Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Hospice Care: Everything You Need to Know
Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Hospice Care: Everything You Need to Know
During a patient’s stay in hospice care, them and their family will be given many options. This is to ensure a patient’s stay is as personalized as possible.
One of the most important options the patient will face is a DNR, otherwise known as a Do Not Resuscitate order.
In the article below, we’ll explain what a DNR is and what the patient—and the patient’s family—should be most aware of before signing or not signing one.
What is a DNR?
A DNR is a legal document that says that a patient does not wish to be resuscitated in the case of an emergency. Examples of said emergency may be cardiac or respiratory arrest. In addition to the patient’s consent, it must be signed by a physician.
If a patient doesn’t have a DNR, then the patient will be resuscitated by medical personnel as normal. The resuscitation process may include pressure on the chest, mouth-to-mouth, electric shock, breathing tubes, or medicines.
Why Would a Patient Sign a DNR?
When a patient is older or very sick, being resuscitated comes with certain risks and the chances of being successfully resuscitated drop considerably. The risks can involve being successfully resuscitated, but in a debilitated state.
Therefore, certain patients may prefer a peaceful death, rather than surviving in a compromised physical or mental condition.
It can be a difficult decision, but one that should be left up to the patient and his or her family. It’s highly recommended that the patient discuss the DNR with their doctor, in order to gain the most comprehensive perspective relative to their condition.
How Does a Patient Get a DNR?
If a patient decides that a DNR is something they want, the first step is to contact their hospice team and physician. At the patient’s request, the physician will fill out the necessary paperwork to make it official.
In the case that a patient has a living will, the patient may want to include the DNR. Since a living will goes into effect when patients are unable to speak for themselves, having the DNR be a part of it ensures that their wishes will be upheld.
In the case that a patient changes his or her mind, DNRs can be revoked.
The Importance of a DNR
In hospice care, having a DNR is one of the more important choices patients can make for themselves. Whether or not they choose to have one is purely a matter of personal preference.
A DNR is simply one of the many ways that hospice care provides personal agency to its patients. Personalized care is the backbone of what hospice provides and the medical team will support the patients no matter their preferences.
Are you considering hospice care for your loved one? Reach out to Divinity Hospice online or by phone (281-339-7079). We’ll give your loved one the respect, attention, and personalized care they deserve.