Discussions surrounding mortality are often difficult, yet a growing movement in Indian River County is working to transform fear into peace through education and support. A unique event coming to Vero Beach aims to bridge this gap, introducing the community to the concept of “death positivity” and comprehensive end-of-life planning.
Understanding the Role of an End-of-Life Doula
Just as “birth doulas” have long supported families during the beginning of life, end-of-life doulas are now emerging to provide comfort, guidance, and advocacy during life’s final chapters. Melissa Ellison, a certified end-of-life doula with Floradoula LLC, is at the forefront of this compassionate service in our region.
Ellison works with the elderly, those facing terminal diagnoses, and individuals who simply wish to have a solid plan in place for their future. The primary goal of her work is to empower individuals to pass away in the comfort of their own homes if they choose, preventing the need for hospitalizations that often occur when family caregivers become overwhelmed.
While doulas do not administer medical care, they often serve as a vital liaison between the patient, the family, and hospice providers. Their role is holistic, focusing on:
“It’s a window of opportunity for them to do legacy projects. Do they want to write letters to their grandchildren or record videos? Do they want to see old friends? A lot of times, at the end of life, they want to go through a forgiveness activity. Forgiving people for things they can’t even remember, and also to forgive themselves,” said Ellison.
For Ellison, this mission is deeply personal. As a cancer survivor, she faced her own mortality and discovered that fear diminished once she had a clear end-of-life plan in place. Now, she brings that sense of security to families throughout the Treasure Coast.
Upcoming Event: End of Life Festival in Vero Beach
To help the community learn more about these resources, Ellison and other local advocates are hosting an End of Life Festival. This event is designed to make the topic approachable, educational, and even uplifting for families.
Event Details:
The festival will feature a variety of interactive and educational components, including games, letter-writing stations, and a “wind phone”—a concept used to help people “speak” to lost loved ones. Various vendors will be on-site to discuss green burials, death positivity, and other essential planning tasks.
Residents interested in learning more about these services or the upcoming festival can contact Melissa Ellison directly at floradoulallc@gmail.com. This festival offers a rare opportunity for Vero Beach residents to ask questions and take proactive steps toward making the end-of-life process less daunting and more meaningful.
