Dnr

[2sp_]

My Granny has decided that she wants a DNR placed on her medical records. She has Alzheimers and has her lucid moments, but has discussed this with my Uncle and her GP. They are all in agreement that she knows what this means and understands what will (or won't) happen when the time comes.

The family support this completely.

I was thinking that she should have a notice in her home (she lives in sheltered housing) stating that she has a DNR, and also her medical conditions and medications in case an Emergency crew are ever called and get there before any family can be contacted.

Is this something they would pay attention to? Is there even such a thing as a standard notice I could download from the internet?

[pixie373]

Our clients have a signed form in their files- and it is also put on the front sheet. The official document that's signed is in triplicate and the pink copy is for that person's records. So yes, keep it somewhere accessible.

[2sp_]

I was just thinking about putting something up on the wall just as you come into the house?

[Mamyalynne]

I would list her wishes and her meds and laminate or similar and do just that 2sp.

[pixie373]

In theory, it should be stuck above their bed. I've only seen that once, but it seemed a little tactless to me. Somewhere it can be seen easily by paramedics would be useful. I realise she knows, but i wouldn't want to see it every time i went to bed...

[2sp_]

Thanks pixie and Mamya. I really wanted to see if it was the norm and not too macabre?

[boxtops]

Ask the GP to put a note in her medical records, ambulance crew should have access to that. Make sure that the manager of the sheltered housing has a copy too. Round here we can get a container which goes in the fridge, you put in there any records like this, and details of medication you're on - you then get a sticker to put on the front door so ambulance crew know to look in the fridge for your pot.

[2sp_]

We were planning on the airing cupboard door, it's just as you go into the house and I doubt Granny would ever notice it!

[boxtops]

It's not macabre at all, its eminently sensible. I know the last thing my mum would have wanted is emergency services trying to resus her when her time came - and thankfully, it didn't happen, but I really feared that it might.

[2sp_]

Thanks boxy. I know Granny would hate any intervention when her time comes. I like the idea of the fridge, but with her Alzheimers there is a danger she would move it out of the fridge. I don't think she would bother with anything stuck to the wall.

I hope she pops off in her sleep.

[Prudie]

That's very thoughtful 2sp, I just wonder in these litigious times whether any emergency crew arriving at the house would take notice of an unofficial note on the wall, I doubt it. Are there medical bracelets/lockets that you can get that are more officially accepted?

[2sp_]

We could get a copy of the pink form that pixie has mentioned, maybe stick that to the wall.

Hopefully she'll never need it.

[woofgang]

Is there a message in a bottle scheme where you live?
http://www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk/self-care/helpushelpyou/messageinabottle.ashx

[pixie373]

We have those too- kept in fridge, but from observation, emergency resus is attempted well before they get that far.

[woofgang]

If she lives alone, unless you have a huge sign facing the door as they enter, than that is likely to happen anyway. When DH was in his last hours, even though I was there to speak for him as his wife, the GP, bless her, said I had better have a pink form so that if I needed to dial 999, there could be no confusion and DH would be left at home to go as he wanted.

[2sp_]

Woof, as you go in her front door the airing cupboard is directly in front of you so I was thinking of putting it there.

I just hope she can slip away in her sleep. She would hate to be faffed about with in her last moments.

[woofgang]

that sounds like a good idea. Does she ever go out? If she does, she should have a DNA note in her bag or coat pocket along with a copy of the pink form. Even if she is accompanied, an ambulance paramedic may not feel able to take the word of a companion.

[2sp_]

Woof, she only goes out with my Mum or Uncle with her, but I will say to them both that they should be aware of the need to carry a copy of the DNR with them.

Sounds so macabre. I just really want her to go on her own terms if possible.

[woofgang]

Its a very loving thing to do, to make their passing as easy as it can be and on their terms.......

[tinkerbell23]

2sp its supposed to be kept in the fridge where i am from..... X

[tinkerbell23]

Basicay because nobody in an emergency will probobly have time to look for a sticker/sign etc... MOST Folk have a fridge- so mabye check with your gp or district nurses or something what they expect! X