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Designated to Decide: How to Help a Loved One Finish Well
In the video, “When Surrogates Override the DNR,” a woman who was appointed to be her mother’s healthcare agent explains why she directed emergency room doctors to intubate her mother against her mother’s wishes.
It is a compelling video especially in light of the upcoming April 16th National Healthcare Decisions Day and growing discussion about aggressive healthcare at the end of life. The video is a sad story of loss that teaches important lessons about choosing and agreeing to be chosen as a healthcare agent.
In the video, a loving daughter agrees to be her mother’s healthcare agent. A thoughtful mother completes a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and DNI (Do Not Intubate) forms. The mother even goes so far as to wear a bracelet to alert paramedics not to resort to heroic measures to save her life. The mother also has a form on her refrigerator door alerting others of her wishes. Then the day comes which is most feared – her loved ones get a call from an emergency room. Upon arrival, they discover their beloved mother is gravely ill. Emergency room personnel tell them only support through intubation will continue her life.
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See video link on GeriPal website.
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