vigil planning hourly rate: $75
typical time involved:
3 hours, vigil planning
vigil attendance hourly rate: $120
Vigil planning is a preparatory step that allows you to die on your own terms supported by the people you want to have with you in the end. There are many ways to do this, and it can be entirely customized to your preferences.
What is most comfortable for you—sun shining through your windows, or the calm of drawn curtains? Is there music that you wish to listen to? Do you have scents that bring you comfort? Do you want to be surrounded by flowers, photographs of loved ones, particular works of art? Are there scriptures or other texts that you would like read to you? Who do you want there with you?
In my experience, a vigil plan is something that is in equal measure a hard thing to do and a profound gift to those that will be with you at the end of your life. This is an exceptionally difficult conversation for most families to handle on their own. End of Life Doulas are trained both to guide you through this planning process, and to help you communicate your wishes clearly to your loved ones and your care team. We also provide material support to ensure things are arranged the way you wish.
Vigil attendance offers you the chance to have an experienced calm professional on hand to support you and to support the loved ones you wish to have with you. We often assume someone from our medical or hospice team will be with us as we are actively dying, but that is generally not the case, especially when we choose to be at home. An End-of-Life Doula can help you and your loved ones understand what is happening, can help with the logistical steps involved, and can offer your loved ones respite throughout the vigil. We will be there: calm, awake, and fully present with all of you, for as long as it takes.