My mom is currently in the hospital after taking a fall. She is terminal (breast & posible brain cancer). We have it in both of our wills a paragraph that states our wishes should we become incapacitated, something to the effect of “we want no extrema measures taken to prolong our life”.. Is that a “DNR”? If not, what do I need to do to get one for my mom? And I’m assuming I’ll need to give that to the doctor whose currently taking care of my mom while she’s in the hospital. Their plan is to transfer her to a rehab facility. I’m also assuming the rehab place will need a copy of the DNR as well?? Please, any advice on this & how to proceed. We are both each others POA for health & finances (in our wills we had made up together at the same time 10 yrs ago). Thank you.
Ask the hospital for a POLST form. This form outlines more than just DNR (do not resuscitate ).
It's bright pink with black lettering. She can pick from whatever choices for her ending care she wants.
It will become part of her chart and will be noted on the front of the chart to not resuscitate.
Because transfers to other facilities can be hectic, make sure the rehab has the copy and understands her wishes. Have them show it to you.
I know my step mom, with no known medical issues, also has them in both cars and her home. She informed me of this.
A DNR notice can be shown on a paper (different colors in different states), or on the wrist of the patient as a bracelet, if they live in a ALF, nursing home care or are in the hospital.
The DNR paperwork is normally within the patient's medical history which is transferred when the patient is transferred.
We have not done the POLST forms, but we're young enough that our attorney told us not to worry about them right now. Said to re-visit that in a few years.
The important thing is that your family know your wishes, and where to access the forms.
It is better to have a "Medical Directive" drawn up by an "Elder Law Attorney", this legal document gives directions on your care. My parents both had such a document and it was such a great guideline for me to follow. I also have such a document for myself.
The newer form is called a POLST (Physicians Order for Life Sustaining Treatment) This document goes into greater detail about treatment options.
the reason I say it must be with you is..
If you are out and paramedics are called their "job" is to save your life. If you do not have the document with you they will do just that.
If you are at home and the document is not in view when paramedics arrive they will do their "job" and try to save your life.
I was always told..If it is not available..It does not exist.
I was also told that a DNR is "suspended" if the person is having surgery.
Normally the DNR or POLST is printed on bright colored paper that is easily seen. Typically kept on the refrigerator where it will be seen and where family members can get it at a moments notice.
The POLST covers the following.
CPR
Medical Intervention, Full treatment, Selective treatment or comfort treatment.
Medically Administered Nutrition, Long term, Trial period or None at all
As you can see it is much more detailed than the old DNR
CPR works great on TV. It may work well if you are younger and in good health (go figure that)
But do know when they do CPR your ribs will be broken, your sternum will probably be broken as well.
This is due to the great amount of pressure that is needed to be applied to the chest.
So if you are frail you now have to recover from the heart attack as well as many broken bones. If you have other health conditions dealing with these new problems may make things much more difficult.