At IKOR of Charlottesville, we understand that the journey towards life’s final chapter can often be challenging and overwhelming. In these significant moments, you shouldn’t have to face the journey alone. With IKOR’s End-of-Life Doula care, you and your loved ones have a dedicated, knowledgeable, and steadfast companion when you need it most.
What is an End-of-Life Doula
An End-of-Life Doula provides non-medical, holistic comfort and guidance to those in the final stages of life. Many people are familiar with the concept of a birth doula. An End-of-Life Doula provides similar support serving as a trusted guide, coach, and confidant who works alongside the health care team to support a client and their loved ones while they navigate this universal phase of life.
How can an End-of-Life Doula support me and my loved ones?
- Companion to the dying and loved ones: Offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support to the dying and their circle of support.
- Comfort and Dignity: Proposing interventions to ensure the person’s comfort and dignity are maintained.
- Deep listening: Helping facilitate life review, find meaning and explore thoughts and feelings.
- Vigil Planning: Assisting with vigil planning and care, providing comfort instructions.
- Building Connections: Connecting clients and loved ones with important community resources such as support groups, in-home care and legal counsel.
Meet Your End-of-Life Doula, Anne Sweazey
Anne Sweazey is an End-of-Life Doula, INELDA trained and NEDA proficient, specializing in offering practical guidance and emotional support through the many phases of life’s end. Anne’s journey extends beyond her BSN in Nursing and includes experience with palliative care, hospice, acupuncture, biomedical ethics and advocacy. This diverse background enriches her approach to end-of-life care, blending western medicine knowledge and holistic, person-centered practices.
In her role, Anne collaborates closely with clients to develop personalized plans fostering peace of mind, dignity and meaning.
When she’s not attending to clients, Anne is an outdoor enthusiast and adventure traveler. She brings this zest for life to her work, blending her intellect and compassion seamlessly, easing the journey toward life’s final chapter.
