Deanna Ricketts

I am a Certified End of Life Doula (University of Vermont) serving in Central Indiana.  

It is my heart to help the dying person through the last phase of their journey with the utmost respect, dignity and kindness. I will be an advocate for their wishes and needs.

Often the clinical people that work with dying patients do not have time to provide the help that an End-of-Life Doula is able to give. I will work with the health care team and coordinate with the family and friends to provide the needed support system for the dying person. I will fill in the gaps in care and tackle tasks that are difficult to do or face. 

A few examples:

Give the caregiver time off 
Help Organize and schedule visits of loved ones 
Help with planning and logistics for the time before, during and after the death 
Help the client reflect on their life and, if desired, capture their life’s moments in a legacy project. (scrap book, life calendar, poetry, cookbook.)
Help the family understand the body’s dying process 
Provide resources for the dying person and family before and after the death

About me: 
I grew up in Indiana, graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Organizational Communication. I spent most of the next 15 years overseas as a missionary. When I returned to the States, I had the honor of helping my mom take her journey from this life to the next. My experience with my mom changed my life and made me acutely aware of what a privilege it is to be a part of those final days in a person's life on earth. 

Since then I have helped several more family and friends take the same journey. I have volunteered at skilled nursing facilities and hospice for more than 7 years. 

I currently work as a trainer for hospital workers, teaching them how to use the computer system used in healthcare facilities across the nation.

I can be reached at:

Deannar4@gmail.com 
317-504-0155