On The Road Home

From Life's First Cry to Final Breath
Mission Statement

Guided by the grace and hope of our resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ, I am committed to serving alongside medical professionals to support those in my community who are terminally ill and wish to spend their final days at home. My mission is to provide compassionate care, honoring each individual’s choices, and fostering peace and dignity in their final journey.

About Julia Rupp

Certified End-of-Life Doula
“I am a Christian, non-medical professional dedicated to providing emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill and dying individuals in their homes. My role is to walk alongside them and their families during this profound journey, offering comfort, guidance, and a compassionate presence rooted in faith.”
My Journey to Becoming a Doula
Many people ask me how I can do this kind of work. Looking back, I can see how God has called me to care for the dying and their caregivers. During nursing school and as a Hospice volunteer, I connected deeply with cancer patients, as their diagnoses led to meaningful, heart-to-heart conversations. Later, I witnessed firsthand the impact of illness, cancer, and aging on my own loved ones. While hospice care provided invaluable support, I realized there was still a need for someone to be present in the day-to-day moments. With a heart full of compassion for caregivers and those in frail, humble conditions, I believe God has given me the love and non-judgmental spirit to serve families in my community as a certified end-of-life doula.
Certifications

doula (noun)

dou·la
/ˈdo͞olə/
Origin: Greek
Definition: A woman who serves.

What is an End-of-Life Doula?

Derived from the Greek word meaning “a woman who serves,” an end-of-life doula assists patients and their families throughout the natural process of death, providing guidance, emotional support, and advocacy to honor each individual’s journey.

Non-Medical Services

Julia offers a range of non-medical services to support both the individual and their family

Facilitate planning, assist with completing important tasks, and help establish control in decision-making, support patient with decision-making and final wishes

  • Offer companionship, respite care, and logistical help, including home-from-hospital organization
  • Based on my discretion – 24/7 on call and overnight respite

Provide guidance on the death process, connect family to community resources, and organize comfort care options

Focus on the patient’s wishes, facilitate family communication, and establish visitor structures

  • Listen, offer companionship, and help family members process the journey with gentle guidance
  • Reflect on life’s accomplishments and talk through regrets
  • Encourage peace with God and others

Create a soothing environment, including:

  • bedside vigils
  • light massage
  • music
  • prayer
  • read scripture
  • odor control

Support during the active phase of dying, creating a peaceful space

Assist families with next steps, including:

  • notifying loved ones
  • post-mortem care, and family support in days following
  • hold space for final moments
  • encourage family when to call hospice
  • let family know the next steps

Contact Julia

As a Community Service Volunteer, I provide my services at no charge. However, I welcome donations to help cover some of the associated costs.

Get In Touch

OnTheRoadHome