For the Ballendella local, nurturing has always come naturally as she worked first as a horticulturalist and nurse before becoming an end-of-life doula.
An end-of-life doula aims to provide comfort and support to those nearing death and their family members.
Ms Guinea said she was introduced to the role after seeing her brother’s end-of-life doula in action.
“I came into this doula space because my brother died in September 2023 after he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer,” she said.
“He had an end-of-life doula and when I found out about the role ... it spoke to me.
“I work in the hospital in Rochester and we have palliative care people come in ... I always want to spend more time with them but it’s hard to spend time when you’ve got other things to do.
“I feel like I’ve got a passion for it and I want to show people there’s a different way to have an end of life.”
Every end-of-life doula is different and can provide a range of different services.
Ms Guinea helps patients prepare for their end of life, whether nearing death or not, by organising wills, legal work, planning the details of their funerals or even creating a bucket list.
For those who are nearing death, she provides comfort and reassurance to both the individual and their family and liaises between allied health services and the patient.
Once a loved one has passed on, Ms Guinea speaks to families about funeral preparations.
Ms Guinea said her role was to bring everyone involved together to support the person nearing death.
“We’re encouraging people to go back to the way it was before ... having the family and community supporting that person in whatever way,” she said.
“This is the way the world is going because there’s not enough nurses, doctors, hospitals, to support the wave of people who are going to be in this space at the end of life.
“That’s why I’m doing the talk at the library, just to make people aware that you can look after your loved one at home and you can be supported to do that.”
Ms Guinea’s talk will be held on Friday, February 21 at the Echuca library from 2pm.
It is a free event; however, bookings are required.
To book a spot, phone 5481 2400 or email libraries@campaspe.vic.gov.au
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