Things you might want to know more about

An End-of-Life Doula is someone who walks beside individuals and families through one of life's most difficult journeys. We provide non-medical emotional support, practical guidance, education, advocacy, and compassionate companionship before, during, and after death.

Unlike a nurse or doctor, we don't provide medical care or make healthcare decisions. Instead, we help with the things that often fall between the cracks—planning ahead, understanding your options, having difficult conversations, organizing important information, preserving your legacy, supporting caregivers, sitting with someone who doesn't want to be alone, and helping families navigate everything that comes with serious illness, death, and grief.

Every person's journey is different, so our role is different for every family. Some people ask us to help them prepare years in advance. Others contact us after receiving a diagnosis, when caring for an aging parent, during the final days of life, or even after someone has died and they feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.



Think of us as a steady, knowledgeable presence whose job is to help make an incredibly difficult time feel a little less overwhelming.

Most importantly, an End-of-Life Doula doesn't take over—we walk beside you. We believe you should always remain at the centre of your own decisions. Our role is to provide information, support, and guidance so you can make choices that reflect your values, your wishes, and your definition of a good life and a good death.

The simple answer is whenever you feel you could use a little extra support.



Many people assume End-of-Life Doulas are only involved during the final days of life, but that's only one small part of what we do. In reality, the earlier we begin working together, the more time we have to plan, answer questions, reduce stress, and ensure your wishes are understood.

You might contact Stillwater because:

• You've received a serious or life-limiting diagnosis and don't know where to begin.
• You're caring for a spouse, parent, child, or friend and feeling overwhelmed.
• You'd like to complete advance care planning before there's a crisis.
• Your family needs help having difficult conversations about future care or wishes.
• Someone you love is entering hospice, long-term care, or the final stages of life.
• You're worried about making the "right" decisions and want someone to help you understand your options.
• A loved one has recently died and you're feeling overwhelmed by everything that suddenly needs to be done.
• You simply have questions and aren't sure who to ask.

You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. In fact, many people contact us because they don't know what they need yet—they just know they're feeling overwhelmed.

If, after talking with us, it turns out that another organization or professional would be better suited to help, we'll tell you honestly and do our best to point you in the right direction.

There is no "right time" to contact Stillwater. Whether you're planning years ahead or facing a crisis today, we're here to help you take the next step—one conversation at a time.

No. In fact, some of the best care happens when everyone works together.

Stillwater is a non-medical service, which means we do not provide medical treatment, administer medications, diagnose conditions, or replace the expertise of doctors, nurses, personal support workers, hospice staff, social workers, or other healthcare professionals. Instead, we focus on the parts of the journey that often don't fit neatly into a medical appointment.

That might include helping you understand your options, preparing questions for your healthcare team, completing advance care planning, facilitating family conversations, providing emotional support, advocating for your wishes, preserving your legacy, or simply being a calm, familiar presence during an overwhelming time.



Healthcare professionals are experts in caring for your body. Our role is to help care for the person—and the people who love them.

Many families tell us that medical appointments can feel rushed, leaving little time to ask every question or process everything they've been told. We can help you make sense of information, organize your thoughts, and feel more prepared for those conversations. We don't speak for you—we help you find your own voice.

Our goal is never to replace the care you're already receiving. It's to complement it, ensuring you and your family feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the journey.



If there's ever something outside our scope of practice, we'll tell you honestly and help connect you with the right professional or community resource whenever possible.

Absolutely.

No two people experience illness, caregiving, grief, or end-of-life in exactly the same way, so we don't believe support should come from a one-size-fits-all package.

Before recommending any services, we'll spend time getting to know you, your family, your values, your concerns, and what's most important to you. Together, we'll determine what kind of support would be most helpful—and just as importantly, what wouldn't.

Some people simply need a place to ask questions and talk through their options. Others are looking for practical help with planning, guidance during a difficult diagnosis, support while caring for a loved one, or compassionate companionship during the final days of life. Many families benefit from a combination of services that evolves as their needs change.

You're never expected to purchase services you don't need. Our goal isn't to fit you into a package—it's to provide the right support, at the right time, in the way that works best for you.

If your needs change, your support can change too. We'll continue to adapt our approach as your circumstances evolve.

We also recognize that every person communicates differently.

Whether you're neurodivergent, have a disability, require accessibility accommodations, or simply have preferences for how you'd like to communicate, we'll work with you in a way that respects your needs, your comfort, and your autonomy.

Yes.

In fact, family members and caregivers often need just as much support as the person who is ill, or dying.

Caring for someone you love can be physically exhausting, emotionally overwhelming, and filled with uncertainty. Many people find themselves trying to balance medical appointments, caregiving responsibilities, work, parenting, finances, and their own well-being—all while preparing for an unimaginable loss.



You don't have to carry that alone.

Stillwater provides guidance and support for spouses, partners, adult children, parents, siblings, close friends, and anyone who is walking this journey alongside someone they love.

Sometimes that support looks like helping you understand what to expect as an illness progresses. Sometimes it's having a safe place to ask difficult questions, talk through complicated emotions, or navigate family disagreements. Other times, it simply means having someone who will sit with you, listen without judgment, and remind you that you're doing the best you can.

