The first Doula training program under Isabella sponsorship was held at our campus early this fall. It graduated nine volunteers, including four members of Isabella’s staff.

“Doula” is a Greek word that signifies a caring assistant; it previously denoted a person who assists a mother during and after childbirth. Doulas for the elderly provide support to nursing home residents who have no family or close friends to see them through the final stages of life.

The training was conducted by the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), where the concept of a Doula for the seriously ill originated. Nearly 60 volunteers previously trained by JBFCS work throughout the city, including three at Isabella. The program at Isabella is coordinated by Rev. John Redic, II, director of pastoral services; he works with the Palliative Care team to pair trained volunteers with residents who could benefit from their company.

Relieving Isolation

Doulas visit their resident from 30 minutes to one hour, every one to two weeks. “They help relieve the isolation experienced by seriously ill people whose loved ones can’t visit them because of geographic or health barriers, or because they have outlived everyone they knew,” said Director of Marketing Betty Lehmann, one of the latest trainees.

In the course of training, students discussed the emotional issues that people need to work through as they reach the end of their lives. They learned about the stages of denial and acceptance that patients and their loved ones usually experience, and they reviewed the various advance directives that residents are encouraged to fill out.

Trainee Salima Swain, a music therapist in the Recreation Department, said, “To talk openly about end-of-life issues in a confidential environment was tremendously positive. After 10 years at Isabella, I still find it difficult to work with a resident — to get close to her — and then see her pass away. The Doula training prepares you to handle that situation.”

Students came from a variety of ethnic and professional backgrounds, and many had gone through an endof- life experience with a relative or friend that profoundly affected them. In addition to Ms. Lehmann and Ms. Swain, those from the Isabella staff included Yvonne Jones, director of admissions, and Elease English-Credle, a minister and administrative assistant in the Rehab Department.

Reaching Out to the Bereaved

Rev. Redic noted that the Doula program extends Isabella’s effort to recognize the needs of residents and their loved ones concerning end-of-life issues. In addition to the interfaith memorial services held every three months, Pastoral Services has begun personally to contact the bereaved “significant others” in the months following their loss.

The Reverend explained that bereavement is an extended process. “We just want to check in and ask how they are doing, to let them know we care,” he concluded.