Susan S.
Stamford, CT · travels up to 25 miles · In person or remote
Available now
LifespanDoulas Certification; NEDA Proficiency Badge; Respecting Choices ACP; Community Educator & Speaker
Average rating: 5.0 from 1 family
"We don't get to practice dying, we only get to prepare for it" is a guiding principal in my work. Because we don't normally talk about this, where to even begin? So I became the person I wish I'd had when I was going through it- the one who keeps showing up with compassion, conversation, humor when needed, ideas and a calm steady presence. I guide you through this difficult territory and help you avoid some of the chaos, to allow for a more peaceful and meaningful end of life for everyone involved. And I work with all of your existing medical and support teams too. I don't tell you what to do, but I’ve learned some things so I can help you figure out what's most important to you and your loved ones~
- Languages:
- English
- Medical aid in dying:
- Supports medical aid in dying
- Comfortable in:
- Home, Hospital, Hospice facility, Memory care
- Overnight & vigil:
- Available for overnight stays and sitting vigil
- Experience:
- 5 years in practice
How I work
Our initial connection is a 1/2 hour phone call or zoom. I listen: what you need to share, what are you most worried about right now, who is your person or is it you? Then we schedule our first meeting, in-person when possible, which lasts about 2 hours. During this time we take a deeper dive into what's going on, will we be a good team, and how I can be of service (do you need Advance Care Planning documents, home care support, release/repair work, death care planning).
We make a plan that focuses on your wishes and on your needs. Then we begin, one step at a time. I've always got your back.
What families say
“I met Susan while my wife was battling a rare neurodegenerative disease. I have to admit I was a little skeptical, but it wasn't very long before I realized what a valuable resource our Doula would become in helping us navigate what seemed like a never-ending nightmare. As my wife's disease progressed more rapidly than we expected, Susan's support increased exponentially. Caring for a loved one who is terminally ill can be physically and emotionally draining for everyone involved, but having someone by your side to give you guidance on how to prepare for what's to come is invaluable.”
Pricing
From $100/hr
We create a schedule that best supports you and your loved ones. Text, phone and email check-ins are included.
For: Let's start with an in-depth conversation; let's make sure we are compatible; you need something specific for your circumstances; how is an End-Of-Life Doula different than Hospice support; would Palliative care be appropriate; how to hope for the best and prepare for the rest; where do I even begin?
Advance Care PlanningOne 2-hour session · $150
For: What do I need to put my mind and heart at ease; guidance preparing your advance directive forms; what other documents do I need; what else should I be thinking about; I have done my work but my partner needs help; what is a Healthcare Proxy and why do I need one; where is all my stuff and why does that matter?
Once a week6 2-hour sessions · $1,000
For: I need someone to help me plan ahead; I want to talk honestly about what is happening with me; I need someone to check in on my out-of-town loved one; how can I stay at home at the end; this is too hard and confusing to manage without assistance; what questions should I ask my doctor; there is enough help for my loved ones but I need support; I just received a terminal diagnosis, what do I do now?
Weekly or daily visits, approaching end of life10 2-hour sessions · $1,700
For: I have Hospice but I need more hours of support; I want someone to sit bedside with me; I am a Caregiver and I need a break; what can I do if my loved one is bedridden now; I want help planning my after-death wishes; I need someone who can help us navigate what is happening; my loved one needs visits in the hospital or care facility; I am ok but my loved ones are not; how can I make my death more peaceful and meaningful?
Situations that need a conversation first
If you are seeking support for Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), let's talk first. Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) is not yet available in Connecticut.
Talk to Susan S.
You do not need to have the right words ready or know what you are asking for. Tell us who you are caring for and pay the $75 matching fee. Susan S. will reach out within 24 hours to find a time. If no call happens, write to hello@bearwitness.app and we will match you with someone else at no extra cost.