Breezy Explainer: What is hospice care, the end-of-life care chosen by Americans?

Jimmy Carter’s charity announced the former President will be entering hospice care. Read to know more about the end-of-life care chosen by over one million Americans.

Update on Former President Jimmy Carter’s health

Last Week, Jimmy Carter’s charity announced the 98-year-old is entering hospice care. Carter is the oldest living former president of the US and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He has been dealing with several health issues in recent times. “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,” it revealed. The charity was created in 1982 by Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.

What is hospice care?

Hospice care is an end-of-life treatment provided to those who can no longer receive treatment for incurable terminal illnesses. Additionally, as per the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging, the patients must have a life expectancy of six months or less. It maximized the quality of life and comfort for the patient. Additionally, both the patients and their loved ones get support from a team of experts including physicians, nurses, social workers, volunteers, and chaplains.

The care is generally provided at home, nursing home, or even assisted living facilities. However, sometimes it is also provided in hospitals and designated hospice centers. “Its goal is to help people die pain-free…with dignity and surrounded by family and friends. So it’s a very special thing,” explained Amy Tucci. Tucci is the president of the Hospice Foundation of America. As per the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, over half of Medicare patients who enrolled for it died at home in peace. Approximately, 1.6 million received the care in 2018. Over 60 percent of them were over the age of 75.