June 12, 2025
Families often say they want their loved one to die peacefully in familiar surroundings. But when the time comes, they’re overwhelmed. They don’t know what to expect. They worry they’ll do something wrong. They’re scared. And they’re tired. Home becomes a high-pressure environment and despite their love and intention, families can feel isolated and unprepared.
Support workers in aged care and home care often find themselves in similar situations. They arrive in someone’s home with the best of intentions, only to feel unsure, undertrained, and emotionally unready for what end of life truly asks of them. Many have never been taught how to sit with the dying, how to support a grieving family, or how to handle the deeply human moments that don’t fit neatly into a shift description.
With the upcoming Support at Home program and its End of Life Pathway, there is potential to create better experiences — but only if we include the right people.
We are trained to walk beside people through this time — calmly, compassionately, and confidently.
We support families through the planning, the sitting, the vigil, the death and the time after.
We’re the ones who aren’t afraid to talk about dying, to be present in the silence and to guide others through the unknown.
Importantly, doulas are not here to replace clinical professionals — but we can provide flexible, non-clinical care where and when it’s most needed.
We work alongside palliative care providers and support workers and when appropriate, can step in as an alternative to support workers — particularly in the final days or hours, or when respite is needed for family or staff.
We’re there to help families feel less alone — and to help workers feel more supported.
We help make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible during what is often one of life’s most challenging times.
Home care providers have an opportunity here. By integrating end of life doulas into their services — whether in partnership or as direct care providers — they can bridge the emotional and practical gaps in end of life support. Doulas bring a depth of presence, flexibility and compassion that complements other roles beautifully.
It’s not just about helping someone die at home.
It’s about making sure no one feels alone in the process — not the person dying, not their family and not the workers doing their best. There’s a better way.
Doulas are already here. It’s time we were recognised as part of the team.
Together, we can ensure everybody has the right to a meaningful, supported end of life experience.
