The Shira Ruskay Center

How to Refer a Client, Friend or Family Member

Who are our Doulas?

Our volunteer Doulas are people from all walks of life, from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. They range in age from their mid twenties to their eighties. They are deeply committed to being compassionate companions for people who are at the end of life and who lack a strong support system. All Doulas are registered as volunteers of JBFCS

Finding the right patients/clients

The Doula program is an end of life program. People in need of Doulas generally meet the following criteria:

To the best of the ability of the referring personnel, the person in need is not expected to live more than 18 months, but can be as close to death as a few weeks.
The person has limited support from family and friends; the family needs additional support; or the organizational staff believes that the person would benefit from a visitor who is not a family member.
The person is oriented at the time of referral.
The person has been consulted and wishes to have a volunteer visitor — described as a well trained volunteer who wants to visit and establish a relationship with someone who is seriously ill.

To Refer: Call Amy Levine (212) 632-4768.

Each case is evaluated on an individual basis. The guidelines are flexibly addressed. The referring staff together with Doula staff will determine how to best introduce the client and the Doula. The scheduling of the future meetings will be established between the client and the Doula. The Doula is expected to visit at least once a week and more often as illness progresses.

Responsibilities of the Doula — what they can and what they shouldn't do:

Doulas are compassionate companions.
Doulas will continue to visit the person in whatever setting they are receiving care, as their health declines.
Doulas and client may talk listen and read together, listen to music together, walk together, etc.
Doulas are encouraged to be as creative as possible in relating to clients.
Doulas do not provide assistance with physical care
Doulas are aware of hospital/nursing home restrictions about moving clients, feeding without permission, and HIPPA regulations concerning privacy.

Support and supervision for Doulas.

Support and supervision is provided by the Doula to Accompany and Comfort program. After the Doula completes the training, the staff keeps in contact by phone and e-mail. Staff is available on an individual basis for any assistance the Doula needs. Annually, Doulas are required to attend three of our bi- monthly meetings at our office. These meetings provide: an opportunity for continued learning; to share experiences; to process the often powerful emotional events and issues that arise in working with the dying; and to learn from each other.

Contact: Amy Levine, LMSW, Director

©2010 The Shira Ruskay Center
135 West 50th Street, 6th Floor · New York, NY 10020
Phone: (212) 632-4608 · Fax: (212) 399-2475 ·
[JBFCS site] [Jewish Connections Programs]