Welcome to Graceful Partings

Providing holistic support to individuals and their loved ones before, during, and after death.

Overview of Graceful Partings

Kate Flanagan-Helmes, Certified End of Life Doula (CEOLD)

Thinking about and preparing for the end of our lives can feel overwhelming, bewildering, and downright scary. Despite the many cultural advancements we've made over the last few decades, the topic of death remains one most of us still avoid. Yet, it is a topic that deserves our attention because life is unpredictable. At any given moment, our circumstances can change. We can find ourselves in a medical crisis that requires critical care and life support decisions to be made with us or on our behalf. My passion is to facilitate thoughtful and informative conversations that will help you identify and document your values and personal wishes about medical care and treatment before or when facing a serious or life-limiting illness. Planning ahead can provide peace of mind not only for you, but for all others involved in your care during the final hours, days, or months of your life.

As a certified doula specialist, I offer the following:

  • End-of-life doula services – providing education and support to individuals and family/significant others before and after death.

  • Care Consultant services– Providing guidance in identifying healthcare agents, completing advance directive documentation, and facilitating conversations to communicate your wishes to others.

  • Eldercare doula services – Providing assessment and guidance in identifying and obtaining available benefits and other resources needed to maintain independence and safety.

If you or someone you love are looking for support navigating the labyrinth of end-of-life preparation, it would be my great honor and privilege to assist you.

What is an End-of-Life Doula?

An End-of-life Doula is a non-medical professional that provides holistic support for the dying and their loved ones before, during, and after death. Trained in the various end-of-life stages, a Doula can assist the family with understanding the natural processes while providing comfort and support.

 
 

In-person and remote options

I am located just outside the Greater Boston Area and would be happy to meet in person or by phone/zoom/video call.

 

My Services

  • Support

  • Education

  • Communication

  • Spiritual

“You matter because you are you, and you matter until the last moment of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

— Cicely Saunders

Resources

 

Health Care Proxy Information and Forms

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The Conversation Project

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Voluntarily Stopping Eating & Drinking

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Honoring Choices Massachusetts

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