Talk to loved ones about care wishes

The CQC’S (Care Quality Commission) review into the application of Do- Not-attempt- Resuscitation (DNAR) orders during the Covid19 pandemic reveals incorrect and ageist use. As a solicitor specialising in supporting older and vulnerable people in Bath and surrounding areas, I know that, sadly, this is nothing new.

It’s horrifying to think about DNAR orders being applied to groups of vulnerable people. This isn’t how they should be used and however stretched our health and care services are, this kind of disregard for older people cannot be tolerated.

Best practice guidelines have been set out by the Resuscitation Council UK, but they aren’t being followed everywhere. Clinicians need to do better here; too often it’s ignored or treated as a tick-box exercise rather than prompting meaningful consultation with patients and loved ones.

There is clearly a need for all of us to initiate our own conversations about whether we’d want CPR, and also about our wider care wishes. Once we’re in an emergency situation it’s often too late.

Worryingly, only 59 per cent of those aged 70+ have talked to loved ones about their care wishes. And while 81 per cent of us think planning ahead for later life is important, only 22 per cent of us have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, setting out our wishes in writing in a legally binding way.

As a country, we must start talking about our wishes should we lose mental and/or physical capacity or require emergency medical treatment. This recent investigation into the use of DNARS must encourage us all to have those difficult, but vital conversations, no matter our age.

I am proud to be a member of SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), the membership organisation for specialist solicitors who support older and vulnerable people.

Kathryn Layzell Stone King, Bath