We also recognize that every family is different. Some families are close. Some have complicated relationships. Some disagree about care decisions, while others are navigating distance, disability, or different communication styles. We'll meet your family where you are—with compassion, honesty, and respect.

Supporting the person who is ill also means supporting the people who love them. When caregivers feel informed, heard, and supported, everyone benefits.

Our first meeting is about getting to know you—not selling you a service and this meeting is Free.



We'll spend about 30–60 minutes talking about what's happening in your life, what brought you to Stillwater, and what kind of support you're hoping to find. There isn't a checklist to complete or a "right" way to answer questions. Some people talk a lot. Others aren't sure where to begin. Both are completely okay.

You don't need to prepare anything ahead of time unless you'd like to. If bringing notes, paperwork, or a list of questions makes you feel more comfortable, you're welcome to.

You're also welcome to bring a spouse, family member, friend, caregiver, or support person.



If you're neurodivergent, have a disability, use AAC or speech-to-text, need extra processing time, prefer written communication, would like questions in advance, or need breaks during the conversation, just let us know. We'll adapt our approach to meet your needs—not expect you to adapt to ours.

By the end of the meeting, we'll have a better understanding of your situation, answer any questions you have, and explain how Stillwater may be able to help. If we're not the right fit, we'll do our best to connect you with someone who is.

There is no obligation to book services after the consultation.

Yes.

Whenever possible, we believe support should happen where you feel most comfortable.



Depending on the service you need, we can meet in your home, a retirement residence, long-term care home, hospice, hospital, or another mutually agreed-upon location. We understand that travel isn't always easy—especially when you're caring for someone, living with illness, or balancing an already overwhelming schedule.

Some services, such as Bedside Companion or Home Transition Services, are naturally provided in person. Others may be offered either in person or virtually, depending on your needs and preferences.

We typically provide service in the Durham Region but if you live outside our primary service area, we'd still love to hear from you. Depending on the distance and the service requested, travel may be available for an additional fee, or we may recommend a virtual appointment as a convenient alternative.

If you're unsure whether we can come to you, simply ask. We'll always do our best to find a solution together.

Yes.

Many of our services can be provided virtually using a secure video platform or, if you prefer, by telephone. Virtual appointments can be a wonderful option for individuals and families who are unable to travel, live outside our local service area, have mobility or health concerns, are balancing caregiving responsibilities, or simply feel more comfortable meeting from home.

Planning sessions, caregiver support, education, advance care planning, legacy planning, and many follow-up conversations work very well virtually.

If family members live in different cities or even different countries. They're welcome to join the same virtual meeting, making it easier for everyone to hear the same information, ask questions, and participate in important conversations together.

Some services, such as Bedside Companion and Home Transition Services, require us to be there in person. If an in-person visit would better meet your needs, we'll discuss that with you and find a solution together.

We also understand that everyone communicates differently. If video calls aren't comfortable for you, let us know. Depending on your needs, we may be able to communicate by telephone, email, or in another way that works best for you.



Our goal isn't to make you fit a particular format. It's to make our support as accessible, comfortable, and convenient as possible.

Initial Consultation

Free (30–60 minutes)

A chance for us to get to know one another, answer your questions, understand your situation, and determine whether Stillwater is the right fit for your needs. You'll leave with a better understanding of your options, and there is absolutely no obligation to book additional services.

Planning Sessions

Starting at $50 per hour

Planning sessions are tailored to your unique circumstances and may include advance care planning, healthcare wishes, caregiver support, difficult conversations, resource navigation, advocacy, and practical guidance. Whether you're planning years ahead or facing an immediate need, we'll work together to create a plan that reflects your values and goals.

Bedside Companion

Starting at $50 per hour

A minimum booking may apply.

A calm, compassionate presence for individuals nearing the end of life. Whether family members need time to rest, attend appointments, or simply take a much-needed break, you can have peace of mind knowing your loved one is not alone. We provide companionship, emotional support, and a reassuring presence during what is often one of life's most difficult times.



Home Transition Services

Starting at $50 per hour

Pricing varies depending on the size of the space, the number of team members required, the estimated time to complete the work, and is subject to change.

Families are often expected to clear a loved one's room within days after a death. We provide respectful, hands-on assistance sorting, organizing, wrapping, labeling, and packing belongings with care and dignity, allowing families to focus on one another instead of the overwhelming logistics.

Legacy Planning

Starting at $75 per session

Legacy Planning helps preserve the stories, memories, values, and messages that matter most. Together, we'll create meaningful keepsakes such as letters, recordings, memory projects, ethical wills, or other personalized legacy pieces that provide comfort and connection for generations to come.

Funeral & Memorial Planning

Starting at $100

Pricing varies depending on the scope and complexity of the funeral or memorial.

Whether you're planning ahead or arranging a service after a loss, we'll help organize the many details involved, explore meaningful ways to honour a life, and ensure your wishes—or those of your loved one—are reflected in the service. Our role is to reduce stress, answer questions, and help families make informed decisions during an emotional time.

Travel

Travel outside our regular service area may involve an additional travel fee (per km). Any applicable travel costs will always be discussed with you before services are booked.

Not sure where to start?

That's completely okay.

Many people contact us because they know they need support but aren't sure which service is right for them. During your complimentary consultation, we'll listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine the best path forward. If another organization or professional would better meet your needs, we'll tell you honestly and help point you in the right direction whenever possible.