End Of Life Care
Advocating for and empowering conscious choices at the end of life and beyond.
Welcome to Conscious Dying
Whether you have arrived here because you are are planning ahead, supporting someone you love, or approaching the final stages of life yourself, I’m glad you are here.
Conscious Dying is about empowering choice and autonomy ensuring that individuals remain at the centre of decisions about their care and how they wish to approach the end of life. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect - in life and in death.
Many people may now be familiar with the terms “Death Doula” or “End of Life Doula”. Although I have been trained by doulas and in the DeathWalker tradition, I prefer to be known as an “End of Life Guide”. The term Doula is derived form the Greek word “doule” which means "female slave" or “servant-woman".
My role is not to lead your journey, but to walk beside you creating space for meaningful conversations with compassionate presence and respect— offering information, practical support and space to explore whatever this chapter of life may bring - for you or for someone you love.
Building relationships through continuity of care at the end of life.
What does an end of life guide do?
In our current world the process of dying most often begins quite some time before the final breath is taken. For many of us there will be a gradual decline into increasing frailty - whether this is from a life limiting illness such as cancer or simply the process of aging.
Engaging with an experienced end of life guide can bring choice, clarity and a sense of control at a time when everything may feel out of control. At Conscious Dying we advocate for good care, truthful conversations, family support, grief literacy, preparation and dignity.
End of Life planning has well documented benefits across many spheres. It can be empowering for the person and their family, reduce anxiety and make it easier to make decisions about care. Evidence also shows that end of life planning leads to better bereavement outcomes for the ones left behind.
Before Death
Assist you to complete an Advance Care Directive which outlines your wishes for what types of treatments and where you would like to receive care.
Provide guidance and support in having documents such as guardianship in place.
Provide support, options and guidance in creating your “preferred” death plan and after death wishes.
Offer emotional, psychological and spiritual comfort and support about what is happening and what you may expect as death approaches.
Give respite and support for carers.
Create ritual and vigil that provides a container for the “preferred” death when the time comes.
Before Death I Can:
After Death
This time is often marked by intense emotions and a sense of untethering.
Having a trusted guide to anchor and support decision making, practical care and emotional support can reduce distress and allow for healthy, supported bereavement.
After Death I Can:
Provide physical, emotional and spiritual support for the person who has died, and for the people who remain.
Guide and coordinate - holding steady and calm while choices are made and the next steps are enacted.
Assist with after death body care, including access to cooling should you wish to remain in place.
Create meaningful vigils and after death rituals to honour life.
Offer early bereavement support and resources.
A special note about Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD)
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is now part of the end of life landscape in Australia. And while a persons right to choose and their wishes are central, it should be noted that VAD exists within a family or friendship system and that it carries a unique imprint that is different from other deaths.
As an End of Life Guide I do not administer VAD but may assist in navigating the process and holding space for the questions that may not be addressed by the medical team, the same questions that we ask in any other death but also those unique to VAD.
About Sandy
For more than 35 years, I have supported individuals through my work as a Herbalist, always drawn to the deeply human experiences of healing, loss, resilience and connection. My lifelong comfort with the natural cycles of life and death, together with 22 years of Tibetan Buddhist practice, has shaped a calm, compassionate presence that I bring to my work as an end-of-life guide.
Having accompanied both of my parents and others through their final journeys, I understand how meaningful it is to feel supported, heard and respected during this tender time.
I believe every person deserves dignity, choice and compassionate care that honours their values and beliefs. My role is to walk alongside individuals and families with warmth, gentle guidance and practical support, helping create space for meaningful conversations, gentle endings and grief that is held with tenderness rather than fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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People who have received a life limiting diagnosis or are living with a life limiting condition.
Anyone who wishes to live as actively as possible until death.
Anyone who wishes to be empowered and prepared to die on their terms in the place of their choice.
Families caring for someone at home.
Families who wish to be involved in care, after death care and in family led funerals.
People facing the death of a loved one who would like extra support.
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I aim to make End of Life care accessible to all with a sliding scale of charges to suit a variety of budgets. Click here to view the full schedule.
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I can deliver care in private homes, hospital, hospice, residential aged care facilities or online.
In person services are offered within 40km of Alstonville at no extra charge.
Outside of this area there may be an additional travel charge. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Common areas serviced include, Alstonville, Byron Bay, Northern Rivers, Ballina, Lismore and Mullumbimby
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If you would like to explore how we may work together, click “Contact Sandy”, fill in the contact form telling me a bit about yourself, and I will be in touch shortly.
If your inquiry is urgent, call Sandy on 0406 104693.