Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores the critical topic of legally protecting your advance directive wishes. Joined by Janis Landis, an end-of-life care advocate from the Final Exit Network, they discuss how to ensure your healthcare preferences are respected and followed. Key takeaways include the importance of selecting the right healthcare representative, understanding the legal aspects of advance directives, and navigating complex situations like dementia and ALS. This episode aims to normalize conversations around end-of-life planning and empower listeners with practical tips to safeguard their final wishes. Links/Resources Guest: Final Exit Network - https://finalexitnetwork.org Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources: AARP Advance Directive Forms - https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/  Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' Traci Arieli explores the collaborative relationship between death doulas and hospice teams.  She is joined by two nurses, Dori Sappo and Denise Campbell. Both Dori and Denise bring unique perspectives as they have worked on both sides—serving as hospice nurses and end-of-life doulas. Together, they discuss how these roles complement each other, the emotional and practical support that doulas provide, and how this partnership can better serve clients and their families during the end-of-life journey.  Key takeaways include understanding the different roles within hospice care, the value of death doulas in extending emotional and practical support, and strategies for effective collaboration between doulas and hospice teams. This episode aims to normalize conversations about death and dying while providing information for both professionals and those unfamiliar with end-of-life care. Links/Resources: Guest: Dori Sappo - Your Heartbridge: https://www.yourheartbridge.com Guest: Denise Campbell - End of Life Midwife: https://www.endoflifemidwife.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com National End-of-Life Doula Alliance: https://www.nedalliance.org/ 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli sits down with Jim Van Buskirk, a Final Exit Network volunteer and the editor of "There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network." They read a few stories from the anthology, discussing themes of autonomy, dignity, and the profound choices we face at the end of life. Jim shares his personal journey, insights on the critical role of volunteers, and the emotional and ethical challenges involved in this important work. Key takeaways include the importance of having control over one's end-of-life decisions and the impact of compassionate support during these final moments. Links/Resources Guest: Final Exit Network - https://www.finalexitnetwork.org Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Book: "There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network" - Available on the Final Exit Network website Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #FinalExitNetwork #AutonomyAndDignity #SelfDeliverance 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, we explore how Titan Casket is transforming the funeral industry by making high-quality caskets more accessible, customizable, and affordable by selling directly to consumers. Josh and Scott share their personal journeys that led to the creation of Titan Casket and explain how their mission is to help families manage the financial burden of funerals. We also touch on the issue of funeral debt and explore the importance of planning ahead. Josh and Scott provide advice on how families can ease both financial and emotional burdens while honoring their loved ones. This conversation aims to normalize end-of-life arrangements, encouraging open and proactive discussions. Whether you're an industry professional or someone unfamiliar with aging, death, and grief, there’s something valuable in this episode for you. Links/Resources: Guest: Titan Casket's Website - https://titancasket.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Financial figures in this episode of sourced from: National Funeral Directors Association article on funeral costs - https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral Article on funeral costs: https://choicemutual.com/blog/burial-plot-cost/ #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #FuneralPlanning #TitanCasket #EcoFriendlyFunerals  

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode, Traci Arieli speaks with Charles Tigard, the director of Stanford's Office of Decedent Affairs. They discuss the reasons behind the creation of this office, the family experiences, and the larger impact of their work. Key takeaways include insights into how the office supports grieving families and the unique services they offer. This episode aims to provide a compassionate look at end-of-life care and normalize conversations around these important topics. Links/Resources: Guest: Stanford's Office of Decedent Affairs - https://stanfordhealthcare.org/for-patients-visitors/spiritual-care-service/what-we-provide/decedentcare.html Host’s Website – www.comfortingclosure.com Donor Network West: donornetworkwest.org #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #StanfordHospital #FamilySupport #MedicalExcellence 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli discusses a unique memorialization option with Jason Leach from And Vinyly. This innovative service transforms a person’s ashes into vinyl records, creating a beautiful blend of legacy, memory, and sound. Jason shares the fascinating process behind this service and how it can provide comfort during the grieving process. Key takeaways include the emotional impact of hearing a loved one's voice on vinyl and how this unique tribute can help maintain a connection to those we've lost. This episode aims to normalize conversations around death and provide new perspectives on memorialization. Links/Resources: Guest: And Vinyly's Website - http://www.andvinyly.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #Memorialization #Legacy #GriefSupport #VinylRecords 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the unique challenges that police officers and first responders face when it comes to grieving. Joined by Nicole Junkerman, a retired police officer and founder of Positive Passing, LLC, they explore the emotional toll these high-stress professions can take and the complexities of grief for those in law enforcement. Nicole shares her personal experiences from her time in law enforcement and how they have shaped her approach as a death doula. Key takeaways include the importance of creating supportive environments for officers to express their grief, understanding the societal and institutional barriers they face, and practical advice on how to support first responders dealing with loss. This episode aims to demystify and de-stigmatize the natural yet often unspoken aspects of grief in high-stress professions, offering support to both industry professionals and those unfamiliar with the subject. Links/Resources: Guest: Nicole Junkerman’s Website - https://positive-passing-9s5o5.zensmb.com/#dm Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources: Nicole Junkerman’s book, "Daddy’s Home," available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #GriefSupport #FirstResponders #PoliceGrief #ComfortingClosure #PositivePassing 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli discusses the critical importance of advanced directives and planning for a good quality of life as we age. Joined by Sam Madison, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Thanacare, they explore how to ensure that doctors and medical staff follow your wishes and the best ways to communicate those wishes to your loved ones.  Key takeaways include overcoming the barriers to completing healthcare directives, the benefits of using modern tools like QR codes for accessibility, and the significance of having a healthcare power of attorney.  This episode aims to normalize conversations around aging, death, and grief, and is intended for both professionals and those new to these topics. Links/Resources: Guest: Thanacare - https://www.thanacare.com Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #AdvancedDirectives #Thanacare #EndOfLifePlanning 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of "Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula," host Traci Arieli discusses the profound impact of home funerals with Isabel Knight from the National Home Funeral Alliance. Together, they explore the practicalities, benefits, and challenges of home funerals, including navigating hospital and hospice rules, understanding legalities, and the importance of planning ahead. Isabel shares how cultural norms and practices intersect with the home funeral movement, addressing issues of racism and cultural sensitivity within death care. They also discuss the growing role of death doulas, the significant increase in women entering the funeral industry, and the problem of funeral debt. Key takeaways include how families can start thinking about home funerals, the support available from NHFA, and the importance of community in death care. This episode aims to normalize conversations around aging, death, and grief, providing information and support to listeners. Links/Resources: Guest: National Home Funeral Alliance - https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/ Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com NHFA Home Funeral Guidebook (donation-based) - https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/home-funeral-guidebook.html  NHFA 2024 Deathcare Conference: https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/conference.html Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! #DeathDoula #EndOfLifeDoula #HomeFuneral #DeathCare #GriefSupport 

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.In this episode of 'Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula,' host Traci Arieli explores the emotional journey of losing both parents within a short span of time. Joined by Victoria Beelik, author of "Watching My Parents Die," they discuss the challenges of navigating differing end-of-life wishes and the personal toll it takes.  Victoria shares her story of making difficult medical decisions, coping with the burden of family secrets, and her reasons for writing her book. This episode looks at the complexities of family dynamics, medical ethics in end-of-life care, and the importance of discussing death openly. Links/Resources Guest: Victoria Beelik's Website - deathandlove.net Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com Resources: "Watching My Parents Die" by Victoria Beelik (Available on major book retail platforms)  Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes! Join us as we continue to open up crucial conversations about life, death, and everything in between.