What does DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) mean?
A DNR is a signed medical order written by a doctor.
DNR stands for Do Not Resuscitate and tells health care providers and emergency medical personnel not to do CPR on your older adult if they stop breathing or if their heart stops beating.
The DNR is only a decision about CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
It doesn’t affect any other treatments, such as pain medicine, other medicines, or nutrition.
(For doctor’s orders about other end-of-life treatments, your older adult may want a POLST .)
We explain why your older adult might want a DNR, the difference between a pre-hospital and a hospital DNR, how to get a DNR, and how to make sure it’s easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Advertisement
Why would seniors want a DNR?
If your older adult has already decided that they don’t want CPR, this form allows them to make sure their wishes are honored in an emergency.
Without a DNR or POLST, emergency medical personnel are required to do their best to resuscitate someone who is not breathing or doesn’t have a heartbeat.
They cannot stop these efforts without a signed medical order, no matter what you say.
The difference between pre-hospital vs hospital DNR
DNR forms are used in hospitals so the staff will know how to respond in case of an emergency.
However, there are also DNR forms that can be used outside of a hospital by emergency medical personnel or in assisted living.
Those are often called a pre-hospital DNR.
Make sure you have the form that’s right for your older adult’s current situation. Some people may need both.
How to get a legally valid DNR
After talking with your older adult, discuss their CPR preferences with their doctor.
Their doctor must sign the official DNR form and must use the appropriate forms for your older adult’s state.
Some states have additional requirements, so be sure that your older adult is complying with all necessary rules such as using a specific color of paper for the form, wearing a DNR bracelet, etc.
If the state’s requirements aren’t met, the DNR isn’t legally valid and emergency medical services providers don’t have to honor it.
You can find many states’ forms online at the state health department’s website.
Note: If your older adult has a DNR and moves from one state to another, they must complete a new DNR form that’s legally valid in their new home state.
Make sure the DNR is easily accessible
A DNR can only be honored if people know it exists.
Notify doctors, nurses, caregivers, family members, and assisted living staff about your older adult’s wishes and show that they have a signed DNR.
Make sure doctors, hospitals, and assisted living communities have the DNR on file and/or post it prominently in your older adult’s room.
And you may also want to print backup copies to keep in your hospital essentials kit and to give to family members.
A DNR should also be posted prominently in your older adult’s home – emergency medical teams are likely to look for it near their bed or on the refrigerator.
Note: Some states require a DNR medical bracelet. If that’s the case, the person must be wearing the bracelet in order for medical personnel to honor the DNR.
Recommended for you:
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Comments