President Jimmy Carter has completed one year under hospice care, a milestone that he and his family deem significant.
When President Jimmy Carter announced last February that he had started receiving hospice care, the world prepared to bid farewell. However, 12 months later, the longest-lived former president has significantly surpassed the public’s expectations. He continues to watch sports on TV, spend time with his grandchildren, and shape his significant legacy from the comfort of his long-time residence in Plains, Georgia.
Jimmy’s time in hospice has been an unexpected blessing for the Carter family, as his grandson Jason shared with PEOPLE in September. Jason mentioned how it has allowed them additional time together and the opportunity to reflect on their relationships, experiencing love and support from people worldwide.
This past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions for the Carters. Just three months after Jimmy decided to stop medical treatment, former first lady Rosalynn Carter received a dementia diagnosis.
While Rosalynn’s memory was affected by the diagnosis, her positive outlook and routine remained unchanged. She continued to spend her days by Jimmy’s side, holding his hand with calmness. Jason mentioned in the September interview that they are still deeply in love and at peace with whatever the future holds. Their enduring love story continues to define their life.
In July, Jimmy and Rosalynn marked an incredible 77 years of marriage at their home. In August, Rosalynn celebrated her 96th birthday, and in October, Jimmy broke a new record for the oldest U.S. president by turning 99.
However, in November, Rosalynn also entered hospice care. Just two days later, the Carter family announced the passing of the pioneering former first lady and mental health advocate. Her brief time in hospice, in contrast to the former president’s year-long journey, emphasized the personalized approach to end-of-life care. This care can vary significantly for each patient based on their diagnosis, living situation, and personal priorities.
Dr. Holly Yang, the president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, highlighted that while most people in hospice care unfortunately are in it for less than a month statistically, some individuals can benefit for months. It’s not uncommon for patients to live longer than initially expected by doctors.
Importance of the Public Hospice Journey of the Carters.
During their final phase, the Carters made a conscious effort to challenge stigmas by openly addressing their declining health and their decision to enroll in at-home hospice care. Their seemingly simple act of visibility has sparked ongoing discussions on the merits of hospice care over the past year, emphasizing that hospice is more about enhancing life than admitting defeat.
Dr. Joe Rotella, Chief Medical Officer at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, points out, “Many individuals tend to avoid thinking or talking about the final days, weeks, or months of life until it becomes necessary or their physician broaches the subject.”
“When a prominent figure publicly announces that they have chosen this path, it encourages others to inquire and contemplate the matter,” he adds. “Ultimately, it may lead to greater ease in addressing these issues and recognizing that hospice care is crucial for individuals to maximize their quality of life for as long as possible.”
The Carter family is set to receive a presidential citation from the AAHPM in March. The award will be presented by Dr. Holly Yang, President of the academy, who, along with other professionals in the field, has commended the Carters for their transparency. Last August, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization honored President Carter in Times Square for setting a positive example.
Jason, the Carters’ grandson and Chair of the Carter Center, will accept the AAHPM award on behalf of his family.
Dr. Yang expresses appreciation for the Carters’ choice to share their decision publicly, stating, “This has prompted the American public to consider why a figure of such prominence, with access to top-tier healthcare, would opt for hospice care.”
She continues, “Raising awareness, sparking interest, and hopefully initiating conversations within families about such decisions will assist individuals in accessing hospice care at the appropriate time, and ideally, contemplating it earlier in their illness trajectory.”
AAHPM emphasizes that hospice care is a medical service centered on enhancing comfort as individuals approach the end of life, while also offering support to their families. Services may include symptom management, emotional support from social workers or chaplains, and assistance with funeral arrangements.
Although hospice care was officially recognized as a Medicare benefit during President Ronald Reagan’s first term, President Carter was an early advocate for improving end-of-life care. He designated November as National Hospice Month in 1978 and launched the first hospice care demonstrations the next year.
Since President Carter began hospice care in February of last year, Dr. Rotella has noted an increase in media coverage and public interest, with more individuals discussing the advantages of hospice care due to a prominent figure’s decision.
Dr. Rotella underscores the importance of this choice, stating, “It is particularly impactful because despite choosing hospice care, they continued to live life to the fullest. It is not just about the end-of-life phase; it can offer a much deeper experience.”