← Glossary

DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)

A medical order instructing healthcare providers not to perform CPR if your heart stops.

What they don't tell you

Different from a living will or POLST. A DNR is a medical order signed by a physician. Without one in your chart, paramedics will perform CPR — which on a frail older adult often breaks ribs and rarely results in meaningful recovery. Make the decision before the moment forces it on someone else.

Need help applying this to a real decision?

Palmelle pairs you with a placement advisor who's done this thousands of times. Free for families.

Talk to someone

Related terms