End of Life Doula
Krystal Hennessy
It is never too late or too soon.
It is when it is supposed to be.
-Mitch Albom
Why Choose an End of Life Doula?
Every life ends in death.
A mere century ago, people cared for their sick and dying loved ones with a hands-on approach. They gathered at the bedside with cold cloths, warm blankets, love and affection. The dying were surrounded by family and friends, personal belongings and attention in a place that was familiar to them; a home.
Medical advances, as miraculous as they have become, have changed the way that we die. It has become a process that’s hidden from the world as it’s considered a failure to have a patient die. It’s stark and lonely as we expire in unfavourable environments without our favourite things, without our collection of items that celebrates our best moments and without those that we care about by our side.
To die is not a failure, it is a part of life. As an End of Life Doula, I aim to bring things back to the way they used to be. It’s very possible to plan a comfortable death, bring ritual and tradition to the bedside and allow the family to care for their people as they once did.
It is an honour to be at someone’s side as their life is ending and to celebrate what they have accomplished no matter how long their lifespan was. Just as there is beauty in life, there can be beauty in death.
I can help with
End of Life Planning
Pre-Plan your perfect ending, get your affairs in order, organize for your loved ones.
Legacy Projects
Choose the ideal way to be remembered. We can get creative with it.
Advance Care Planning
Give your loved ones the gift of knowing how to make the best choices on your behalf.
Family Meetings
A death doula can assist in facilitating family meetings as a mediator or impartial third party. Family meetings are also an ideal way to learn about the different options available.
Resources
Learn about local and online services that are available to help.
A Listening Ear
A death doula can be there to listen and help you to realize that anything you feel in grief is normal.
Meet the Doula
Peaceful Endings - End of Life Doula
My name is Krystal Hennessy. I am a mid-thirties wife who has lived in the Quinte Region for my entire life. I love nature, animals and reading.
I discovered the End of Life Doula Movement in early 2021 and have been studying death and end of life options ever since. I have a certificate in End of Life Doula studies from Douglas College, am a trained Hospice Volunteer and spend my spare time learning as much as I can.
An End of Life Doula can assist with non-medical, holistic guidance through the end of life process.
It's my goal to educate my community on alternatives at the end of life that they may not realize exist. I want to encourage conversation that includes the 'D' words (death, dying and dead). Death can be a more peaceful process if you are open and honest about it.
“Just as talking about sex won’t make you pregnant, talking about death won’t make you dead” - Jon Underwood
Proud Member of the
Death Doula Ontario Network
Services and Pricing
Introduction to the Doula Approach
A 2-hour family meeting in which I provide a heap of information and resources for alternative ways to do things.
Includes a 30 minute follow up (in person, by phone or online) for questions.
$300 flat rate.
Hourly Rate
For help with whatever you might need. $40/hour
Respite Services
We can chat, play games, read or sit in silence. $30/hour
Last Days Planning
Assistance with planning a more peaceful and comforting vigil. We'll work on how to make it ideal for the patient and their loved ones.
$100 flat rate
Free Seminars
Keep an eye out for Free Seminars on various topics that I will be conducting around our community
Caregiver Coaching
Caregiving can be one of the most challenging jobs that a person can take on. I can help provide resources, be someone to cheer you on or provide some respite when needed. $40/hour
Free Consultation
A 20 minute phone conversation for us to see where I could be helpful to you.
Swedish Death Cleaning
The art of cleaning and decluttering your home, making decisions before you're gone so that your family doesn't have to. I thrive in the area of organizing and can help.
Priced per job.
Funeral Planning
You can have a say in what your loved ones do for you and your body after you're gone. I can help you pre-plan what you want or don't want done.
$40/hour
Krystal created a beautiful memory piece for my Nan. She took my wishes/ideas and made the most amazing piece. My mom, whom I purchased the piece for is in love. I've known Krystal since high school and she has always been incredibly empathetic, caring, compassionate and friendly.
Tracy B.
Questions? Submit them here.
Contact Info
Call or Text
613-920-0717