A year after Jimmy Carter entered hospice care, advocates hope his endurance drives awareness

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

ATLANTA (AP) — Since Jimmy Carter entered hospice care at his home in south Georgia one year ago, the former U.S. president has celebrated his 99th birthday, enjoyed tributes to his legacy and lost his wife of 77 years.

Rosalynn Carter, who died in November, about six months after the Carter family disclosed her dementia diagnosis, lived only a few days under hospice supervision, with her frail husband at her bedside.

Experts on end-of-life care say the Carters’ different paths show the range of an oft-misunderstood service. Those advocates commend the Carter family for demonstrating the realities of aging, dementia and death. They express hope that the attention spurs more Americans to seek out services intended to help patients and families in the latter stages of life.

“It’s been massive to have the Carters be so public,” said Angela Novas, chief medical officer for the Hospice Foundation of America, based in Washington. “It has shed hospice in a new light, and it’s raised questions” for people to learn more.

https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-roslaynn-hospice-year-anniversary-c93498575e806f1a1d83714cf8e5c0b6

[Tommy Carcetti]

1. It's a life well-lived no matter how long, but...

...I'm really hoping he hits 100 just because he deserves it.

(I just pray against a Betty White scenario.)

[canetoad]

4. Agree 100%

[EYESORE 9001]

2. His endurance is phenomenal

I’ve never heard of anyone living in hospice for this long.

[Jilly_in_VA]

3. I have

My dear friend Jon, who had sarcoidosis, was in hospice for 16 months before he died. He entered it voluntarily, knowing he was terminal, but not "that bad" yet. He wanted to get his affairs and his life in order and talk about what awaited him. He was an amazing guy who had been a critical care nurse and was a recovering alcoholic and an Episcopal deacon. He just didn't want any major procedures done on him any more. He'd had it and was very realistic about his chances. I hope when my time comes I can be as realistic as he was. My mom was also in hospice for well over a year.

I think Jimmy will probably make it to 100 and then quietly depart. He is a true inspiration.

[elocs]

5. Is Carter actually living in hospice or merely existing in hospice. There is a difference.

Personally, as somebody 72, I'd rather just die than ever be in hospice. If it is within my power to do so, I will never be in hospice at all. It's a personal choice.

[Elessar Zappa]

6. Hospice care can make for a very peaceful ending.

They perform a lot of services and keep the patient comfortable with medicine at levels that can’t be used normally. So it’s not always a bad thing. And often they’re in their own home.