My parents have legally requested DNR and they both live at home. I'm their full-time Caregiver. Does DNR include while at home. And does it include anyone visiting our home, who knows CPR and might attempt CPR? The reason for asking, my friend just started to help me cook dinner two nights a week, to give me a break this month. Last night, she asked me, "Would our friendship be over, if something happened to your parents while I was cooking?" That question got me thinking about my parents DNR. Should I let everyone that enters our home know, no CPR if an event occurs needing it? I love my parents and my natural instinct is to do CPR. My husband and I talked about buying a defibrillator to use at home. Tomorrow, I plan to contact our family lawyer, he specializes in Elder Law.
(Do not resuscitate From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
I just pulled out my own Advance Medical Directive documents, and it says not to use extraordinary medical measures that would only prolong the dying process. Such as artificial life support, surgery, artificial nourishment, yada, yada, yada.
Oh, it does say including Do Not Resuscitate [DNR] and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation [CPR].
I would think if one was having a heart attack then CPR would be tried. If one had a very serious illness with no chance of recovery, then CPR would not be tried.
Now it has me thinking, I think I will make some changes to my Advanced Medical Directive.