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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • When should I contact you?

    • 1.) Timing - as soon as you are ready to. There is no wrong time to discuss death and dying, as it is part of the circle of life! For me, there is no reason to delay, but I understand that death is a deeply sensitive topic and therefore it may be hard to reach out. This is why I offer a Free 20-minute Care Call, with no obligation to work with me. 

    • 2.) Logistics - Advanced care directives and client advocacy in End of Life planning.

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  • I don’t want to think about my death, why should I call?

    • Part of my work is to help support you through this transition. Depending on social, cultural and/or religious views, death is a topic that one may not openly discuss, and therefore may not know how to handle. Since death is unavoidable, and a very natural part of life, I am here to help you navigate your relationship with death and dying.

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  • What about spirituality or religion?

    • As an End of Life Doula, my work is to support you and your loved ones from a neutral and compassionate space through the dying and death process. I do my best to honour spiritual and religious beliefs and practices, and welcome discussions to assist me in understanding what is important to you.

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  • I am not dying but my loved one is, can I work with you? 

    • Absolutely! My services are available for those who are experiencing a loved one dying.

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  • Are your services covered under medical benefits?

    • End of Life Doula services are not currently covered under Canadian (Federal or Provincial) health care systems, and are a privately obtained service. Please check with your benefit provider if you have extended health care benefits for coverage.

  • Can we incorporate your healing modalities into my care plan?

    • Yes! It is my intention to offer a multifaceted and unique approach to your care. If you are curious about implementing other modalities into your plan, I would be happy to explore your options with you.

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  • Are you insured?

    • Yes

 

  • Do you administer medication or perform medical services? No, as a Doula I have limitations within my role:

    • I do not perform medical related tasks

    • I do not pick up or administer medication

    • I do not diagnose a client

    • I do not make decisions for a client

    • I do not provide my personal beliefs to a client

    • I do not handle the body after death

    • I do not act as your appointed representative in an Advanced Care Directive

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  • Do you promote MAID?

    • As an End of Life caregiver, I do not approve of or disapprove of choosing to use the MAID program. I am here to support you or your loved one in your choice to use this program or not.​

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  • What hours do you work?

    • In-person or virtual meetings are Monday to Friday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. 

    • Evening and weekend appointments will be determined in our agreement together.

    • I aim to be available by text or phone call outside of office hours which will be determined in our agreement together.

    • I try to remain flexible when creating a plan with you, and what works best for us as a team. Please understand that I too have loved ones and self-care to consider, so I can be of the best service to my clients.

Valerie Atkinson
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