Holistic Care, Palliative &
End-of-Life Support
Compassionate care and companionship for illness, recovery, ageing and life's final transitions.

Holistic Care, Palliative &
End-of-Life Support
Compassionate care and companionship for illness, recovery, ageing and life's final transitions.
There are times in life when practical support, compassionate companionship and a calm, reassuring presence can make all the difference.
I offer personalised one-to-one care and support for individuals and families navigating illness, recovery, disability, ageing, palliative care and end-of-life journeys. My approach combines practical assistance with emotional understanding, dignity and respect, ensuring that each person feels seen, heard and supported as an individual.
Whether you require short-term support following illness or surgery, ongoing companionship and assistance at home, palliative care, or guidance during the final stages of life, I provide a holistic and person-centred approach tailored to your unique needs.
Home Care & Daily Living Support
Remaining at home can provide comfort, familiarity and independence during times of illness, recovery or advancing age.
Support may include:
- Personal care and assistance with daily routines
- Meal preparation and nutritional support
- Light household tasks
- Shopping and errands
- Accompaniment to appointments
- Medication reminders
- Mobility support
- General companionship and emotional support
My aim is to help individuals maintain dignity, independence and quality of life within the comfort of their own home.
Recovery & Rehabilitation Support
Recovering from illness, surgery or injury can be physically and emotionally challenging.
I provide supportive care during periods of recovery, helping individuals regain confidence, strength and independence while ensuring they feel safe and supported throughout the healing process.
Support may include practical assistance, companionship, emotional encouragement and help with daily activities while recovery progresses.
Companion Care
Loneliness and isolation can have a significant impact on wellbeing.
Companion care offers the opportunity for meaningful connection, conversation and emotional support.
This may include:
- Social visits and companionship
- Shared activities and hobbies
- Walks and gentle outings
- Emotional support during life changes
- Encouragement to remain engaged with life and community
Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another person is simply our presence.
Palliative Care Support
Living with a serious or life-limiting illness often brings practical, emotional and spiritual challenges for both the individual and their loved ones.
As a palliative care companion, I provide non-medical support that complements the work of healthcare professionals and family carers.
My role is to help create greater comfort, peace and quality of life during this important stage, supporting both the individual and those closest to them.
Support may include:
- Practical day-to-day assistance
- Emotional support and companionship
- Respite for family carers
- Gentle conversation around fears, concerns and wishes
- Support with maintaining comfort and dignity
- Creating a calm and reassuring environment
Every person's journey is unique, and support is always tailored to their needs and preferences.
End-of-Life Support
As a trained Death Doula and End-of-Life Companion, I offer additional support for individuals and families approaching the end of life.
Death doulas provide non-medical, holistic support before, during and after death, helping people navigate one of life's most profound transitions with greater understanding, dignity and peace.
This support may include:
- End-of-life companionship
- Advance planning conversations
- Legacy and life review work
- Emotional support for individuals and families
- Support with difficult conversations
- Vigil support during the final days and hours
- Creating meaningful rituals or ceremonies if desired
- Guidance around wishes and preferences
- Bereavement support for loved ones
My role is not to direct the journey, but to walk alongside individuals and families, offering a compassionate presence and helping create an experience that reflects their values, wishes and beliefs.
Why Work With a Carer Who Is Also a Death Doula?
While many carers focus primarily on physical support, my training allows me to offer a broader and more holistic approach.
Alongside practical care, I am able to support emotional wellbeing, family dynamics, meaningful conversations, life review, spiritual concerns (where welcomed), and the deeper aspects of preparing for the end of life.
This integrated approach helps individuals and families feel supported not only in practical terms, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
My Approach
I believe that good care is about far more than completing tasks.
It is about presence, trust, compassion and recognising the unique person behind the illness, diagnosis or circumstances.
My work is informed by many years of caring experience, therapeutic and wellbeing practices, and specialised training in end-of-life support. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where people feel respected, empowered and cared for with dignity.
Whether supporting someone through recovery, living with a serious illness, navigating later life, or approaching the end of life, my intention is always the same:
To walk alongside each person with kindness, compassion and respect.
Areas Covered
Based in Central Portugal, I offer flexible support arrangements including home care, companion care, palliative support and end-of-life companionship.
Please contact me to discuss your individual circumstances, location and care needs.
Get in Touch
If you would like to explore whether my support may be suitable for you or a loved one, I invite you to contact me for an informal conversation.
Together we can discuss your situation and explore how I may be able to help.
Begin Your Journey
Every journey begins with a conversation.
Whats App: +351 962 929 611
E-mail: ishtar.rathsi@gmail.com
You don't have to Navigate Life Alone
Life brings many transitions - healing, illness, recovery, ageing, grief, awakening and change.
Whatever you are facing, I offer compassionate support, practical guidance
and a safe space to explore the path ahead.
Let's Connect...