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When someone is approaching the end of life, one of the most important decisions is where they will die. For many families, this question arrives suddenly, often during an already emotional time. Others have the opportunity to plan ahead and consider what environment best reflects their values, comfort, and wishes. There is no single “best”…

In short, yes it can. But whether it should depends on individual circumstances. When working with families, the first thing that I tell them is that there is no rush to act when a person dies. Grieving needs space. However, sometimes necessity dictates that things move quickly. At these times, it is worth knowing some…

A terminal diagnosis has a way of stopping life in its tracks. Time feels different. The future collapses inward. And for many people, one question rises almost immediately and with great force: “Why me?” It is a deeply human question. It makes sense. When something feels so unfair, so shocking, so life-altering, the mind reaches…

When someone chooses to die at home, the environment around them becomes one of the most important parts of the care. Creating a sacred space is not about perfection or aesthetics; it is about intention. A sacred space supports comfort, dignity, connection, and meaning during one of life’s most profound transitions.  What Makes a Space “Sacred”?  A sacred space…

Choosing to die at home is a deeply personal decision. Many people express a strong wish to spend their final days in familiar surroundings, supported by people they know and trust. While the idea of dying at home can feel comforting, the reality is often less talked about and may be poorly understood. Knowing what…

For many people, the holidays are a time of connection, celebration, and tradition. But when you’re caring for someone who is dying, grieving a recent loss, or living with anticipatory grief, the festive season can feel overwhelming. Expectations to be cheerful can clash with exhaustion, sadness, or uncertainty. This is where the quiet, steady presence…

Fear is one of the most common and least spoken-about experiences surrounding death. It can arise for the person who is dying and for those who love them, often manifesting as anxiety, avoidance, conflict, or a sense of being overwhelmed. End-of-life doulas play a vital role in easing these fears by providing steady, informed, and…

Advance Care Planning is the process of thinking about, discussing, and documenting your preferences for future health care. In Victoria, it provides a clear legal framework to ensure your wishes are understood and respected if you lose decision-making capacity due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline. At its heart, Advance Care Planning is about autonomy,…

Facing the end of life, whether your own or that of someone you love, can feel overwhelming. Many people find themselves navigating a maze of medical, emotional, and practical decisions without enough guidance or support. That’s where an end-of-life doula comes in. End-of-life doulas are trained companions who provide non-medical, holistic support during the dying…

It breaks my heart each time I hear a story of an impersonal, rushed or too-expensive funeral that at best was devoid of meaning and at worst did long-lasting harm to those left behind. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a fan of family-led funerals, where everything is tailored to the memory of…