Jimmy Carter spent nearly 2 years in hospice care before his death at 100

Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. He had been under hospice care at his home since February 2023.

In a speech at the Carter Center in Georgia back in May, Carter’s son, Jason Carter, provided an update on his father’s health, mentioning that the former president was “doing OK.” Jason also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and love the Carter family received following the passing of former first lady Rosalynn Carter in November 2023.

Carter had been battling various health issues in recent years. After undergoing liver surgery to remove a mass in 2015, he was diagnosed with melanoma that had spread to multiple areas of his brain. Following treatment with radiation and immunotherapy, Carter’s cancer went into remission. However, he had faced dehydration, falls resulting in a broken hip and pelvic fracture, and other injuries in the years that followed.

Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy’s wife of 77 years, also entered hospice care alongside him in November 2023. She passed away a few days later at the age of 96.

The Carter family’s openness about their journey through aging, hospice care, and death has been commended by experts, shedding light on the importance of hospice care and end-of-life conversations.

Hospice care is a form of medical care provided to individuals who are in the final stages of their life. It involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical, psychosocial, and spiritual support, as well as assistance with daily activities. The primary focus of hospice care is on managing symptoms and ensuring the patient’s comfort, rather than administering treatment for their underlying condition.

Patients become eligible for hospice care when they receive a medical prognosis of six months or less to live. Hospice is not intended to cure the patient’s condition but rather to provide comfort and support during their final days. It is not a replacement for nursing home care and does not aim to hasten death.

Most hospice care is provided in outpatient settings, such as the patient’s home or a long-term care facility. Inpatient care may be offered for those who are actively dying, but this is usually for a short duration.

Jimmy Carter’s passing marks the end of an era for the United States, but his legacy as a humanitarian, peacemaker, and advocate for justice and equality will continue to inspire generations to come.