The dying process can be a time of intense emotion, transformation and healing. It is an intimate, time-limited rite of passage. As an End of Life Doula, Guide and Consumer Advocate, I work with clients and their carers to create an intentional and heartfelt journey that is infused with as much beauty and meaning as possible. I do this by companioning clients on their path, using the wisdom I've gathered from serving others through this process.
support Services that put you in the driver's seat
Receiving a life-limiting diagnosis can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to surrender to the default path of letting the disease take its course. There are earlier exit options, family-centered rituals, and meaningful choices available to give you a sense of autonomy and control over when you are ready to go. I’m here to help you understand what’s possible and guide you toward the kind of ending that aligns with your values. Whether you're planning ahead or need immediate support, you’re not alone.
So, what are your options?
When ongoing medical treatment becomes more onerous than the possibility for a cure, you have within your control the ability to discontinue revolving trips to the ER, to discontinue antibiotics to clear up repeated infections, or to discontinue food and water in order to hasten your death and mitigate prolonged suffering, I can help you find resources including a hospice that will support you in that process. And, I can help to bridge any gaps in hospice care because their time on site with each of their clients is limited to a few hours a week.
I can help you to determine whether or not you are eligible, for Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). Even if you live in a state where it is not yet legal, there are states that offer MAID support for non-residents who are eligible and who are able to travel to one of those states. If MAID is not an option, I can explain and guide you through the process of discontinuing food and water which hastens death to usually within 8-14 days of done correctly. This process is called Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED). Unlike MAID, VSED is legal in all 50 states and can be a relatively easy way to slip away when done with care and support. I’ve guided families through both paths and can help you determine if either will work for you.
If those options aren’t right for you, there are other lesser known options for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). There are organizations in Switzerland who provide assistance to qualifying, non-residents worldwide. Costs and requirements vary, but for some, this is a meaningful alternative. You may also find additional, life ending options through organizations like the Final Exit Network in the U.S. or Exit International. I am familiar with the offerings of both organizations and can discuss them with you.
After death, families have more choice than they may realize. I offer support for Family Involved Death Care, helping you care for your loved one’s body at home, either independently or with professional guidance. You are not required to use a funeral home, though I can help you find one that is open to this more respectful and honoring model of care.
When it comes to final disposition options, you're not limited to burial or flame cremation. I can help you explore newer, greener and natural options such as Natural Burial, Water Cremation (alkaline hydrolysis), or Natural Organic Reduction (human composting).
One of my more unique offerings is a small recreational vehicle that I call the Mini Mobile Suite (MMS). It's a private, on-site sanctuary that allows families to keep their loved one close without having the body inside the home. My team brings it to your private property and we can show you how to set it up and use it for your own user tailored experience. The MMS gives your caring circle time and space to say goodbye on your terms—in your time, in your way.
So, what are your options?
When ongoing medical treatment becomes more onerous than the possibility for a cure, you have within your control the ability to discontinue revolving trips to the ER, to discontinue antibiotics to clear up repeated infections, or to discontinue food and water in order to hasten your death and mitigate prolonged suffering, I can help you find resources including a hospice that will support you in that process. And, I can help to bridge any gaps in hospice care because their time on site with each of their clients is limited to a few hours a week.
I can help you to determine whether or not you are eligible, for Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). Even if you live in a state where it is not yet legal, there are states that offer MAID support for non-residents who are eligible and who are able to travel to one of those states. If MAID is not an option, I can explain and guide you through the process of discontinuing food and water which hastens death to usually within 8-14 days of done correctly. This process is called Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED). Unlike MAID, VSED is legal in all 50 states and can be a relatively easy way to slip away when done with care and support. I’ve guided families through both paths and can help you determine if either will work for you.
If those options aren’t right for you, there are other lesser known options for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). There are organizations in Switzerland who provide assistance to qualifying, non-residents worldwide. Costs and requirements vary, but for some, this is a meaningful alternative. You may also find additional, life ending options through organizations like the Final Exit Network in the U.S. or Exit International. I am familiar with the offerings of both organizations and can discuss them with you.
After death, families have more choice than they may realize. I offer support for Family Involved Death Care, helping you care for your loved one’s body at home, either independently or with professional guidance. You are not required to use a funeral home, though I can help you find one that is open to this more respectful and honoring model of care.
When it comes to final disposition options, you're not limited to burial or flame cremation. I can help you explore newer, greener and natural options such as Natural Burial, Water Cremation (alkaline hydrolysis), or Natural Organic Reduction (human composting).
One of my more unique offerings is a small recreational vehicle that I call the Mini Mobile Suite (MMS). It's a private, on-site sanctuary that allows families to keep their loved one close without having the body inside the home. My team brings it to your private property and we can show you how to set it up and use it for your own user tailored experience. The MMS gives your caring circle time and space to say goodbye on your terms—in your time, in your way.
Trina Wacasey, Ph.D. -
End of Life Educator, Guide and Consumer Advocate - [email protected] - 650-383-7458 (mobile)