Born in 1924, Jimmy Carter is the longest-living U.S. president. Carter served as the 39th president between 1977-1781. After one term, Carter co-funded Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn Carter. Carter Center aimed to “prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health” on a global scale. He has continued to work towards these goals, even being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian work with Carter Center.
Over the years, however, the president has faced a number of health challenges. In 2015, he underwent treatment for a cancerous mass in his liver. In more recent years, he has recovered from brain surgery, a broken hip, and a fractured pelvis.
Now at the age of 98, he has decided to receive hospice care.
A statement released on the Carter Center website on February 18 mentioned that the decision came after “a series of short hospital stays” and that Carter has “decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family.”
Considered end-of-life care, hospice care is typically provided to people who have an anticipated life expectancy of less than six months. The team in charge of the hospice care provides the necessary equipment and services regardless of what location the patient chooses to receive it, though most opt to stay at home.
According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, hospice care is “designed to maximize comfort for a person who is terminally ill by reducing pain and addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.”
Though more details on Carter’s current health are unknown to the public, the Carter Center added that the “Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.”
