This episode is the full length version of a shorter version that was broadcast on a recent Five for Friday, about the Do Not Resuscitate advance directive. 

Helen & Jerry talk more extensively about the DNR for hospice patients in this episode. Do Not Resuscitate forms communicate a person’s wish that CPR not be initiated if the heart or breathing stops. It’s a major part of end of life care for many patients and their families, as well as the hospice professionals providing their care.

Other states have forms for use as DNR instructions. These documents are part of advance care planning that all terminally ill patients should consider. 

Simple, right? One page. The title tells what it is.

But it’s so much more than just a form. It’s a life altering decision (literally). It’s a declaration that impacts not only the life of the hospice patient, but the lives of their families and caregivers as well. It’s up to hospice professionals to make sure that everyone involved understands what a DNR means. It’s also up to the hospice team to make sure that the wishes expressed in a DNR document are honored.

For more information about the DNR, please visit our website at www.theheartofhospice.com, and look under Advance Care Planning Resources. You can also send us an email for more information, or to ask a question in regard to advanced care planning. Our email address is host@theheartofhospice.com