Alone Elder Care

Ever wondered how we can transform the final stages of life into a sacred and beautiful experience?

Join us as we sit down with Adrian Allotey, an empathetic end-of-life doula and elder companion, who shares her heartfelt journey of turning end-of-life care into a deeply human and spiritual endeavor. Adrian opens up about her personal regrets and the lack of support she felt during her grandmother's final moments, shedding light on the importance of emotional and spiritual care. She introduces her innovative methods, like "dress rehearsals" for families, aimed at making the last days less fearful and more comforting.

As we navigate through the conversation, Adrian's insights reveal the transformative power of love, presence, and intuition in end-of-life care. From the challenges of raising awareness about the role of death doulas to the profound impact of COVID-19 on our collective understanding of life and death, this episode is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Adrian's touching stories, including the comfort found in physical closeness, music, and involving distant family members, underscore the holistic and compassionate approach that can help us rebuild a more united and empathetic world. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, kindness, and a hopeful vision for the future of end-of-life care.

We dive into:

(06:29 - 07:25) Dress Rehearsals in End-of-Life Care

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Felicity Warner, Founder of Soul Midwives UK

Can the final days of life be filled with dignity and grace?

Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of end-of-life care as we welcome Felicity Warner, the pioneering founder of Soul Midwives. Felicity shares her deeply personal story of how her grandmother's painful hospital experience ignited her mission to transform end-of-life care into a compassionate, holistic practice. Her efforts have since blossomed into a widely respected organization, embraced by the NHS, and she has received multiple prestigious awards for her groundbreaking work. Listen in as Felicity's story emphasizes the profound impact of human connection and holistic support, inspiring us all to envision a world where people can die with dignity and grace.

In this episode, we also explore the transformative power of holistic approaches in hospice care, through the experiences of a journalist who transitioned into working with terminally ill young women. By highlighting the distinction between clinical interventions and the inherently human experience of dying, we underscore the significance of a 'good death' for both individuals and their loved ones. Additionally, we celebrate the growing global awareness of death through the success of the Soul Midwives conference, advocating for the integration of compassionate, non-medical care into mainstream healthcare. This conversation is a powerful reminder of how acknowledging our mortality can enrich our daily lives and the care we provide to those at the end of theirs.

We dive into:

(01:26 - 02:27) Creating Global Community Through Soul Connection

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

More about Felicity and her work - Click here! 

Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Brad Wolfe, Founder of Reimagine EOL

What if confronting mortality could be the key to living a more meaningful life?

Join us as we host Brad Wolf, the visionary founder and executive director of Reimagine End of Life, who shares his deeply personal journey and the pivotal experiences that led him to break down the taboos surrounding death through arts, spirituality, healthcare, and design. Brad recounts early inspirations, like his grandmother's wisdom and the impactful loss of his friend Sarah, demonstrating how mortality can serve as a powerful catalyst for living more fully. 

Through our conversation with Brad, we uncover the profound wisdom shared by those facing the end of life, including valuable teachings from thought leaders Frank Ostaseski and Ira Byock. We touch on the transformative power of forgiveness, gratitude, and the importance of meaningful relationships. Hear touching stories, such as that of young volunteer Grace, and learn how the pandemic has reshaped our approach to these essential conversations. Additionally, Brad gives us a glimpse into an upcoming festival dedicated to creating space for vital end-of-life discussions.

Explore the transformative practices of writing legacy letters and love letters to oneself, and the importance of rituals and mindfulness in healing. Brad talks about Reimagine's remarkable initiatives, like the "Creating Space" festival and the "Mourning into Unity" initiative, which bring people together to support each other through grief and healing. Finally, Suzanne O'Brien wraps up the Death Doula Global Summit interview with heartfelt gratitude and anticipation for future discussions, leaving us inspired to integrate the wisdom of elders and face life and death with courage and compassion.

We dive into:

(04:01 - 04:52) Rediscovering the Value of Aging

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

More about Brad Wolfe and his music - Click here! 

Death Doula Global Summit Speaker Spotlight: Ken Ross President of the Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation.

Honoring Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross: A Legacy of Compassion and End-of-Life Care

In 2020, Doulagivers Institute sponsored The Death Doula Global Summit and had interviews with the most impactful pioneers in the Death Doula and Death Positive Movement.

The wisdom and interviews are breathtaking. If you were not able to be part of that live summit, here is your chance as we will be spotlighting some of the great interviews that will not only heal your heart- but inspire you about what is yet to come.

In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, Join us as Ken Ross, son of the legendary Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, shares his extraordinary journey and what it was like growing up with a mother who revolutionized how we understand death and dying? 

You’ll uncover intimate stories about his mother, from her early days as a humble Swiss woman to becoming a global pioneer in end-of-life care. Ken gives us an insider’s view into her remarkable life, revealing the profound impact she had on both him and the world.

We also honor Dr. Kubler-Ross’s relentless advocacy for marginalized communities. From aiding bullied classmates and animals in her youth to providing compassionate care for AIDS patients during a time of widespread stigma, her dedication knew no bounds. Despite facing severe backlash and professional ostracization, her mission to ensure dignified end-of-life care never wavered. Her pioneering contributions to holistic patient care have paved the way for modern advancements in palliative care, inspiring countless medical professionals, including registered nurse Suzanne O'Brien, who reflects on Dr. Kubler-Ross's influence on her own work.

Looking to the future, Ken shares exciting developments aimed at preserving and expanding his mother’s legacy. Discover how the Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation is growing its global reach, from launching online education series in multiple languages to digitizing her archives at Stanford. As we navigate the challenges of COVID-19, this episode is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of adversity. Embrace life fully, learn from your fears, and carry forward the compassion that Dr. Kubler-Ross championed throughout her life.

We dive into:

(04:23 - 05:44) Growing Up With an Incredible Mother

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Doulagivers Institute

80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:

Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!

Access them Below!

• Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!

More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!

Learn more about Ken Ross Photography - Click here!