KENOSEE LAKE - Nobody really wants to think about death, but it is one thing in life that cannot be avoided.
Cindi McAuley is an end-of-life doula and end-of-life planner, and she wants to make this process easier for everyone.
Often an end-of-life doula will offer support to a person and their family after the diagnosis of a terminal illness, and assist them with daily living, offering a unique and gentle approach to death.
McAuley has worked in long-term health care for close to 30 years, including working at the Allan Blair Cancer Unit in Regina. Her family has been in health care in one way or another.
In 1997 when McAuley’s mother became ill, as a family they cared for her and fulfilled her wishes to pass away at home surrounded by loved ones.
It was after this that she decided she wanted to help families with these difficult decisions, nearing the end of one’s life.
In 2019, McAuly took an international course called end-of-life doula. The program was 10 months long and included several exams.
At the time, there were no courses such as this in Canada, but that has changed in the last few years.
Living in Kenosee, McAuley will travel to Carlyle, Maryfield, Moosomin, Alameda, Gainsborough and all the places in between to help families.
Doulas are extra support for families and facilities that need help to alleviate some of the daily stresses.
McAuley explained they have conversations with the patient and their family, guiding them through their journey and beyond.
She said they are a safe place for them to share their fears, regrets, hopes, wishes and expectations. This allows the patient to have a sense of control and dignity.
Doulas can also work with the patient's physician and home-care team when applicable.
They do not make any decisions related to end-of-life care for the patient directly, nor will they project their own beliefs. They are to always remain non-judgmental.
McAuley is not only a certified doula, but she is also a member of the End of Life Doula Association of Saskatchewan and Canada,, as well is a member of the Saskatchewan Hospice Palliative Care Association.
There are a handful of doulas in Regina, but she is unaware of any in the southeast.
The End of Life Planner is a workbook that she has created to help people be better prepared in the event something unexpected should happen.
McAuley asks the questions in the planner and the blanks are filled in by the person. This planner stays with the person, and it leaves no guesswork for family if they would need to speak on the family members' behalf.
Home care is also available through her services called Love’s Final Journey. Some people do not quality for homecare or the extra help, and this is where she comes in to play. She will help prepare meals, travel with patients to appointments and do wellness checks.
She is honoured to assist with legacy projects such as leaving a video, keepsakes for loved ones, or a written card or letter for someone special.
“Everyone deserves the same,” said McAuley, “As we are all going to die.”
She feels no one should die alone and she feels honoured to be asked to sit with a someone when family is not able to attend.
“With hospitals and long-term care facilities extremely busy and are unable to dedicate the time we feel our loved ones need and deserve in their final stages,” McAuley said. “We come to you in Love’s Final Journey.”
