Planning, presence, and guidance for the journey.
An end-of-life doula, walking beside people and those who love them.
Let’s sit down together.
It starts with a free consultation.
Nobody teaches us how to do this.
A teacher for twenty-five years, I learned that most fear comes from not knowing what comes next. There is a fear of talking about end of life. Nobody teaches us how to die, or how to sit with someone we love while they are dying. So families guess, on the hardest days, often in the middle of the night.
It doesn’t have to be that way. We can talk about what is really happening and take it one step at a time, together, at your pace and in your own home.
Once the hard things are said out loud, most people find they can breathe again.
Wherever you are, we start there.
Some people are just curious. Some people call me about a loved one. Some call in the last days. Some call after. I can walk with you for one part of the journey, or all of it.
We begin with a conversation
Let’s meet. It starts with a free consultation by phone, video, or in person. Then I come to your kitchen table, and we talk about what’s happening, what you’re worried about, and what you want. I’ll leave you with the next three steps and the questions to ask.
While there’s time
What matters most to you, said out loud and written down, so the people around you can honor it.
And the things no form asks about: a memory box for the grandchildren, letters to be opened later, the recipe only you know by heart, and deciding who gets the quilt.
Presence at the end
When the time comes, I’m there, day or night. I keep the room calm and gentle, explain what is happening as the body changes, and give your family a chance to rest. You won’t be alone unless you want to be.
In the days that follow
When someone dies, a new chapter begins for everyone who loved them. I stay close to the family through the first days, check in over the weeks that follow, and help them find more support when grief needs it.
Grief keeps no schedule, and you don’t have to hurry it.
If someone you love has already died and you’re carrying it alone, start with a free consultation.
Fifteen years of kitchen tables, holidays, and hands held.
The end of life journey should never be traveled alone. Erika helped me to embrace anticipatory grief and be in the moment with my dad.
In the nursing home, [Erika] was a steady presence, helping me understand the end-of-life-care protocols and providing comfort to Alan and me both.
[Erika] brought wisdom, laughter and soul into our family and she never wavered.
Naturally upbeat and energetic, [Erika] thoughtfully adapts her demeanor to the moment. On one day, that may mean lifting everyone’s spirits; on another, listening quietly or acknowledging the family’s frustration and sorrow.
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A letter from Erika
Once a month, a short letter about what I’m seeing and learning: how to start the conversation you’ve been putting off, how grief moves, and small things that help.
Let’s sit down together.
It starts with a free consultation by phone, video, or in person. Then I come to your kitchen table. Bring anyone you’d like to have with you; family far away can join by phone or video. We’ll talk about what’s really happening and what would help.
(240) 925-5145AtHomeWithErikaRBK@gmail.com
What’s included, and the fees, are on How I Help.