Hurley Elder Care Law Newsletter - April 2019

 
 
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April 2019  

Do I Need a DNR if I have an Advance Directive?

All adults should have an advance directive.  An advance directive, however, is not a medical order; some may want to have medical orders to provide direction in the event of certain medical events.
 
What is a DNR?
 A DNR order is a “Do Not Resuscitate” order.  It orders healthcare professionals not to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are found unresponsive. It only addresses CPR.
 
If you have a DNR order, you are not telling your healthcare professionals to ignore curative treatment. It is not a “Do Not Treat” order. For instance, your DNR order is not telling doctors to hold back antibiotics, dialysis, transfusions or other life-saving treatments. Those treatments may be beneficial and able to help you stay alive for a longer period of time.
 
CPR has been proven to have a very low success rate in those who are near the end of life or are experiencing complex medical issues and/or frailty. You may only want to express your wishes about CPR and give orders for what is to be done if you are found without a heartbeat.
 
What is an Advance Directive?
The advance directive informs healthcare professionals about your treatment preferences, or what you may want if you are in a coma or have a terminal diagnosis and cannot communicate. It also tells them who is allowed to make your healthcare decisions if you are unable (or unwilling to do so). When you can't speak for yourself, your healthcare team will review your advance directive and talk to your surrogate decision-maker to make healthcare decisions.
 
Unlike a DNR order, the advance directive is a statement of your treatment preferences.  Medical professionals do not have to follow your advance directive; they can ask your surrogate decision-maker to make healthcare decisions.  Your surrogate decision-maker may or may not chose what you have written in your advance directive.
 
Which one do you need?
Just about every adult needs an advance directive for healthcare. This is one of the crucial documents that makes up advance care planning.
 
Although everyone should have an advance directive, only some people should consider a DNR order. You may want to have a DNR order if you:
•   have specific wishes about your end-of-life care,
•   are ready for a natural death,
•   have a terminal or critical illness, or
•   are at significant risk for cardiac or respiratory arrest.

The DNR order does not replace advance directives. The documents work together.
 
What about a POLST?
Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is similar to a DNR order in that it is a medical order that directs healthcare professionals if you cannot speak for yourself. Unlike a DNR order, the POLST addresses more than just CPR.  A POLST form gives medical orders and tells medical providers what treatments you want if you are not able to communicate. It tells them what to do regarding CPR, hospitalization, intubation, mechanical ventilation, antibiotic treatment, and artificial nutrition/hydration.
 
Many Georgians who could benefit from a DNR could also benefit from a POLST. To learn more about the POLST and DNR orders, talk to your primary care physician. 
 
We are passionate about Georgians completing their advance care plans.  If you have any questions or concerns about the Georgia Advance Directive, please contact our office through our website or by calling us at (404) 843-0121.
 
Follow our Blog to learn more about the advance care documents accepted in Georgia.
 

Family Business
We would like to introduce you to the newest Hurley team member, Deb Papenhagen! Originially from Cincinnati, Deb has lived in Atlanta for 12 years.  With a degreee in Communication Arts from the University of Cincinnat and a background in healthcare marketing, she has extensive experience in the senior living industry.  Deb lives in East Cobb with her husband and 3 children.  She enjoys reading and spending time boating on Lake Oconee with her family.
Upcoming Speaking Events & Community Presentations
Continuing Education (CE)

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are looming national public health crises.  It is important for healthcare providers in Georgia to understand the problem and to know how our state will be meeting the growing needs of individuals and families impacted by dementia. This CE will explore the programs, services, and policies that have been implemented to diagnose, treat, care for, and protect our residents with dementia. Hurley Elder Care Law will discuss what Georgia is doing well, what needs improvement, and how the private sector, public sector, and academics can best work together to best meet the need for this growing population. 11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Lunch and Registration, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM: CE Education, Ridgeview Institute Monroe, 709 Breedlove Drive, Monroe, GA 30655, RSVPridgeviewmonroe.eventbrite.com

  
Healthcare professionals recognize that dealing with a surrogate decision-maker (healthcare agent or next of kin) is often necessary. Yet knowing who is the legal decision-maker is not always clear. During the presentation Danielle will present information explaining the four different types of surrogate decision-makers and their necessary legal documents. The discussion will feature a review of ethical dilemmas that healthcare agents face and examine guidelines for making decisions on behalf of someone else. Through a series of case studies, the presenters will discuss how healthcare professionals sometimes struggle with patient autonomy and informed consent when surrogates are involved. 11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Lunch and Registration, 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM: CE Education, Ridgeview Institute Smyrna, 3995 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080, RSVP: ridgeviewsmyrna.eventbrite.com 


Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are looming national public health crises.  It is important for healthcare providers in Georgia to understand the problem and to know how our state will be meeting the growing needs of individuals and families impacted by dementia. This CE will explore the programs, services, and policies that have been implemented to diagnose, treat, care for, and protect our residents with dementia. Hurley Elder Care Law will discuss what Georgia is doing well, what needs improvement, and how the private sector, public sector, and academics can best work together to best meet the need for this growing population. 5:00 PM-6:00 PM: Dinner and Registration, 6:00 pm- 7:00 PM: CE Education, The Fountainview Center, 2631 North Druid Hills Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, RSVP: fountainview2019.eventbrite.com


Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are looming national public health crises. It is important for healthcare providers in Georgia to understand the problem and to know how our state will be meeting the growing needs of individuals and families impacted by dementia. This CE will explore the programs, services, and policies that have been implemented to diagnose, treat, care for, and protect our residents with dementia. Hurley Elder Care Law will discuss what Georgia is doing well, what needs improvement, and how the private sector, public sector, and academics can best work together to best meet the need for this growing population. 5:30 PM- 6:00 PM Registration and Dinner, 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM CE Education, The Oaks at Towne Lake, 4580 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189,  RSVP: oaksattownelake.eventbrite.com


The VA “Aid and Attendance” benefit is one of the VA’s best kept secrets for retired service men and women.  Wartime veterans over 65 or their surviving spouses who are facing the burden of long-term care costs can use the benefit to offset the expenses of in-home caregivers, Assisted Living Community fees, and in certain circumstances, Independent Living Community fees.  The VA has recently implemented comprehensive changes to the rules for qualification. It is now critically important for healthcare professionals to understand the impact of these changes as they assist patients and families with their long-term care options. 11:00 AM- 11:15 AM Registration and Lunch, 11:15 AM- 12:15 PM CE Education, 12:15 PM- 12:45 PM ALS Association discusses additional benefits provided to Veterans with ALS (non-CE), AMS Vans, 6275 Lawrenceville Hwy., Tucker, GA 30084, RSVP: amsvans.eventbrite.com

Community Presentations

Thursday, April 18- Join Jennifer Ghorley, JD, for a presentation on “Tough Conversations: Georgia Advance Directives” at Heritage Fellowship Church
Do you know who would be making your healthcare decisions if you were unable to communicate? State regulations about who can step in and make your healthcare decisions may go against what you want. Learn why you need a Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care and what can happen if you don’t have one and cannot express your wishes. Participants will have an opportunity to complete their own Advance Directives. 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM Presentation, Heritage Fellowship Church, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton, GA 30189. RSVP to Justin Bishop, 404-641-8683 or jbishop@heritagecanton.com 

NEW! Hurley Elder Care Law Quarterly Speaker Series

People often shy away from discussions on end-of-life issues. In fact, preparing in advance for legal, financial, and personal decisions will empower you to create an end-of-life plan that works best for you and your family. It is a gift you can give and GET from your loved ones. Learn about the importance of wills and Powers of Attorneys. In addition, learn how to give the "gift" of telling and learning the sacred end-of-life wishes to and from your family and friends. Tips for having these important and worthwhile conversations will be shared. *Free and Open to the Public* 11:30-AM- 12:00 PM- Lunch, 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM- Discussion, Hurley Elder Care Law, 100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 650, Atlanta, GA 30339. RSVP : hurleyweinstein.eventbrite.com or 404-843-0121

For more details and a complete list of upcoming events, please visit Hurley Elder Care Law Community Education.
Recent Blogs
New Technology for the Elderly- The Apple Watch Series 4 has fall detection & ECG.

The Advance Directive Talk- Five important topics to discuss with your loved ones.

Planning for Potential Incapacity- Read the five things you need to know about the Power of Attorney in Georgia.
Elder Care Resources
Long Term Care Communities- Get a sneak peak of our Metro Atlanta Nursing Home and Assisted Living Guide!

Free Resources- We offer seminars, complimentary phone consultations, downloadable resources and MORE!

What is a CELA- Is hiring a Certified Elder Law Attorney really necessary?
Miles P. Hurley, JD, CELA  Miles P. Hurley founded Hurley Elder Care Law in 2006 to provide legal assistance to the elderly population on issues relating to aging including retaining independence, quality of life and financial security. Mr. Hurley is one of twelve attorneys in the state of Georgia to receive the Elder Law Attorney Certification, and one of approximately 400 nationwide. 
Hurley Elder Care Law is dedicated to the process of long-term care and estate planning. 
Call us today for a free phone consultation with a client coordinator at (404) 843-0121.

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Hurley Elder Care Law
100 Galleria Pkwy, Suite 650
Atlanta, GA 30339
404-843-0121

Satellite Offices
2011 Commerce Dr. Suite 100, Peachtree City, GA 30269   
225 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock, GA 30188       
6340 Sugarloaf Pkwy. Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097
                       



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