We’ll help with end-of-life planning
We can support seniors with end-of-life and life legacy planning, in person or virtually.
Thoughtful preparation can bring peace, clarity, and dignity to both the person who is passing and the people who love them. Manana offers non-medical end-of-life planning and support, sometimes known as working with a death doula, end-of-life coach, or dying midwife. Our goal is to help individuals and families approach this stage of life with openness, emotional support, and practical guidance.
Whether someone is living with a serious illness, entering hospice, or simply preparing in advance, our life planning services help people reflect, organize information, and consider important decisions, to ensure their wishes are honored and their legacy lives on.
WORKING WITH AN END-OF-LIFE PLANNER
What is an end-of-life guide or death doula?
An end-of-life guide or death doula (also called an end-of-life doula, death midwife, or life planning coach) provides non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families during the final stage of life.
Unlike doctors, nurses, or hospice providers who focus on medical care, an end-of-life guide focuses on:
- Helping people prepare for the practical and emotional aspects of dying
- Encouraging meaningful family conversations and reflection
- Supporting families with documenting wishes and legacy planning
- Providing calm emotional support for the individual and their loved ones before and after death
The goal is to help people face death with understanding and peace rather than fear.
Additionally, though the approach is religion-agnostic and respectful of each person’s beliefs, a death doula can coordinate with clergy, spiritual leaders, or other faith-based resources as desired by the individual throughout the process
HOW END-OF-LIFE SUPPORT CAN HELP FAMILIES
End-of-life planning often involves many different forms of support
Manana Helpers can assist with emotional guidance, family communication, practical planning, legacy preservation, and funeral arrangements.
Emotional Support
End-of-life conversations can be difficult. We create a supportive environment where individuals and families can talk honestly about:
- Wishes and fears around dying
- Unfinished conversations or regrets
- Personal values and beliefs about death
- How they want to be remembered
Our role is to be a steady, compassionate presence—someone who can listen without judgment and help families navigate emotionally complex moments.
Family Support
When a loved one is dying, families often feel uncertain about what to expect. We help families:
- Understand the emotional and practical stages of dying
- Prepare for the final days or hours
- Navigate family communication and decision-making
- Coordinate with hospice or medical teams when appropriate
Many families find comfort simply in having a calm, experienced guide present during this time.
Practical Planning & Documentation
End-of-life planning often involves important paperwork and decisions. Manana helps families organize and prepare key documents, including:
- Advance directives
- Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders
- Power of attorney documents
- End-of-life wishes
- Funeral planning
Note: We do not provide legal advice, but we can refer families to estate planners or attorneys when needed.
Legacy Projects
Many people want to leave something meaningful behind for loved ones. We help create legacy projects, such as:
- Recorded audio or video life stories
- Letters or messages to loved ones
- Memory books or photo albums
- Family signature books or keepsakes
- Documenting personal stories and life lessons
These projects can become treasured family heirlooms for generations.
Presence at the End of Life
Some families want an experienced guide present during the final stage of life. We offer a calm, professional presence that helps create a peaceful environment for both the person who is dying and their loved ones.
This can include:
- Sitting vigil
- Supporting family members emotionally
- Helping maintain a calm and respectful atmosphere
- Ensuring the individual’s wishes are honored
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOKING ONE OF OUR END-OF-LIFE HELPERS
Meet a Manana Helper: Greg
Greg is a Manana Helper who has supported families as a death doula and end-of-life guide for many years. He jokingly compares himself to Mr. Spock from Star Trek, known for his calm, analytical presence. Greg brings that same sense of steadiness and composure when helping families navigate difficult moments.
In addition to his experience providing emotional and practical support, Greg is also a licensed public notary, which allows him to notarize documents when needed during the planning process.
Greg provides support across three levels of elderly care:
- Level 1 Minimal Support: Guidance with conversations, documentation, and basic planning.
- Level 2 Moderate Support: Regular assistance with planning, family conversations, and legacy projects.
- Level 3 Intensive Support: Comprehensive end-of-life support, including presence during the final stages of life.
How his process works:
Greg typically begins with a comprehensive interview to better understand the individual and their family. This conversation can take place or one-on-one with the individual or with family members present; he can also conduct separate conversations for privacy.
The interview is thorough and often takes several hours. It may happen in one sitting or across multiple sessions depending on the comfort of the individual and family.
Once he understands the situation, Greg develops a personalized support plan tailored to the needs of the individual and their loved ones. He can provide support in the home, in a hospital, or wherever the family needs assistance.
This may include:
- Keeping someone company when family members need to step away
- Supporting conversations between family members
- Helping organize plans and documentation
- Providing a calm presence during emotionally difficult moments
Talking about the end of life may feel difficult, but planning ahead can bring clarity, comfort, and peace to everyone involved. Manana offers flexible levels of end-of-life support depending on the needs of the individual and family. We are here to support both the person who is dying and the people who love them. Don’t wait for an unexpected event, be proactive. If you or a loved one would like support with end-of-life planning, legacy projects, or family guidance, Manana is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a death doula an alternative to hospice care?
No. Hospice focuses on medical care and symptom management. A death doula or end-of-life guide focuses on emotional, spiritual, and practical support. These services often work alongside hospice care to support both the individual and their family.
Is hiring a death doula the same as attending grief counseling?
No. While we provide emotional support, this service is not therapy or counseling. If families need professional grief counseling, we can refer them to appropriate providers.
When should someone start end-of-life planning?
It can begin at any time. Some families reach out after a diagnosis, while others start planning simply to ensure their wishes are documented and their loved ones are prepared.
Can you help with documents like power of attorney?
Yes. Manana Helpers can help families understand the types of documents they may need and notarize documents when required. However, we do not provide legal advice. When needed, we can refer families to estate planning attorneys or legal professionals.
Find end-of-life planning services for seniors
Get started with Manana today
Browse available Helpers today or contact us to learn more about our services. Call or book a Helper online today to ensure your loved one has access to the care they need!
Questions? Call (615) 212-9609 or Contact Us.
