#United States #Jersey City #LGBTQ+ #INELDA #SAGECare

INELDA and SAGECare Introduce an Inclusive Training Program for End-of-Life Doulas

In a significant step towards ensuring that all individuals receive compassionate and culturally sensitive end-of-life care, the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) has partnered with SAGECare to launch a pioneering training program focusing on the unique needs of LGBTQ+ elders. Scheduled for release on November 13, 2025, this collaborative effort seeks to empower end-of-life doulas with the knowledge and skills essential for adequately supporting LGBTQ+ individuals during their final stages of life.

Understanding the Need for Inclusive Care

The partnership is driven by a pressing recognition that LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique challenges as they navigate end-of-life care, including potential concerns surrounding family dynamics, misinterpretations of their identities, and societal discrimination. According to Pam Bolton, Managing Director of Social Enterprise at SAGE, “End-of-life planning is essential for everyone, but LGBTQ+ people face unique risks—like unrecognized partners or estranged family members overriding their wishes.” This program aims to mitigate these challenges by equipping doulas with the tools necessary to honor and affirm the identities of those they serve, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

Course Content and Learning Experience

The training course immerses participants in the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ elders, covering essential topics such as inclusive language, cultural history, legal considerations, and case studies that highlight the importance of person-centered care. Participants will engage in practical skill-building exercises designed to enhance their ability to offer meaningful companionship, advocacy, and dignity to every individual they encounter. By the end of the program, doulas will be prepared to support a diverse generation of trailblazers in their final moments, ensuring their stories and authentic selves are recognized and cherished.

Omni Kitts Ferara, Director of Education for INELDA, emphasizes the significance of integrating insights from both organizations in creating a comprehensive educational experience. He notes, “The course brings together the deep knowledge and wisdom of SAGE and LGBTQ+ elders while weaving the innovation of the INELDA Doula Approach into this curriculum.”

Credentialing and Future Trainings

Upon completing the two-hour training program, which is available for a base rate of $295, participants will earn an Inclusive Deathcare Badge—this will demonstrate their qualification and commitment to serving the needs of LGBTQ+ adults. Furthermore, these doulas will be featured in a provider directory hosted by SAGECare, enhancing their visibility and accessibility to those seeking inclusive support.

In addition to this training, INELDA is actively developing other ongoing professional development opportunities, which may include nursing contact hours, social work Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and resources aimed at promoting competence in the end-of-life care field. With a robust history of having trained over 9,000 doulas across the U.S. and branching out to 56 countries, INELDA remains resolute in its mission to make deathcare more accessible and compassionate, particularly within institutional settings such as hospitals and hospices.

Conclusion

The unveiling of this training program marks an essential advancement in the field of end-of-life care for LGBTQ+ individuals, reflecting a broader commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equality in all facets of healthcare. By empowering doulas to advocate for the unique needs of LGBTQ+ elders, INELDA and SAGECare are laying the groundwork for a more compassionate and understanding future in deathcare, where every individual’s identity and wishes are honored to the fullest.

For more information on this transformative program or to register for the training, interested parties can reach out to INELDA or SAGECare directly.