On February 18, after a series of hospital stays, Former President Jimmy Carter made the courageous choice to elect hospice care for his end-of-life journey in the comfort of his home. This week marks a huge milestone for the Carter family as he has now been on hospice for six months.
As the Value of Hospice in Medicare study shows, at any length of stay, hospice benefits patients, family members, and caregivers, including increased satisfaction and quality of life, improved pain control, reduced physical and emotional distress, and reduced prolonged grief and other emotional distress.
More people are choosing hospice than ever before; yet only half of the total number of people who are eligible for hospice care select it.
President Carter continues to have an impact by sparking a national dialogue on the many benefits of hospice. This six-month milestone for the Carter family offers a time for reflection on the importance of planning “a good death.”
Thank you, President Carter for lighting a way for all of us.