Turning last leaf: Doula gives end-of-life care
ALEXIA AUSTIN Alexia.Austin@thechronicle.com.au
TOOWOOMBA woman Tracey Roberts says seeing “some horrible deaths” in her early nursing career convinced her more needed to be done to open the conversation about dying.
As of July, Ms Roberts became one of Toowoomba’s only end-of-life doulas, a person who provides support and presence to families and clients before and after death.
“Sometimes I just sit and talk, and sometimes I listen,” she said.
“When I ask (the person who is dying) what they are worrying about, it opens up so much.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I help alleviate the fears.”
She also works with the family of her clients, helping to educate them on the process.
“It’s scary for the family and scary for the patient. Even though they said they are prepared they don’t know what to expect,” she said.
“It’s good to talk to the family and tell them that breathing is normal, or if they don’t want to eat or drink that is okay. They are dying and their bodies don’t need it.
Prior to starting The Last Leaf, Ms Roberts worked as a nurse for close to 40 years, specialising in palliative care.
“We (doulas) could be a lynch-pin to supporting the other services, such as the home nurses and the GPs - we are a team and should work together.
“Those other services don’t always have time to sit with the family or hold the patient’s hand - there is a huge need for someone to fill those gaps.”
Ms Roberts also runs end-of-life training for nursing homes and independent living spaces.
For more information visit thelastleaf.com.au.