People Inc.Mercy Doula Program Helps With Unique Needs of People with IDD
Jul 20, 2026
Christmas came early to a hospital room eight years ago. A woman who receives services from People Inc. was nearing the end of her life. She had no involved family but she did have a team of people who knew her well, and People Inc.‘s Director of Life Transitions Ashley Keagle, who had recently launched the agency’s Mercy Doula Program.
“She really loved Christmas,” Keagle recalled. “She loved gifts, Christmas music, all of those things. So I said, ‘Why don’t we bring Christmas to the hospital?’”
The next day, the room was filled with gifts, music and a small Christmas tree. The woman in care died the following day.
For Keagle, regarded as an expert in life transitions and end-of-life care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the experience captures what the Mercy Doula Program is about: listening, asking the right questions and helping each person experience dignity, comfort and choice.
The transition at the end of life is something every person and family may eventually face, yet the unique needs of people with IDD during this time have historically received far less attention. People with IDD may face barriers to communicating their wishes, understanding their options and having their choices fully heard and respected.
“That is what makes the Mercy Doula Program so important and unique. There are not many organizations out there doing what we do,” said Keagle. “Because People Inc.’s Mercy Doulas already understand the people they support and the systems surrounding their care, they can bring both specialized knowledge and personal connection to one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.
Planning ahead can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. At People Inc., our qualified team is here to help you understand important decisions related to life’s changes. Learn about planning tools and how they can protect you and your loved ones. Learn about Health Care Proxies vs. Guardianships.
Today, People Inc. has trained nearly 100 Mercy Doulas to support people with IDD, their families and caregiving teams through end-of-life transitions. The program began with bedside support for people with terminal illnesses or chronic conditions and has grown to provide assistance throughout the many emotional and practical aspects of dying, death, grief and loss.
Mercy Doulas help with the following:
- Facilitating advance care planning discussions
- Providing guidance and education to reduce anxiety and fear of the unknown
- Offer emotional, spiritual and social support to families and people served
- Providing companionship throughout the process and respite for caregivers
- Managing communication among members of the care team and advocating for comfort and symptom management
- Creating meaningful legacy projects
At its heart, Keagle said, the work is about honoring the life a person has lived while ensuring their final journey reflects who they are.
“What is going to bring them quality and comfort and peace in those moments?” she said. “What can we do right now that would really change the course of this?”