• Home
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Events
  • Media
    • Podcasts
    • Medical Aid in Dying
    • In The News
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • FAQ
    • Events
    • Media
      • Podcasts
      • Medical Aid in Dying
      • In The News
    • Blog
    • Contact Me
  • Home
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Events
  • Media
    • Podcasts
    • Medical Aid in Dying
    • In The News
  • Blog
  • Contact Me

What is a "good death?"

Person hiking through a golden grassy field.

It means something different to every single person.

It means unburdening your friends and loved ones from difficult decisions

It means having some control over where and how you die

Your experiences, morals, culture, family, relationships, religious beliefs, and personal philosophy about life and death are just a few things that determine what you consider a good death. Only you can determine how you want to die. I can help you plan, then assist in relaying your wishes  to family, medical staff, and friends to guarantee that your wishes are fulfilled as best as possible.

Sunlight beams through autumn trees on a forest path.

It means having some control over where and how you die

It means unburdening your friends and loved ones from difficult decisions

It means having some control over where and how you die

It may seem simple. You may already have an idea of what a good death means to you. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems, though, especially with your health and medical care.


With targeted questions and personal discussion, I can help you


  • write a detailed and extensive end-of-life plan 


  • have some control over where and how you die


  • maintain 

It may seem simple. You may already have an idea of what a good death means to you. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems, though, especially with your health and medical care.


With targeted questions and personal discussion, I can help you


  • write a detailed and extensive end-of-life plan 


  • have some control over where and how you die


  • maintain a sense of dignity


  • plan your own memorial service, funeral, and burial


  • write your obituary


  • plan, develop, and create a legacy project for your loved ones


  • get your affairs in order


  • resolve unfinished issues

Four friends embracing and watching sunset on a hilltop.

It means unburdening your friends and loved ones from difficult decisions

It means unburdening your friends and loved ones from difficult decisions

It means unburdening your friends and loved ones from difficult decisions

Falling ill or dying without an End-of-Life Plan means your family members must make important decisions about your finances, funeral, and burial in stressful and emotionally painful times. It can cause strife among family members, delay securing your finances to pay your bills until your recovery, expose you to scammers, and result in ch

Falling ill or dying without an End-of-Life Plan means your family members must make important decisions about your finances, funeral, and burial in stressful and emotionally painful times. It can cause strife among family members, delay securing your finances to pay your bills until your recovery, expose you to scammers, and result in choices made about your medical care that you may disagree with.  

About a Death Doula

What Do You Do?

Who Do You Serve?

Every person's journey is different, so my role is different for every client. Some people come to me because they want to plan ahead. Others are facing a serious illness or helping someone they love through the final chapter of life. Wherever you are on that journey, I meet you there.


We'll begin by talking about what's most important to you—your wishes, your concerns, your values, and what a "good death" means to you. Together, we'll create a personalized end-of-life plan that gives you and your loved ones clarity and peace of mind. 


If that's all you need, that's perfectly okay.

For others, our work continues. We might create a legacy project, plan a celebration of life, reconnect with important people, have difficult but meaningful conversations, or simply spend time together talking through fears, questions, and hopes. My goal is to help you live fully while preparing thoughtfully for the end of life.


I'll meet you where you are and help you create the journey that's right for you.


Who Do You Serve?

Who Do You Serve?

I work with people from all walks of life and in various situations, because the truth is, death touches all of us.


Some of my clients are living with a terminal illness and want help planning for the time they have left. Others are adult children trying to support an aging parent from across the country. I also work with people who have been diagnosed with progressive illnesses, parents who want to make sure their children will be cared for if the unexpected happens, and anyone who simply wants to plan ahead and spare their loved ones from difficult decisions.


You don't have to be at the end of life to benefit from end-of-life planning. In fact, many people find that having these conversations early brings a greater sense of peace, clarity, and control.


Whatever your age, background, or circumstances, I'll meet you where you are and help you prepare in a way that feels right for you.


I am there for you.

Are you like hospice?

Do you help patients with Medical Aid in Dying?

This is one of the questions I'm asked most often, and the answer is simple: a death doula and hospice work together—they're not the same thing, and they're not competitors.


If you or someone you love is receiving hospice care, I can become part of your support team. Hospice nurses, social workers, chaplains, and aides do an incredible job caring for your medical and physical needs. My role is different. I have the time to sit with you, listen to your concerns, answer questions, and help you navigate the emotional and practical parts of this journey.


Maybe you want to talk about what a "good death" means to you. Maybe you're worried about how your family will cope, or you want help planning a celebration of life, writing letters to your grandchildren, or simply finding the words to have a difficult conversation. Sometimes people just want someone to sit quietly with them who isn't rushing to the next appointment. That's where I come in.


I can help you feel more prepared and less alone.

Do you help patients with Medical Aid in Dying?

Do you help patients with Medical Aid in Dying?

Yes. One of my roles as a death doula is to help people understand all of their end-of-life options so they can make informed decisions that reflect their own values, beliefs, and wishes.


If you have questions about Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), we can talk openly about what it is, who may qualify, and what the process involves where it is legally available. I can help you understand the eligibility requirements, explore how this option compares with other end-of-life choices, and answer questions you or your family may have. If Medical Aid in Dying is the path you choose, I can provide guidance and emotional support throughout the process while working alongside your healthcare team and loved ones.


My role is never to persuade you toward or away from any particular decision. It is to provide compassionate support, reliable information, and a safe space for honest conversations so you can make the choices that feel right for you.


I'll help you understand your options and support the decisions that are right for you.

Can I die at home and have a natural burial?

Can I die at home and have a natural burial?

Absolutely. Many people are surprised to learn that there are more options than a traditional funeral, and more families are choosing approaches that feel personal, meaningful, and aligned with their values.


For some, that means spending a loved one's final days at home or holding a home funeral that allows family and friends to participate in caring for and honoring the person who has died. For others, it means choosing a natural (or green) burial that avoids embalming and other conventional practices. While green burials are becoming more common, they aren't available in every community.


If you're interested in exploring these options, I'll help you understand what's available, what's legal, and what best reflects your wishes. Together, we'll create an end-of-life plan that honors your values and gives your loved ones the guidance they need.


I'll work with you to find the alternative you want.  

Subscribe

Sign up to hear about upcoming events and blog posts.


Copyright © 2026 Dying Well in Delaware - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept