The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) is establishing an end-of-life doula program that will allow us to provide non-medical care, support, guidance, and comfort to people dying from early onset Alzheimer’s disease, as well as to their families. Sadly, too many people with Alzheimer’s disease die alone and they have not been given the opportunity to express their end of life wishes. Death is viewed as taboo in our society and something no one wants to talk about, yet it is the only thing we all have in common. There is no question that death is frightening, sad, and a very dark and emotional time, but it can also be a time to show love, honor, forgiveness, and support to the dying individual that touched so many lives.
The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) believes people should be given the opportunity to reflect on their lives and explore the legacy and meaning of their time on this earth. We also believe people have the right to express wishes for their death and be surrounded and supported by their loved ones when that time comes. In addition to guiding our patients and families through their journey with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, we will also be able to continue our guidance and support through end-of-life. We do not take this responsibility lightly and we consider this a tremendous honor. We will begin offering this service in August/September and volunteer trainings will begin in early summer.
If you would like to receive updates on our end-of-life doula program, please sign up for our mailing list by clicking here. We also encourage you to share this information with your friends and communities.
Laura Sutherland
Founder & Executive Director