What rights are given under a DNR?
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What rights are given under a DNR?
My husband and I have been taking care of an elderly lady for about 7 months now. We had to put her in a nursing home because she could no longer take care of herself due to seizeures and other health problems. The nursing home wants us to sign a DNR on her but she has property she owns. If we sign these papers does that mean we have control over her and her stuff?
Asked on September 26, 2011 under Estate Planning, Florida
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You and your husband are very nice people to take care of her but does she have any family around at all? They need to come in to the picture now. a DNR is a Do Not Resuscitate Order. It is a document kept on file indicating the wishes of the patient regarding the right of the hospital or nursing home to try and resuscitate them in the event that they go in to cardiac arrest, etc. States such as New York require that they be on fie when a person is in a nursing care facility. This document does NOT give you any power under the law to control her or her belongings, especially the house. A guardian or conservator is needed here. Good luck.
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