The Lake Chapala End of Life Care Community is part of a world-wide movement which promotes the understanding of death as a natural part of life, rather than something to fear and avoid. Our modern culture has entrained us to accept and expect a medicalized experience of the end of life, an approach which can entail a forced continuation of living without regard to the quality of life or the pain and suffering that may be involved.
Thankfully, there is an alternative. A death doula is trained to facilitate the planning and preparation that allows for death to be experienced in a more natural way. Death is an organic process which can be a spiritually deepening experience, both for the person who is passing, and for that person’s family, friends, and caregivers. We, as death doulas, believe there is no life transition more sacred than this one.
Our community seeks to educate, support, and accompany those who choose this path, as well as to offer guidance and resources for the process of grieving.
As one begins to age, (though it’s not a bad idea at any time), it is important to put some thought and planning into how emergencies involving the health of the body and the end of life will be handled. The Lake Chapala End of Life Care Community offers end-of-life planning for expats in the Lake Chapala area, through individual consultation, classes (both through the Lake Chapala Society and online), and by offering the free downloadable, fillable forms located in the Resources section of this website. If the applicable forms are filled out, printed out, and collected in one notebook, you will be providing those who are close to you all of the information they need to provide for your needs, and to take care of your affairs when you cannot, as well as after you pass. This is a huge gift to offer to those around you.
Emergency and end-of-life planning is relevant anytime, and might particularly be needed if you receive a terminal diagnosis (usually 6 months or less), or if someone who is your medical power of attorney dies, leaves the country, or if your relationship with this person ends, or if there is a change or deterioration in your own health status.
If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, consultations are available to help determine what options are available to you here at Lakeside. And our Resources section can point you and those helping you to further helpful services.
Finally, death doulas are non-medical people who are trained to understand the stages of death as well as its sacredness. They can accompany you through the entire process, meeting with you along the way to help you identity and plan for what you want and what might support you best as you approach your death. This can include how you want your environment to be and your wishes regarding music, touch, and ritual. Or you might want help in projects such as writing stories about your life for your family to read, or there may be feelings or other communications you wish to express to family or friends. But it is not all about planning. Most importantly, it is about being present with you, accompanying you, however you are. If it is what you wish, a death doula will stay by your side, literally, until the end.