Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100 on December 29, 2024, spent his final months receiving hospice care at home. His journey, along with that of his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, has brought increased attention to the crucial role of hospice care for individuals nearing the end of life. Carter's son, Jason Carter, had previously shared that his father was "doing OK" and acknowledged the family's deep faith during this challenging period.

Carter's health had been declining in recent years. He battled melanoma that spread to his brain in 2015 but successfully underwent treatment. Subsequent health challenges included dehydration and falls resulting in a broken hip and pelvic fracture.

Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, also received hospice care and passed away a few days later at age 96 in November 2023. The Carters' decision to openly share their end-of-life experiences has been commended by healthcare professionals for raising awareness and understanding of hospice care.

Hospice care is a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals facing terminal illnesses, focusing on comfort and symptom management rather than curative treatment. It involves an interdisciplinary team providing medical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support, as well as assistance with daily needs.

Eligibility for hospice typically requires a medical prognosis of six months or less to live, and patients often forgo curative treatments like chemotherapy. While most hospice care is provided in outpatient settings like homes or nursing facilities, some hospices offer short-term inpatient care for those actively dying.

It's important to note that hospice is not a substitute for nursing home care and is not intended to hasten death. It is a compassionate approach to ensuring quality of life during a patient's final stages.