Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility continues to deepen its commitment to compassionate, dignified end-of-life care by providing End-of-Life Doula training for its team. Thanks to a recent grant, four staff members are currently completing certification through the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA), a nationally recognized leader in doula education and training.
End-of-life doulas provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families navigating the final stages of life. Their role complements the work of medical professionals, offering a more holistic approach to care by guiding conversations about legacy, facilitating meaningful moments, and ensuring comfort and presence in a resident’s final days.
For Jennifer Johnston, MSW, ADC, NAAP, MAAP, Social Services/Activity Director at Bay Bluffs, participating in the training was a natural next step in a lifelong calling. “I’ve been doing this since I was 14,” Johnston shared, recalling her early experience working in an adult foster care facility. Over the years, she went on to own and operate her own foster care home, dedicating a decade to caring for others. “It’s always been in my heart to take care of others, especially those at the end of life,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been learning this process my whole life, and the Doula training is just another step in helping others.” Like Jennifer, other Bay Bluffs team members volunteered to take part in the training, reinforcing the facility’s culture of compassionate care.
“While this initiative is not directly tied to Bay Bluffs’ newly opened Hiland Suites, it has the potential to enhance care in these dedicated end-of-life suites,” explains Lisa Ashley, Bay Bluffs Administrator. The training is equipping colleagues with new skills, ensuring that all residents—regardless of where they receive care within Bay Bluffs—experience greater support at the end of life.
As part of the broader effort to assess and improve hospice and palliative care, Bay Bluffs will also be reviewing recent survey results from staff and families. These insights will help identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth, reinforcing the facility’s commitment to providing the highest level of care during life’s transitions.
“By embracing end-of-life doula training, we are taking just another step forward in ensuring residents and their families receive the compassionate, person-centered support they deserve,” concludes Ashley.