What Is a Death Doula and What Do They Do?
This is a recording of a live Good Grief community workshop. Members get access to expert-led sessions where they can ask questions, connect with others, and find support.
What is a death doula, and what do they actually do?
In this session, certified death doula and pre-need planning specialist Aisha Dull walks us through the role of an end-of-life doula, how they differ from hospice, and how they provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support for both patients and families navigating serious illness and end of life.
Whether you are caring for a loved one, facing a diagnosis yourself, or simply want to plan ahead, this conversation offers honest, compassionate guidance on a topic most families don't think about until they're in the middle of it.
What you'll learn in this video
- What a death doula (also called an end-of-life doula) does
- The difference between a death doula and hospice
- How respite care and palliative care have expanded what hospice offers
- Legacy planning beyond money: journals, keepsakes, and meaningful goodbyes
- When to hire a death doula and what it costs
- How to find the right death doula for your family
- What to do when someone facing death refuses outside help
Resources from this session
This session is for educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The complete workshop deck, notes, and resources for this session are available in the Good Grief Community Platform.
Access the full recapWorkshop led by
Aisha Dull
Certified Death Doula & Pre-Need Planning Specialist, Beck Funeral Homes