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Senior Resources » Hospice Care » Jimmy Carter Receiving Hospice Care – What Does That Mean?

Jimmy Carter Receiving Hospice Care – What Does That Mean?

Former president, Jimmy Carter has entered hospice care, according to a February 18 release from the Carter Center.

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After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.

https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-on-president-carters-health.html

Carter, at 98 years old, has lived longer than any other ex-commander in chief in history. His presidential legacy includes the establishment of the US Department of Energy and the US Department of Education. His wife and former first lady, Rosalynn Carter has been a mental health advocate since the ’70s and along with her devoted husband, founded the Carter Center whose mission is to “prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health” all over the world.

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After a lifetime of public service, advocating for human rights, and peace negotiating, Jimmy Carter has more than earned a place in the hearts of all Americans. While his transition to end-of-life care isn’t exactly a surprise given his age and a recent stint of hospital stays, Carter’s current condition brings attention to a service used by over 1.6 million people year – hospice.

Jimmy Carter

What is Hospice?

Hospice care is support for those who are nearing the end of life. When someone’s life expectancy is 6 months or less, hospice will provide treatment that is focused on comfort and symptom management. Care is provided with a goal of quality over quantity.

What Type of Care Does Hospice Include?

Hospice care can include but is not limited to:

  • Medication for symptom control and/or pain relief
  • Medical equipment such as oxygen, catheters, hospital beds, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids
  • Access to an emergency physician or nurse 24-hours a day
  • Medical supplies for at-home care
  • Personal care assistance
  • Grief counseling and emotional support
  • Respite care

Where Does Hospice Care Take Place?

Hospice is not necessarily a place (although hospice care facilities do exist). It can be provided wherever a person lives. This includes their family home, nursing home, assisted living facility, or even a hospital under certain circumstances.

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How is Hospice Paid for?

Hospice can be paid for through Medicaid, private insurance, and out-of-pocket. If a person is 65 and receives Medicare, hospice care is 100% covered (as long as the hospice provider is Medicare-approved). This means Medicare will pay for all medical and nursing services, pain management medication, medical equipment, grief counseling, and any other services necessary.

Important: Medicare does not cover treatments intended as a cure, prescription drugs intended to cure, or room and board if the person receiving care lives in a nursing or assisted living facility.

Where Can I Find More Information on Hospice?

hospice word collage

Find hospice care near me.

For more facts about hospice, start here:

Hospice Care: Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Palliative Care?

5 Common Services Hospice Provides

8 Myths About Hospice Care BUSTED

Popular Articles About Hospice Care

Originally published February 28, 2023

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