How End of Life Doula Training Enhances Person-Centred Care in the Community

As Australia’s aged care and disability sectors evolve, one critical component remains overlooked in many care models – non-clinical, person-centred support at the end of life. End-of-life doulas are helping to fill that gap, and their presence is transforming care experiences for clients, providers, and entire communities.

Compassionate, Holistic Support for Clients

End-of-life doulas provide far more than emotional comfort. They offer:

• Holistic support that includes emotional, spiritual, and practical care alongside medical treatment.
• Guidance in complex decision-making, helping clients create meaningful plans for their final stage of life.
• Support for dying at home, responding to the reality that while 70% of Australians wish to die at home, only 14% currently do.

With end-of-life doula training, aged care and disability support workers are empowered to honour each individual’s values and wishes – bringing dignity, choice, and calm to a deeply personal journey.

Empowering Providers With Skills That Matter

Training as an end-of-life doula expands professional capability across in-home aged care and disability settings. Benefits include:

• Expanded care scope, including non-medical services like advance care planning, funeral planning, and legacy projects.
• Reduced staff burnout, as doulas help share the emotional weight of end-of-life care.
• Increased job satisfaction, with team members reporting a stronger sense of purpose and connection.

These outcomes support sustainable care teams – especially important as workforce shortages and service demands continue to grow.

Strengthening Community Death Literacy

Doulas aren’t just support workers – they’re educators and advocates. Their presence in communities helps:

• Break the stigma around dying, fostering open, healthy conversations.
• Empower individuals and families to understand their end-of-life options.
• Improve quality of life, not just for the dying person but for those who love them.

By normalising death as a natural part of life, end-of-life doulas strengthen community resilience and connection.

Let’s Recognise the Value

The evidence is clear: end-of-life doula training offers meaningful, measurable benefits across the entire care landscape. It supports people to die well, providers to care better, and communities to grow more informed and compassionate.

It’s time we acknowledged this vital role – not as an optional extra, but as an essential part of truly person-centred care.

To learn more, explore our online End-of-Life Training or visit Preparing the Way to become an end of life doula. Now is the time to embrace and elevate this essential role.