– Emily Carmichael
End of Life Doula for the young and the LGBTQ+ community
As a Queer End of Life Doula, I understand how difficult it is to deal with conversations around death, and all the emotions surrounding it. I support teens, young adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community prepare for and process transitionary periods, in living, in dying, and in saying goodbye.
This can be a particularly hard time for these groups, who may be less prepared and less represented in the end of life field.
As a young queer individual, I understand the unique struggles surrounding this community, and come equipped to support you compassionately on this journey. I work in Melbourne and the surrounding area, and offer online support as well.
Our Services
End of Life Planning
Gentle guidance to help you plan for the end of life with clarity and care. I support you in organising advance care directives, wills, and statements of wishes, ensuring your values, identity, and chosen family are respected.
End of Life Support
Compassionate emotional support through the transition into end of life. I offer a safe, affirming space for grief, reflection, advocacy, and meaningful conversations with family and chosen family.
Legacy
Vigils & Memorials
Carefully held space during the final hours and after death. I support vigils, facilitate meaningful goodbyes, liaise with care teams, and provide guidance on home-based funerals and memorials where desired.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is an End of Life Doula, and how can you help?
An End of Life Doula, similar to a Birth Doula, is someone who provides emotional and practical support during, or in preparation for, end of life care. It is a non-medical role focused on alleviating as many of the emotional and legal stresses and discomforts around dying as possible.
As an end of life doula, I offer guidance to empower individuals to make choices on their end of life care, and post death wishes. This includes the creation of a will, an advanced care directive, a statement of wishes document, as well as liaising with funeral directors and discussing options such as palliative care.
I also offer emotional support to you and your people, by offering care, a comforting and inclusive space of vulnerability, and education on the processes of grief and dying. I can also offer resources for self learning, and advocacy on your behalf.
Sometimes being a doula is simply about being there, with a “no problem too small” approach. An open ear and an open heart can go a long way.
What do you charge? Do you take insurance?
I am unfortunately unable to bill insurance. My services vary in price, but generally can be expected to be at an hourly rate of $80. Certain offerings bundle this time at a cheaper rate, you can contact me for a full price list of my services. We can also discuss this during a 1hr free consultation session.
What does this consultation entail?
Do I have to be dying to use your services?
Not at all! In fact, I think it is important for everyone to engage an end of life doula’s services so that they can be more prepared for what may be to come. Education surrounding death is very sparse in Australia, so for those who want to learn what to expect, come to terms with their own mortality, or understand the grieving process, I welcome you.
Thinking about death now, and getting your documents in order, can save you a lot of stress in the future. Only about a third of Australian adults have any advanced care planning in place, with that number getting lower the younger you are, and should you face a sudden or unexpected illness or injury, you may not be able to state your wishes for your care or for your will. So I in fact encourage you to plan ahead.
Do I have to be Queer to use your services?
My priority is making end of life care accessible for all, so no you don’t have to be queer to use my services at all. My focus expands to young people from all walks of life, and queer people of all ages, who I believe are both groups that are under-represented in the end of life care space, but I offer my services to all.