What Are CPR Guidelines?
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) guidelines provide standardized steps for performing life-saving chest compressions and rescue breaths during a cardiac arrest. For older adults, CPR can be especially critical, as seniors are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac events due to conditions like heart disease, stroke, or respiratory failure.
What should older adults and caregivers know about CPR?
- Recognizing an emergency: Many cardiac arrests in older adults happen at home—knowing CPR can make the difference before medical help arrives.
- Hands-only CPR: If performing mouth-to-mouth is difficult, chest compressions alone (100–120 per minute) can still be life-saving.
- Using an AED: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available in public places and can restore a normal heartbeat if used quickly.
- CPR and existing health conditions: Some older adults may have health directives, such as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, that should be discussed with family and providers.
CPR considerations for seniors
- Fragility risks: CPR can sometimes cause broken ribs in frail individuals, but the potential to save a life outweighs this risk.
- Caregiver readiness: Many caregivers feel unprepared—learning basic CPR can provide confidence in an emergency.
- Medical preferences: Some seniors may wish to document their resuscitation preferences through an advance directive or POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment).
How Solace can help
A Solace advocate can help individuals and caregivers prepare for emergencies, find CPR training resources, and ensure doctors have up-to-date resuscitation preferences on file. If you or a loved one has a DNR or other advance directive, an advocate can also help communicate those wishes to healthcare providers.
What to do next
A Solace advocate can help make sure CPR plans, emergency contacts, and medical directives are all in place. Find an advocate today.