[Cerek the Barbaric]

Originally posted by Night Stalker: Well Cerek, my own Grandmother had a living will, was on hospice care and recusitated twice. Each time both the hospital and nursing home were counseled. They finaly followed it the third time.

Ahhhh....well there is a difference between a Living Will and a "Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)" order. The Living Will simply states that no "heroic measures" should be taken to prolong or preserve a person's life. Essentially, this just means not placing the person on life-support for any length of time when there is little hope of immediate recovery. Attempts to resuscitate a patient are NOT considered "heroic" efforts...as such, you must have a separate order that specifically states that NO attempt should be made at resuscitation.

The "DNR" orders are typically only found on the Living Wills or charts of elderly patients. You don't have to have a Living Will to have a DNR order (although it is pretty well assumed that life support wouldn't be wanted if resuscitation is not wanted).

As for the hospice "ignoring" your grandmothers Living Will - unless it also contained the a specific "DNR Order", they are obligated to make every attempt necessary to save a life. As I said before, when the DNR order is in place, however, they have the same obligation to simply stand by and do nothing (an emotionally difficult task at best).

I'm sorry to hear your grandmother's wishes were not met the first two times, but it sounds as if the proper paperwork may not have been done the first two times. That is just a guess, of course, but keep in mind that health care facilities face a huge risk of lawsuit in their everyday business. That is why they are so meticulous about having proper documentation for ANY decision regarding a patient's care. It's a necessary measure of CYA in today's litigation-happy society.