It was almost assumed and hoped that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who has accomplished so much since leaving the White House in 1981, would be a permanent fixture. Having already exceeded the lifespan of any other former Commander-in-Chief, with 42 years of post-presidency life, the recent announcement on Saturday about the 98-year-old Carter was a harsh reminder of reality.
In 1981, Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter established the Carter Center, which provided an update on the 39th President's health. Unfortunately, the news is not good. The Carter Center announced via Twitter that "former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has decided to receive hospice care at home with his family for the remaining time, rather than opting for additional medical treatment."
The decision for Jimmy Carter to receive hospice care suggests that his health outlook could be more optimistic. When a patient receives hospice care, it usually indicates that the medical professionals, patient, and their family have collectively determined that any further medical treatment would be ineffective and that the patient's life expectancy is less than six months. Sometimes, the remaining time can be even shorter than six months.
Hospice Care Defined
Hospice and palliative care share similarities in that they prioritize maintaining the patient's comfort and quality of life. However, there are two primary distinctions between them. In palliative care, the patient may have a life expectancy longer than six months, potentially much longer. In palliative care, treatments intended to cure primary medical conditions can still be administered, while in hospice care, such treatments are discontinued. Hospice care may include the provision of medication to relieve pain and manage blood pressure, but the focus is on alleviating symptoms rather than curing the illness.
ABC News stated that although hospice may sound like a specific physical location, it is a general approach to patient care. While hospice care can occur in an existing hospice facility, it can occur in a variety of other settings such as a hospital, assisted living facility, nursing home, or even at home. Many people opt for hospice care at home to spend more time with their loved ones in a familiar setting. In-home hospice care involves a team of nurses, doctors, social workers, spiritual advisors, and others who visit the home regularly to provide comfort and support.
The hospice team usually coaches family and friends on how to provide day-to-day care. Still, if they become overwhelmed, the hospice can provide temporary respite care to give the regular caregivers a break to rest for a few hours, days, or weeks. The announcement by the Carter Center indicates that Jimmy Carter has chosen to receive hospice care at home. The specific medical issues that led to Jimmy Carter's hospice care designation are unknown. Despite his longevity, Carter's health has had some ups and downs recently.
Former President Jimmy Carter smiles as he is awarded the Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero by Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela during a ceremony at the Carter Center, Jan. 14, 2016, in Atlanta.
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Carter Medical Challenges
He is currently the longest-living U.S. President, having surpassed George H.W. Bush, who passed away in 2018 at 94 years and 171 days old. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, have been married for 76 years, the longest presidential marriage in history. Interestingly, they first met when Jimmy was three years old, and Rosalynn was just one day old, although it is unclear what they discussed then. They did not have their first date until he was 20, and she was 17 in 1945, which went well.
Carter's ability to maintain long-lasting relationships is certainly noteworthy. As people age, they are more likely to experience health issues, and Jimmy Carter has faced his fair share of medical challenges over the past eight years. In 2015, he was treated for melanoma that had spread to his brain and liver. Then, in 2019, he suffered multiple falls, including one that resulted in a broken hip requiring surgery and another that caused a forehead injury.
He also experienced a fracture in his pelvis and had to undergo brain surgery to relieve pressure caused by bleeding from his falls. In December 2019, he was hospitalized for several days due to a urinary tract infection. While the specifics of his current medical condition are unknown, it is essential to note that even minor health problems can quickly become more significant as one approaches their upper 90s. The implications of Carter's hospice care designation were well understood by many on social media, who realized that his time remaining would be limited, as per Washington Post.
This led to several deserving tributes to Carter. For instance, Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist for Salesforce, acknowledged that "In 2019, President Jimmy Carter, the oldest living former president in U.S. history, at age 95, built Habitat for Humanity homes in Nashville. President Carter represents the best of humanity," in a tweet. As can be seen, former NBA player Rex Chapman responded to that tweet with a heart and broken emojis.
Former President Carter's Years
Seeing how President Carter lived his life with humility and a commitment to service is inspiring. Despite achieving the highest office in the land, he has chosen to eschew the trappings of wealth and celebrity in favor of working on behalf of others through initiatives like Habitat for Humanity. As seen in the video, his decision to fly commercials is another example of his down-to-earth approach to life.
As the tributes to him on social media show, President Carter has touched many people's lives and left an indelible mark on American history. Dedication to public service and humanitarianism marked Jimmy Carter's post-Presidential life. His work through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity International and his efforts to promote peace and address critical social issues through his writing demonstrates a deep commitment to making the world a better place.
Despite his many achievements and accolades, Carter has remained grounded and focused on helping others rather than using his status for personal gain, as NPR reported. It is also notable how much Carter has continued to do for the world and how he has used his platform for good after leaving office.
In today's society, where there is a lot of political division and negativity, it is refreshing to see someone dedicated to advancing democracy, human rights, and peace. It is also true that many people, including former Presidents, have used their post-Presidential years to capitalize financially or advance their interests rather than continuing to serve the greater good. Carter's example of continuing to live a life of service and moral leadership is undoubtedly something to be admired and emulated.
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