Community Care Connect
Welcome to Community Care Connect
Our goal is to unite communities through connection, resources, education and support throughout life's journey.
We are a web-based platform offering End of Life Doula/Coaching via Zoom webinar and Facebook video conferencing
Angela Hershey is a certified end of life doula, death educator and hospice massage therapist based out of Indianapolis, IN. Angela is the co-founder of My Massage + Wellness, the co-creator of the Central IN Senior Support Group on facebook and the co-creator of the Indy End of Life Collective. All of these initiatives were founded to better serve seniors, the terminally ill and their families through comprehensive and holistic approaches to health and well-being.
The primary goal of My Massage + Wellness and it's subgroups is to provide resources, education, and empowerment to patients and families facing unique challenges related to all things end of life.
It is our belief that end of life deserves just as much care as the beginning.
How can I support you as your End of Life Doula/Coach?
As your End of Life Doula/Coach, I am here to serve you and your family throughout your journey. An end of life doula is a non-medical professional trained in providing support to the patient and family at the end of life. Doulas provide holistic support for the dying and their loved ones before, during and after death.
Maybe you have recently been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
Maybe you have a loved one who has suddenly become ill and now you are a new caregiver, and you need help and guidance.
Maybe someone you love has been sick for a long time but now you are noticing more of a decline, but you're not sure what next steps to take.
And there are so many other unique situations that arise sometimes out of nowhere that can be overwhelming and scary.
Areas I may offer support are:
Identifying community and family supports available to help
Facilitating important healthcare conversations
Values based care planning/ advance directives
Understanding the natural process of death
Planning meaningful memorials to honor your loved one
Provide consumer information regarding deathcare (funerals)
Reinforce the hospice plan of care
How to create a sacred space
Caregiver self-care support
Patient/family advocacy
Early grief support
Building a trusting relationship sometimes takes a couple of calls or encounters. I understand that navigating the end of life landscape can be overwhelming and exhausting. For that reason, I will help you and your loved one create a clear yet fluid blueprint or plan of care for your loved one.
Together we will set goals for yours and your loved ones care and comfort. And we will evaluate and reassess them as needed.
The plan of care created with your doula is based on a holistic approach including the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your journey.
Doulas and coaches provide support holistically in the following ways:
Education and Resources
Resources for home care, independant and senior living
Provide resources and education for palliative/hospice care
What is hospice? And when to call
Interview questions for your hospice (before you decide)
Provide consumer information regarding deathcare
Empowering you with choices and being knowledgeable of your rights
Physical Support
Identifying and managing acute safety issues
What to expect during the end of life process
Reinforce hospice education to avoid unnecessary 911 calls and ER visits
How to address comfort and pain management in non-medical ways
Practical caregiving techniques for optimal safety
Emotional Support
Guided breathwork, guided visualizations and meditations to reduce anxiety, worry and fear
Provide a deeper understanding of emotions involved with death and dying
Self-care tools and “homework” to help ground and release trapped emotions
Family/client coping and decision making
Early grief support and referrals to grief counseling
Spiritual Support
Life review and memorial creation
Eulogy and obituary writing assistance
Living “funerals”, good-bye parties (virtual options)
Home vigils and unique memorial ideas
FAQ’s
Q: How does this work online?
A: If you have a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer/laptop with an internet connection, microphone and a camera, then you have what you need to get the support you need from a doula in the comfort of your own home.
We will schedule a FREE consultation by phone or video chat using any of the three above options, whichever you choose that is easiest for you. On the consultation call, I will learn about you, your loved one and the unique challenges you are facing, and together we will identify supports we can put in place to help you. I will do my best to support you with education, guidance and emotional/spiritual support.
Q: Can Doulas work with hospice?
A: YES! Doulas are a part of the multidisciplinary team of hospice nurses, social workers, chaplains and CNA’s.
End of Life Doulas do not replace hospice care. Hospice is the medical manager of your loved ones' care. Doulas cannot dose or administer medication prescribed by hospice. Because hospice is not present 24/7, doulas become an additional eyes and ears for the patient and family that can help bridge gaps in hospice care by:
Advocating for additional family education regarding medications
Help advocate for adequate pain relief and comfort measures
Ensuring you and your loved ones have needed medical equipment/supplies
Bridge communication gaps between hospice, patient and family
Locate additional resources offered by hospice such as music therapy, chaplain/spiritual care and bereavement
The amount of support I can provide is entirely up to you.
There are no contracts, no commitments and no obligations to work with me.
I want you to feel that you are getting exactly what you need from my role as your doula/coach.
Rates
$29/hour scheduled as needed to suit your needs
OR
1 Month Package $222
Includes:
5-45 min scheduled phone calls
Goal and planned intervention recaps and resources sent via email
Text message check ins (unlimited)
Latest Interviews and Media
March 16, 2020
Enlightened Transitions by Dillman Law Group
Please check out my latest podcast with Dillman Law Group discussing the importance of community support amongst stressful times
November 17, 2019
Richard Brendans Journey’s Fire Podcast
Richard Brendan’s special guest is end of life doula/consultant Angela Hershey. The positive death movement is growing and so is the interest in becoming a death doula. Angela will share her powerful story that ultimately guided her into this new calling, and will discuss the various services that she can provide to the dying patient and family. Richard encourages you to share this interview with as many as possible because creating a good death is just as important as a good life.