"Gina Sheridan is dedicated to fostering a compassionate space where individuals can embrace the fullness of their lives by envisioning and planning their ideal death, and she does so with radical love."
- Testimonial
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Death Doula Services
Death Doula Services
Each client’s needs are unique, and each doula brings their own approach. You might hire a doula for a single service, ongoing support, or as a care partner at the end of your life. It's perfectly okay if you’re unsure of your needs at first.
Here is what to expect if you contact me:
1) Initial Meeting
We’ll schedule a free initial meeting to ensure mutual compatibility.
2) Discovery Session
If we decide to proceed, the next step is a 2-hour Discovery Session. During this session, I’ll ask questions and facilitate a conversation to understand your needs better. Loved ones are welcome to attend. ($200 fee)
3) Service Proposal
Within 72 hours of the Discovery Session, I’ll provide a list of potential projects and services I think may interest you, including complimentary offerings. There’s absolutely no pressure to select any or all of these services.
4) Plan Agreement
Once we’ve developed a plan, I’ll draft an agreement for your review. All fees will be clearly outlined upfront, with no surprises.
Important Note: I am open to taking on one-time projects at any point. However, if I am engaged as a care partner until death by a dying individual, I will be unable to accept additional clients. This ensures I can provide undivided attention and support to my primary client throughout our journey together.
I am currently open for all inquiries and look forward to supporting you in any way I can.
Last updated: 3/3/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do your death doula services cost?
How much do your death doula services cost?
Each individual's plan is tailored to their specific needs. While my standard fee is $100 per hour, I do not charge for much of the preparatory work, such as crafting meditations, gathering resources, or other necessary planning before visits. You will always know my fees upfront. Flexible payment options are available, including installment plans, and you can save through service bundling.
Below are examples of services and their associated fees for your reference.
What are some examples of one-time services?
What are some examples of one-time services?
While this list is not exhaustive, here are some one-time services I offer:
Life Review Discussion ($200)
A 2-hour exercise where we discuss and reminisce about your life. The goal is to balance and accept both positive and negative memories, understand life themes, and improve self-connection and relationships. This process aims to reduce fear and discover peace.Facilitated Group Discussion ($200 and up)
A structured gathering with your family or chosen family to discuss your communication expectations, wishes for care or funeral arrangements, or to educate them about the dying process. This includes a planning session between us, a 1-1.5 hour meeting, and a written recap shared with all participants.Legacy Project (Cost varies)
An artifact for your loved ones to remember and celebrate you. Ideas for legacy projects will be provided based on our Discovery Session.Group Meditation ($100)
A simple sitting meditation led by me for you and your family. This aims to inspire cohesiveness among caregivers, acknowledge fears of the unknown, and encourage self-love and acceptance during this transformative time.After-Death Family Ritual ($200)
While I cannot assist with body care after death due to funeral laws, I can design a beautiful body care ritual for your family. This ritual helps bring the family together, release emotions, and say goodbye to your body.Obituary Writing ($250 and up)
I will interview 5-7 people in your life, write an engaging, detailed, memorable obituary, make edits based on feedback, and submit it for publication when the time comes. Publication cost is not included (but most funeral homes include obituaries on their websites for free).Eulogy Writing ($250 and up)
The main reading at your funeral or memorial service. This includes interviewing 5-7 people, writing an engaging and memorable eulogy, and making edits based on feedback.Letter Writing ($100 and up, depending on quantity)
I will record your ideas for letters to individuals or groups, type and edit each letter, and print them on quality stationery for your review, signature, and sealing. Paper, envelopes, and sticker seals are included.Photo Slideshow for Memorial/Funeral Service ($250 and up, depending on length and details)
I will gather photos and music from you and/or your loved ones and create a 5-10 minute video slideshow in .mp4 format. I can also scan and upload printed photos to include.Program for Memorial/Funeral Service ($250 and up, depending on design needs)
I will design a full-color printable program with words, an order of service, and photos supplied by you. This includes design, edits based on your feedback, and a .pdf of the final program. Printing and paper costs are not included, but I can arrange printing and delivery if requested.
