Walking Beside You
Compassionate End-of-Life Support for the Wheatbelt
Because no one should have to face life's most meaningful journey alone.
A Gentle Welcome
If you are here because you or someone you love is approaching the end of life, you may be carrying many questions, emotions and uncertainties.
You do not have to carry them alone.
Walking Beside You offers compassionate, non-medical support for people approaching the end of life and for those who love them.
Together, we can discover what support feels right for you and your family.
You don't need to know what questions to ask. We can begin exactly where you are.
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Meet Caroline
Today, it is a privilege to accompany individuals and families through one of life's most profound seasons with compassion, presence and respect.
I was born in Northam and have always felt connected to the wide skies, quiet beauty and generous spirit of the Wheatbelt.
At seventeen, I moved to Perth to study music at the University of Western Australia, later spending more than twenty years living and working in Sydney and Melbourne.
Three years ago, after my father's death, I returned home to Northam.
Coming home reminded me that some of life's most important conversations happen not in busy cities, but around kitchen tables, in hospital rooms, on verandahs and in familiar gardens.
Those experiences, together with many years of listening professionally and personally, eventually led me to train as an End-of-Life Doula.
How I Can Help You
- I will listen to you before I speak
- I will do my very best to honour all of your wishes, including working
with you on the legacy you would like to leave your family, your friends,
and the community
- I will refer any questions outside of my role to the appropriate
professional
- I will respond to you and your family whenever you call or email
Death Cafe
Caroline says: People often smile when I mention a Death Café.
Then they ask what it is.
A Death Café is simply a welcoming place where people gather to talk about death over coffee and cake.
There is no agenda.
No expectation.
Only conversation.
Everyone is welcome, whether you are grieving, have questions about the process of dying, or a simply curious.
Cost: FREE
Date: 10am, Thursday 3 September 2026
Place: Zax&Co, 148 Fitzgerald Street Northam
Fees
First hour: Free of charge
Hourly rate: $95 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
After hours hourly rate: $140
10 hour package: $750 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
3 to 6 months support: by negotiation
For Health Professionals
Working Together to Support Patients and Families
End-of-life care is at its best when people feel supported not only medically, but emotionally, practically and socially.
As an End-of-Life Doula, my role is to complement—not replace—the care provided by doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pastoral care teams, aged care staff and community services.
I work alongside existing services to provide an additional layer of compassionate, non-medical support for people approaching the end of life and for those who care for them.
My role may include:
Supporting patients and families through:
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advance care conversations and values-based planning
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emotional support and compassionate presence
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family meetings and difficult conversations
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legacy work and life reflection
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practical planning and coordination
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respite support for family carers
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education about the dying process (within the scope of my role)
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connecting families with appropriate community services and professional supports
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bereavement support in the early weeks following a death
Every family has different needs.
Support is always tailored to the individual circumstances and delivered in collaboration with the existing care team.
My commitment to Collaborative Care
I value respectful, multidisciplinary practice.
When working with patients and families, I seek to communicate openly with the professionals already involved in their care, while always respecting privacy, consent and professional boundaries.
I recognise the expertise of each member of the healthcare team and believe that compassionate collaboration creates the best possible experience for patients and those who love them.
Professional Boundaries
My role does not include:
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providing medical diagnosis or treatment
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giving nursing or personal care
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offering legal or financial advice
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replacing counselling or psychological therapy
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making decisions on behalf of patients or families
Where additional expertise is needed, I encourage and support timely referral to the appropriate professionals
Referrals
Referrals are welcome from:
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General Practitioners
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Palliative Care Services
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Hospitals
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Residential Aged Care Facilities
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Community Nursing Services
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Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
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Hospices
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Allied Health Professionals
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Funeral Directors
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Faith Communities
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Community Organisations
Families are also welcome to self-refer.
Let's Work Together
If you would like to discuss whether end-of-life doula support may benefit a patient or family, I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you.
Together, we can help ensure that no one faces life's final chapter without compassionate support.
My hope is that every family feels calmer, more informed and more supported because we have worked together.
FAQs
What is an End-of-Life Doula?
An End-of-Life Doula provides non-medical emotional, practical and compassionate support to people approaching the end of life, and to those who love and care for them.
My role is to walk alongside you—to listen, support, help you navigate conversations and decisions, and provide a calm, steady presence during a significant time in life.
I work alongside doctors, nurses, palliative care teams and other professionals, complementing the care they already provide.
When is the right time to contact an End-of-Life Doula?
An End-of-Life Doula provides non-medical emotional, practical and compassionate support to people approaching the end of life, and to those who love and care for them.
My role is to walk alongside you—to listen, support, help you navigate conversations and decisions, and provide a calm, steady presence during a significant time in life.
I work alongside doctors, nurses, palliative care teams and other professionals, complementing the care they already provide.
Do I need a referral?
No. You are welcome to contact me directly.
Referrals are also welcomed from health professionals, aged care providers, hospitals, community organisations and faith communities.
Where do you provide support?
I provide support throughout the Wheatbelt of Western Australia.
Where appropriate, some conversations may also take place by telephone or video call.
Do you provide medical or nursing care?
No.
I do not provide medical treatment, nursing care or personal care.
Those important services remain the responsibility of your healthcare team.
My role is to provide emotional, practical and compassionate support alongside them.
Can you help with Advance Care Planning?
Yes. I can help you explore your wishes, values and priorities, and prepare for conversations about Advance Care Directives, Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Guardianship and your Will.
Where legal or medical advice is required, I will encourage and support you to connect with the appropriate professionals.
How much does your support cost?
The first one-hour conversation is complimentary.
After that:
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$95 per hour (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
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$750 for a ten-hour support package
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$140 per hour for after-hours availability (outside 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday)
What if I'm not sure what I need?
That's perfectly okay. Most people aren't.
Our first conversation is simply an opportunity to talk.
Together, we can explore what support may be helpful for you and your family.
Sometimes understanding begins with a single conversation.
Will you stay involved after someone dies?
If you would find it helpful, yes.
Support does not always end at the moment of death.
Some families value gentle support during the days and weeks that follow as they begin adjusting to life after the death of someone they love.
(Payment rates continue as previously noted.)
How do I begin?
Simply get in touch.
There is no preparation required.
No expectation that you will know the right words.
We'll begin with a conversation.
