Something beautiful is coming
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through the hard stuff with more grace, more presence, and more love – this is for you!
Welcome
I’m Cathy Yuhas, a registered nurse, certified death doula, and the founder of Dying Matters, LLC. I’m here to walk alongside you because dying matters—and so does the way we do it. Drop me a line so we can talk about the next steps!
Why Choose an End-of-Life Doula?
End-of-life care specialists, also known as end-of-life doulas, are trained, compassionate professionals who provide non-medical, emotional, physical, educational, and spiritual support for individuals nearing the end of life. I was trained through the Doulagivers Institute and am trained in all aspects of end-of-life care. Through specialized training, Doulagivers bridge the gap between mainstream medical care and Hospice Care. What I do is minimize loneliness and isolation through the dying process. I collaborate with hospice and palliative care teams, as well as other healthcare professionals, to create a dynamic support system that ensures the highest quality of life for patients during their end-of-life care. I provide education about the end-of-life process and available options, so patients and their families can make informed decisions about their care. I help those at end of life understand that their life has meaning and value, and create memories that can be passed on to future generations. I educate families on what to expect when someone is approaching death to help them understand what is normal, to help relieve uncertainty. I show up with love.
My Experience
I have over 36 years of nursing experience and had my first experience guiding someone who was dying in 1999. I realized then that death is a sacred experience for all involved, and feel that everyone should have the peace that I witnessed. When people show up with love, it can be a most transformative experience for all. I am interested in having real conversations about what feeds your soul, and bringing that to light. I am interested in showing people that no matter what they think, their life matters. In the end, what I offer is peace. Peace of body, Peace of spirit, and Peace of Mind.
My Appraoch
My service includes a comprehensive consult to help identify gaps and opportunities to best meet your needs. I can help create healthcare directives, help with choosing a health care proxy, and help provide a step by step roadmap to make your experience as loving, and stress-free as possible. When nearing end of life, creating a plan is the most loving thing you can do for your family.
Honest Conversations About Death and What Matters Most
Welcome to a space where we speak honestly and tenderly about end-of-life issues. Through stories, guidance, and soulful reflection, my blog invites you to explore what it means to die well—and to live more fully in the process. Whether you’re a caregiver, a professional, or simply someone curious about the sacred journey we all share, you’ll find comfort, clarity, and a sense of community here.
What is Hospice?
Hospice is a form of care aimed at providing comfort, dignity, and support for individuals with terminal illnesses who are approaching the end of life. Instead of focusing on curing the illness, hospice care prioritizes quality of life by managing pain and other...
Talking to Your Loved Ones About Final Wishes
Once a person has refined a plan for their final wishes, it doesn’t do any good if no one knows about them. Although it may feel difficult, sharing those wishes with family and other important people is necessary, starting with your healthcare proxy. It’s one of...
Why Conversations Matter
Many people find end-of-life planning uncomfortable to discuss. However, engaging in these conversations is crucial for ensuring that one’s wishes are respected and that loved ones are spared from unnecessary stress during a challenging time. Let’s explore why...
Quality of Life
What is quality of life? That’s definitely different for every person. For those with a life-limiting illness, the trajectory may not totally be a straight line. You may have ups and downs. A new treatment you start may cause you to feel worse in the beginning....
What is a Good Death?
I’m pretty sure not many people think about that as they go through their day. I think we all secretly hope we just “pass” in our sleep. Or we’re in complete denial that we’re going to do it. Maybe not thinking about it keeps the “evil spirits” away, I don’t know....
The Last Thing to go is The Sense of Hearing
What is it like to die? I want to talk about it because our culture has medicalized death to the point where we just don’t get to experience it like we did in the past. In the past, it was considered a normal part of living, and handling it was passed on from...