Passages Hospice of Northeast La

04/30/2026

04/28/2026

What Is a DNR and Why Is It Important in Hospice Care?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical directive that tells healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a patient’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. This includes chest compressions, electric shocks, and advanced life support measures.

In hospice care, a DNR is not about withholding care; it is about honoring the patient’s wishes and focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

For patients with serious or terminal illness, CPR is often unlikely to restore meaningful recovery and may cause additional harm, such as broken ribs, prolonged suffering, or hospitalization that does not align with the patient’s goals (American Heart Association, 2020; NHPCO, 2023).

A DNR allows the care team to fully focus on what hospice does best: managing symptoms, relieving pain, and supporting both the patient and the family through the natural process of dying.

Without a DNR, emergency responders are typically required to attempt resuscitation even if it goes against what the patient would have wanted. This can lead to distress for families and care that does not reflect the patient’s values. With a DNR in place, there is clarity. There is alignment. There is peace.

In hospice, choosing a DNR is not about giving up; it is about choosing how you want to be cared for at the end of life.

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04/28/2026

Even if you just have questions call us. 🩷

Understanding Self-Referral for Hospice Services

Many families do not realize that you can request hospice care on your own. You do not have to wait for a provider to bring it up. If you are seeing changes in your loved one, more weakness, more hospital visits, more time spent in bed, or increasing symptoms, you are allowed to ask for help.

Self-referral means that a patient or family member can contact a hospice agency directly to request an evaluation. This can help start the process sooner and prevent delays in comfort-focused care (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization [NHPCO], 2023).

Even with self-referral, a physician is still involved. Hospice requires medical eligibility, typically based on a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its natural course. Once referred, the hospice team coordinates with the provider, evaluates the patient, and develops a plan of care (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2024).

Reaching out early matters. When hospice is introduced sooner, patients often experience better symptom control, improved quality of life, and stronger support for both the patient and the family. Waiting too long can limit these benefits and increase emotional and physical distress (Teno et al., 2021; World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).

Hospice care is not about giving up. It is about choosing comfort, dignity, and support when it matters most.

You are allowed to ask questions.
You are allowed to seek support.
You are allowed to make that call.

This information is for education and support only and is not intended as medical advice.

The Hospice NP
Caregiver Support, Comfort, Clarity

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04/24/2026

We had a blast today as a sponsor for the St Francis golf tournament. Everyone was so nice!

04/23/2026

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04/22/2026

04/22/2026