What are some examples of weekly/ongoing services?
What are some examples of weekly/ongoing services?
The list below is not exhaustive, but here are some ideas of weekly services I offer:
Scheduling Caregiving
This will involve me gathering your caregivers' availability, coordinating the shifts on a shared calendar, communicating the schedule with the group, and making last-minute edits to the schedule when needed. If private services are needed, I can identify and arrange for those.Meditations
Preparing and leading a meditation written specifically for you in order to bring emotional, spiritual, and mental peace. Others are welcome to join if they are present.Companionship Visits
This may include conversations, help with household tasks, running errands, being an advocate or taking notes during appointments, and more.
Communications & Coordination
Coordinating a meal train or visits from friends, or providing updates to people outside of the immediate circle of care.
What services are included free-of-charge if I am your sole end-of-life client?
What services are included free-of-charge if I am your sole end-of-life client?
While this list is not exhaustive, the following services are generally provided at no additional charge:
Setting up a CaringBridge page, if desired
Daily check-ins initiated by me
Twice-weekly check-ins with each chosen family member, initiated by me
Phone or email communications with you or any chosen family member
Writing meditations or preparing for visits
Facilitating connections with other service providers (e.g., funeral directors, massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, etc.)
Mileage and travel expenses within a 25-mile radius of downtown St. Louis (distances beyond that can be discussed)
After-death check-ins with each chosen family member on an agreed-upon schedule
These complimentary services are designed to provide comprehensive support and ensure that you and your loved ones receive the care and assistance you need.
Do I have to be an individual who is dying in order to hire you?
Do I have to be an individual who is dying in order to hire you?
No, you do not have to be dying to hire me. While many clients are at the end of their lives and may be under hospice care or anticipating a hospice referral, I work with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and life situations. My clients include:
People of any age and health status who have a fear of death
Caregivers seeking support
Those who wish to hold a living funeral for themselves
Individuals looking for guidance with end-of-life planning
And many others!
Everyone's needs are unique, and I am here to provide compassionate support regardless of your situation.
Is a death doula covered by Medicare, insurance, or included in hospice services?
Is a death doula covered by Medicare, insurance, or included in hospice services?
No, death doula services are not covered by insurance or hospice, and are paid out-of-pocket. However, this allows for greater flexibility in the services offered, scheduling, and availability, ensuring that your needs and preferences are fully accommodated.
What is the difference between hospice and death doula services?
What is the difference between hospice and death doula services?
Hospice care is provided by a dedicated team that typically includes doctors, nurses, hospice aides, a chaplain, social workers, and trained volunteers. Hospice services are usually provided wherever you are—at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a hospital room.
Hospice care offers:
Medical support, including a hospital bed, medications, medical supplies, and equipment.
Guidance on how to manage physical needs and administer medications, with nurses often visiting once a week initially and more frequently as needed.
Emotional and spiritual support for the dying individual and their family.
However, hospice care has some limitations:
It does not provide round-the-clock nursing care or help schedule caregiving.
Most caregiving is carried out by family members or friends of the dying individual.
Insurance constraints often limit the services and time hospice professionals can offer.
A death doula is a non-medical member of your care team whose primary focus is to support you as a whole person. Their role is less of a job, and more of a calling. They provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.
Here’s how a death doula can help:
They work closely with you and your caregivers to understand your wishes and help create an ideal end-of-life experience, including the environment, presence of loved ones, and fulfilling last wishes.
Organize end-of-life paperwork including healthcare directives, wills, gathering accounts and passwords.
They offer continuous support and education to alleviate fears, work through anticipatory grief, and reduce logistical or emotional burdens.
A death doula can provide a consistent presence, which is especially valuable if family dynamics are complex, tasks need organization, or additional support is needed.
They create a safe, non-judgmental space for you and your family to express yourselves and find meaning and beauty in the dying process.
In summary, while hospice care focuses on medical and basic emotional support, death doulas offer personalized, holistic care that addresses the emotional, logistical, and spiritual aspects of dying. Both play vital roles in providing comfort and support at the end of life.
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