What is a vigil plan?
Let’s talk about what the term ‘“vigil” is and what a vigil plan might look like.
When a person is dying they will experience a period of time when they are “actively dying”. This refers to the time when the person’s body begins to shut down and they have begun the process of transitioning into death. It is not uncommon for this to last for many hours, several days, even weeks. During this time the person is often in and out of consciousness or unresponsive. This is the opportunity for you and your family to hold a vigil. A death doula can help this process go smoothly, from the planning stage and for the duration of the vigil.
A death doula assists their client with creating a vigil plan for how you want these last days and hours to play out. The intention is to set a plan so that this sacred time is as tailored to your wishes as possible. Many elements of a vigil plan will include things that are personal to the dying client, such as: where in the home they would like to be (if that option is available) - whether that’s the bedroom, living room, or another special or comfortable space.
Other examples of elements within a vigil plan you will want to plan for and discuss are:
Fragrance: Flowers, candles, incense, etc.
Light: Open windows, overhead lights, muted lighting, darkness, etc.
Visitors: How many? How often? Do you ever want to be alone? People you want to include (or exclude) at your bedside? Pets visitors?
Sound: Nature sounds (birds, rain, ocean), music (and what type? A playlist? Live music?), books (audiobooks or read out loud, poetry,religious texts), story telling, TV, phones (ringtones on or off?), guided meditations, etc.
Touch: Hand holding, massage (what kind & where on the body?), cleaning of body, mouth moisture preferences, hair brushing, etc.
Personal items: photos, particular clothes or bedding, socks, toiletries, crystals or stones, etc.
After death rituals: body anointment or washing, prayers, cultural rituals such as opening windows or covering mirrors, cocktail toast, lighting or blowing out candles, etc.
The possibilities are endless and can be anything that is important to you. Your wishes may also change as the process unfolds, so having a plan will allow your family to adjust as your needs adjust. A death doula can see to those shifting needs and see that your wishes are done. Creating a vigil plan with your end-of-life doula gives you comfort because you know that you will be taken care of in the manner you wish as you transition into the next world, relieves pressure on you and yours, and allows for meaningful moments, within and without, before you go.
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