End of Life Navigation is a new genre of non-medical death care that fills the gap of services that our overwhelmed palliative medical system is struggling to provide. Whether in a hospital, hospice, long term care or at home, I can provide comfort and guidance for people through the dying process and relieve the burden for families who are unprepared or afraid to navigate death.

As a Death Doula, I accompany a dying person, and their loved ones, through a personal, intentional and conscious dying process. As a non-medical companion, I bridge the gap of fear and uncertainty, providing education and resources to assist decision making along the spectrum of death and grief.  I create a safe space for exploring the physical, emotional and spiritual environment that may ease the transition of death and bring comfort and meaning to the end of life.

Along with providing non-medical support, comfort and advocacy for people at the end of life, I can provide end of life planning and educational resources to guide people to contemplate and plan for their own death.

advanced medical planning
medical assistance in dying planning
comfort and care planning
legacy exploration
celebration of life planning
home funerals
vigiling services
resources on options for green burials

My scope of practice does not encompass providing medical or legal advice. I will facilitate information and resources but will not make decisions on your behalf.

Valerie Lykkemark’s career path has been encompassed in the not for profit health sector, with 16 years served at the Canadian Cancer Society. Over this period she engaged staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and clients to develop and disseminate support programs for people living with cancer. Most recently, she fulfilled the role of Education Coordinator for the BC Hospice Palliative Care Organisation.

In 2020, Valerie completed the End of Life Doula program at Douglas College and has spent the last two years continuing her death education. She is an active member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada and Death Doula Network International. Currently she contributes to the community as Co-Facilitator for Education Events with Victoria Holistic Death Care Community and as an Inpatient Unit Support Volunteer at Victoria Hospice.

Valerie also teaches swimming lessons and yoga, certified with a 200 Hour Yoga Certification from the Brahmanda Yoga School.

Greater Victoria, BC, the communities of Vancouver Island and beyond.

I respectfully acknowledge the stewards of the sacred lands and waters of the unceded and traditional territories of the Lekwungen People, also known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, where I am grateful to live. I extend this respect to their ancestors and those yet to come.

Click HERE for more information on fees.

The only thing you require is curiosity. Along with providing non-medical support, comfort and advocacy for people at the end of life, I can provide end of life planning and educational resources to guide people to contemplate and embrace their own death.

The Discovery Call will be on the phone or by video online. Future meetings can be customized to be in person or online. If you live in Victoria, BC we will agree on a suitable location to gather in person in a community space or at your home.

Children are encouraged and welcomed into conversations. Often children have not yet learned to fear death as their curiosity teaches them it is a natural cycle of life. Appropriate resources will be used to facilitate a safe and comfortable experience.

Many families are separated by geographical boundaries. I can bridge the gap by providing in person support to your parents while connecting with the family members online to provide a circle of support.