Living wills and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders are important documents that help ensure end-of-life care aligns with an individual’s wishes.
Understanding how these directives work together is key for creating a clear plan for medical treatment.
Living wills explained
A living will is a legal document that outlines a person’s preferences for medical care if they become unable to communicate. This can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments, such as feeding tubes or ventilators. In Virginia, living wills provide guidance to healthcare providers and loved ones, ensuring that an individual’s healthcare choices are respected.
What is a DNR order?
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a person’s heart stops or they stop breathing. Unlike a living will, which covers a broad range of medical treatments, a DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation. In Virginia, a DNR order must be signed by a physician to be valid, and it is often displayed prominently so medical personnel can easily access it in an emergency.
Coordinating living wills and DNR orders
Living wills and DNR orders can work together to ensure that a person’s end-of-life care aligns with their wishes. A living will may include a preference not to resuscitate, but a separate DNR order is still needed for medical personnel to follow that instruction.
It is important for individuals to discuss their wishes with their healthcare provider to ensure both documents are properly completed and consistent. Keeping family members informed about these decisions can also prevent confusion during a medical crisis.
Respecting wishes
Coordinating living wills and DNR orders ensures that end-of-life care respects an individual’s wishes. By understanding how these documents interact and working with healthcare providers, individuals can create a clear and effective plan for their medical care that provides peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
