California Estate Planning Lawyer Explains DNR Orders
Figuring out if you want a DNR order as part of your estate plan can be confusing. There’s always the “what ifs” to contend with. At LA | Estate Plans, our estate planning attorney in Los Angeles can walk you through all the scenarios and help you determine what is important to you. Schedule Your Peace of Mind Planning Session to learn more about DNRs and other tools you can use in a smart, comprehensive estate plan.
What is Resuscitation?
Resuscitation is treatment given when a person’s blood flow or breathing stops. Doctors and physicians have several ways of resuscitating patients, the most common of which include:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which involves mouth-to-mouth breathing and pressing on the chest
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
- Defibrillation
- Assisted breathing machines, like a ventilator
- Medicines
In some cases, these resuscitation methods save the patient from death but leave them in poor condition. People who want to avoid the latter outcome can create and sign a Do-Not-Resuscitate order, preventing doctors from resuscitating under certain or any circumstances.
How DNRs Work in California
Can Anything Override a DNR Order in California?
Things to Consider Prior to Signing a DNR in Los Angeles
There are a few things to consider prior to signing a DNR. Here’s a short list.
- Do you have any religious, ethical, or moral beliefs opposed to resuscitation? Some religions oppose resuscitation methods while some people are simply opposed to the idea on moral or ethical grounds.
- Why do you not want to be resuscitated? Are you seriously ill or have you been diagnosed with a terminal illness? Sometimes a person who is not terminally ill may want a DNR order if their health generally is deteriorating.
- Do the side effects worry you? Side effects can be serious even if resuscitation is successful. If chest compressions were used, you could end up with broken ribs, punctured lungs, or a damaged heart. For an older person, these physical injuries are significant.
- Do survival rates concern you? People over the age of 70 who are revived through resuscitation often do not have good survival rates. Though statistics vary, for most elderly persons, outcomes can be depressing, and so for some, it feels like they are prolonging the inevitable. It is important to keep in mind, though, each person is different, and you could have a good prognosis even when the statistics indicate otherwise.
Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer in California Today
At LA | Estate Plans, we want to make sure you do what is best for you. Having an estate plan that is comprehensive and thorough is your best insurance to make sure your preferences regarding your medical treatment and the management of your estate are carried out the way you want them to be. Schedule Your Peace of Mind Planning Session to learn more. We will walk you through everything you need to know about DNRs specifically and an estate plan generally.