In the last year, former President Jimmy Carter, now 99, chose hospice care at his Georgia home, sparking national discussions on aging, dementia, and dying. After his wife Rosalynn’s brief hospice period due to dementia, the Carters’ experiences highlight diverse end-of-life care options.
Angela Novas, CEO of the Hospice Foundation of America, applauds the Carters for prompting questions about available services, shifting public perception.
Hospice, described by Mollie Gurian of Leading Age, offers holistic care through a professional team, ensuring patients live their final moments fully.
Qualifying for hospice requires a doctor’s certification of a fatal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Medicare, a significant supporter, provided $23.1 billion for 1.7 million recipients in 2021.
Contrary to misconceptions, hospice goes beyond the “Morphine Myth.” While certain treatments cease, individual cases determine the extent, dispelling myths and promoting crucial discussions on end-of-life choices.
