Beyond Traditional Hospice Doulas Bring Peace and Presence to Patients
Golden Gate Hospice is expanding its care approach. They have added end-of-life doulas to help patients and families in Los Angeles. These doulas will offer spiritual, emotional, and holistic support.
United States, 16th Jul 2025 —For people with terminal illnesses, hospice care provides comfort, dignity, and compassion in their final days. At its best, it’s a lifeline—not just for patients but for their families navigating profound emotional and physical transitions. In Los Angeles, Golden Gate Hospice has spent years building a reputation for excellence in this sacred work.
Now, the organization is taking its commitment to holistic care one step further by integrating end-of-life doulas into its care team.
A Legacy of Compassion at Golden Gate Hospice
With a longstanding presence in Los Angeles, Golden Gate Hospice has been recognized for its deep community roots, personalized care, and inclusive, multidisciplinary approach—serving with intention the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and the Latino families of Los Angeles.
Known for blending medical expertise with empathy, their team includes doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers—and now, doulas.
“We’ve always believed in treating the whole person,” said Dr. Arash Shamsian, “and adding end-of-life doulas is a natural extension of that philosophy.”
What Is a Doula? And Why Now?
Most people are familiar with birth doulas, who provide emotional and physical support to families during labor and delivery. But a growing number of Americans are discovering the equally vital role of death doulas—also called end-of-life doulas or transition guides.
This movement has seen a notable rise in Los Angeles and across the U.S., where people are seeking more intentional, dignified experiences at life’s end. Unlike medical staff, doulas are trained to hold emotional space, offer spiritual presence, and create calm, comforting environments—often through rituals, meditation, music, aromatherapy, and deep listening.
The Contrast: Birth vs. Death Doulas
While both birth and death doulas support profound transitions, their work bookends life in unique ways. Birth doulas greet new life with nurturing support. Death doulas honor a life’s completion—helping patients and families navigate loss with serenity, meaning, and beauty.
“It’s not about adding more days,” explains Sylve Colless, an experienced death doula and director of doula services working with Golden Gate Hospice Care. “It’s about adding more peace, more presence, and more love to the days we have.”
A Gentle Goodbye: The Story of Mrs. Rosita Méndez
One of Sylve’s most memorable moments came during her time with Mrs. Rosita Méndez, a 95-year-old woman in her final weeks. Sylve prepared a calming space filled with candlelight, soft music, and essential oils. Together, they practiced guided meditation and shared stories from Rosita’s childhood.
“Her room felt like a sanctuary,” Sylve recalls. “She passed away with such grace—it was as though she was being carried on a wave of warmth and light.”
Rosita’s family later described the experience as “profound” and thanked Golden Gate Hospice for giving her “a beautiful farewell.”
Embracing the Future of Hospice in Los Angeles
As end-of-life care evolves, Golden Gate Hospice Care is proud to lead the way by embracing new forms of support rooted in ancient wisdom and heartfelt presence.
If you or a loved one is navigating a terminal illness in the Los Angeles area and you’d like to learn more about our doula-supported hospice care, please reach out.
Media Contact
Organization: Golden Gate Hospice Care
Contact Person: Karla Medina
Website: https://goldengatehospice.com/
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Release Id: 16072530766