ABOUT
Walking Alongside You As the End of Life Nears
About Megan Hansen
My background in psychology, gerontology, and occupational therapy naturally led me to volunteer work with Croí Health (formerly Norwell Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice). Through years of providing companionship to hospice patients and their loved ones, I became deeply aware of a gap in end-of-life care—one that extends beyond medical support to include emotional, spiritual, and practical guidance. This realization inspired me to further my training, and I earned my End-of-Life Doula certification through the University of Vermont Larner School of Medicine. I am also a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
As a dedicated hospice volunteer, I have provided companionship both in the community and at the Pat Roche Hospice Home, respite care for loved ones, and Reiki healing as a certified practitioner. I have also organized veteran appreciation gatherings at long-term care facilities and contributed to the Pat Roche Hospice Home’s kitchen team, preparing and delivering meals to residents. Grief support is a very important aspect of my service. I co-facilitate a Living With Loss community support group on Tuesday evenings in Hingham.
I specialize in end-of-life dementia care but am open to working with anyone experiencing end-of-life care needs, including those with terminal illnesses, chronic conditions, or age-related decline. In addition, I am certified in pediatric end-of-life care. My focus is on providing compassionate, personalized support to enhance comfort, dignity, and quality of life for both individuals and their loved ones.
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I believe that every individual deserves to be heard, supported, and honored as they navigate their final journey. My approach is deeply personal—I meet people where they are, build trusting relationships through open conversations, and actively listen to their concerns and wishes. Together, we create a plan that reflects their values and goals, ensuring they and their loved ones feel comforted and cared for. I wish more people knew how much an End-of-Life Doula can offer—not just to those facing the end of life, but to the family and friends walking alongside them.
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Beyond my doula work, I am an active member of Mindfulness+, a non-religious spiritual practice and volunteer community supporting the South Shore. I serve on the advisory board and co-facilitate the Living With Loss support group in Hingham. Currently, I am collaborating with Mindfulness+ lead organizer and chaplain Jonathan Pierce, along with fellow End-of-Life Doulas, to develop a workshop on preparing for the end of life, launching this spring. Additionally, I continue to volunteer as a community companion through Mindfulness+.
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Being an End-of-Life Doula is one of the most profound and rewarding aspects of my life. It is a privilege to hold space for individuals and their loved ones during such a deeply personal time. I balance emotional support with respect for my clients’ boundaries by practicing self-care and staying grounded—allowing me to show up fully, with compassion and presence.
Certifications
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An end-of-life doula provides non-medical support for individuals and their families during the final phase of life. They offer emotional, spiritual, and logistical guidance, helping with everything from life review and legacy projects to planning for a peaceful, meaningful transition. The doula’s role is to complement medical and hospice care, focusing on comfort, dignity, and honoring the individual’s wishes.
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While hospice and palliative care provide medical support to manage symptoms and improve comfort, an end-of-life doula provides non-medical, holistic support. A doula focuses on emotional, spiritual, and practical needs, offering a compassionate presence and assisting with planning, family communication, and personal wishes. Doulas work alongside hospice and medical teams to enhance the quality of care during this time.
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Yes, I received a certificate from the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Program, which provided comprehensive training on supporting individuals and families through the end-of-life journey. This program equipped me with the skills and knowledge to offer compassionate, informed, and holistic support during this significant life transition.
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You can contact an end-of-life doula at any stage of a terminal illness or life-limiting condition. Some people reach out early in the process to help plan and prepare, while others seek support closer to the end of life. The doula will work with you wherever you are in the journey, tailoring their services to your needs.
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Yes, end-of-life doulas offer support not only to the individual but also to family members and loved ones. They provide guidance, emotional support, and resources to help family members cope with the journey and offer assistance in navigating the grieving process.
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An end-of-life doula can assist with practical and emotional planning, including advance care directives, legacy projects, planning final wishes, creating a vigil plan for the last days, and even organizing ceremonies or rituals that honor your life and relationships. They can help ensure that your wishes are communicated and respected.
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The length of time varies based on individual needs. Some doulas work with clients for several months, helping with long-term planning, while others provide support just in the last few weeks or days of life. Doulas are flexible and adapt their services to fit the timeline that best suits you.
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Yes, many end-of-life doulas offer support to families after death, such as guidance on immediate after-death care, assisting with legacy or memorial planning, and providing grief and bereavement resources. This support helps loved ones process their loss and transition into their own healing journey.
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If you or a loved one are looking for emotional and spiritual support, assistance with planning and final wishes, or guidance through the complexities of this transition, an end-of-life doula may be a great fit. Scheduling a free consultation is an excellent way to learn more and see how a doula’s services align with your needs.
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A free consultation is an opportunity to discuss your unique situation with me and ask any questions you may have. In this conversation I can explain my role, the types of support I offer, and help you decide if my services are right for you. This initial conversation is a chance to explore how I can best support you and your loved ones.
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End-of-life doula services are private pay and not covered by insurance. My services are billed at an hourly rate of $80.
FAQs
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“ Megan was there when we most needed her kindness and her compassion.
She helped ease our pain and fears in many ways before and since Roberta passed away. Megan is a very giving person, spending many hours every week not only as an end-of-life doula but also as a volunteer, donating her time and talents to helping those who need it.”
-Bob. B