Death Doula Services
The word Doula is derived from a Greek word, loosely meaning "helper." While there are many types of Doulas that provide support to people across their lifespans, a Death Doula provides non-medical supports to those facing terminal illness and end-of-life.
Inua's Death Doula packages are offered in Calgary and the surrounding area, and focus on the most common needs expressed by those facing end-of-life. Design of these packages was informed by more than 10 years experience in palliative and hospice care, and aim to meet both the practical and psychosocial needs of those journeying through the final weeks or months of their lives.
As with all services provided by Inua, Death Doula services are provided with compassion, integrity, professionalism, and a recognition of our shared human spirit. Clients and their families can be assured that they will be treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, religion, gender or orientation, and that self-determination will be honoured in all decision making.
Inua recognizes that it is not always easy to know what we need, especially when we are facing an unfamiliar journey. If you would like to discuss your needs and the most appropriate services, please reach out to arrange for a free consultation at support@inua.ca.
"Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now."
~ Alan Lakein
Advanced Care Planning
What should happen if you are unable to speak for yourself? Who do you trust to make decisions for you? How do you want to be remembered and celebrated after you are gone?
These are difficult topics to consider; but planning ahead is an important step in ensuring your voice is heard and your wishes honoured, and saves our loved ones time and stress later.
This package includes the following:
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Up to 3 service hours.
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An exploration of your values and beliefs.
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Support in articulating your wishes for future personal and medical care.
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Completion of a legal Personal Directive, appointing one or more Agents of your choice.
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Information and guidance regarding the completion of a Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney and your Goals of Care.
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Support in exploring and choosing a funeral home.
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Information regarding available financial supports for you and your family both before and after death (if applicable).
Legacy Project
Completing a Legacy Project is a way to capture your life stories and memories, and allows you to pass on the lessons, sentiments and traditions that shaped your life. The process of working through a Legacy Project can help us remember forgotten events or people, and can often be very healing.
This package includes the following:
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4 one-hour sessions to plan and complete your project.
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An exploration of your values, beliefs, history, and important/impactful life events.
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An exploration of your self-expression and the identification of one project that best reflects who you are; this could be a written narration, a voice recording, a video, a photo album or collage, a painting or drawing, or any other reasonable project that speaks to who you are.
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Companionship during completion, and as much or as little support as you desire to fully complete your project.
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All materials and supplies.
"A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you."
~ Shannon L. Alder
"Thinking about death clarifies your life."
~ Candy Chan
End-of-Life Planning
It is not easy to learn that your time is limited; having control over your final weeks and days can be both comforting and empowering.
How do you want to spend this time? What do you want to do? Who do you want to see? What level and types of care do you want to receive? Where do you want to receive this care? Creating an End-of-Life Plan can help you clarify and communicate how you want your final days to look.
This package includes the following:
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Up to 5 service hours.
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An exploration of your values and beliefs.
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Support in defining and articulating your goals and preferences related to the 12 Principles of a Good Death.
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Support discussing your wishes and plan with your loved ones.
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Support in exploring and choosing a funeral home.
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Support in planning a Celebration of Life, if desired.
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A written document outlining your plan.
MAiD Support
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016. Inua supports those seeking MAiD without reserve or discrimination.
This package includes the following:
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Up to 12 service hours.
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Support in completing the Record of Request for Medical Assistance in Dying.
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Psychosocial support for you and your loved ones throughout the decision-making and application processes.
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Support with communicating your decision to seek MAiD to extended family and friends.
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Support in planning your Celebration of Life, if desired.
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Support and presence for you and your loved ones on the day MAiD is provided.
"If I knew that I could die, I would live. My life, my death, my choice."
~ Terry Pratchett
"I loved you your whole life; I'll miss you for the rest of mine."
~ Unknown
Companion Animal Doula Package:
End-of-Life Animal Care
Inua understands the human-animal bond, and the joy that pets bring to our lives. Sadly, there will come a time in which we have a terminally ill or elderly pet; although it can be difficult, planning ahead can reduce rash decisions, painful surprises and unnecessary trauma.
Inua can provide a comforting presence before, during and after the death of your companion animal by providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support to you, your pet, and your family.
This package includes the following:
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Up to 5 service hours.
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An exploration of your values and beliefs, and your hopes for your pet's final days/weeks.
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An exploration of your pet's interests, preferences, and personality.
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Support in defining, identifying, and articulating your goals of care as they relate to the Five Freedoms for Animals and the Pet Quality of Life Scale.
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Support in exploring and choosing a final disposition.
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Support in planning a Memorial, if desired.
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A written document outlining your plan.
Multiple Package Discount
Combine two or more packages and receive a 15% discount.
Friends and family of package recipients receive a 15% discount on counselling services listed here.
Single Services
The following individual services can be provided in your home:
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Completion of Personal Directive
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Completion of Record of Request for Medical Assistance in Dying
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Additional Service Hours added to existing package
Contact support@inua.ca for pricing and to schedule your single service.
Direct Billing
Many health benefit plans offer coverage for services provided by a social worker, and direct billing is available for many insurance providers.
Special Circumstances
Inua values equality and believes that a good death should be afforded to everyone.
If you have any concerns about the affordability of package and service fees, please reach out to support@inua.ca.