Supporting Families Through Dying, Death and Grief with Death Doula, Candace Ohanessian 

What does a death doula actually do - and could having one transform the experience of dying for both the person at the end of life and those who love them?

In this episode of Rest Easy Knowing, Fiona speaks with Melbourne-based end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant and registered funeral provider Candace Ohanessian about the practical, emotional and spiritual support a death doula provides before, during and after death.

Candace explains how planning ahead can reduce stress for families, why Advance Care Directives are so important, and how a death doula complements, not replaces, the work of palliative care.

The conversation explores common misconceptions about dying, family dynamics at the bedside, caring for someone after death, and how small acts of preparation can make one of life's most difficult experiences less overwhelming.

Whether you're planning ahead, supporting someone who is seriously ill, or simply curious about what happens at the end of life, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance to help you feel more prepared.

In this episode you'll learn:

•  What a death doula is and how they support families 
•  Why planning early creates a more peaceful end-of-life experience 
•  The important role of Advance Care Directives 
•  How death doulas work alongside palliative care teams 
•  Common signs that someone is approaching death 
•  Why people often stop eating and drinking near the end of life 
•  How to support children through the dying process 
•  Why family-led funerals are becoming more popular 
•  Practical ways families can care for a loved one's body after death 
•  How to navigate difficult family dynamics during end-of-life care 
•  Why talking openly about death can help us live more intentionally 

Memorable moments

•  Why Candace believes every family should have "a family doula" 
•  The touching story of Sauvignon Blanc becoming part of a family's final goodbye 
•  Why boredom, laughter and even black humour are completely normal at the bedside 
•  The importance of honouring what a dying person says they are experiencing 
•  Why the first step towards better end-of-life planning is simply starting the conversation 

Practical takeaway

Candace's advice is simple: Have one conversation about death this week.

It doesn't need to be formal. A conversation sparked by a movie, a news story or someone else's experience can be enough to begin understanding what matters most to the people you love.

Visit Candace's website 

Journease - Funeral Services & End-of-Life Planning Melbourne

Resources mentioned

•  Advance Care Directives 
•  Medical Treatment Decision Makers 
•  Palliative Care 
•  Family-led funerals 
•  Holistic End of Life & Death Care Australia (HELD) 
•  Preparing the Way (End-of-Life Doula training)