Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has passed away at the age of 96 while receiving hospice care in her family’s Georgia home. Her passing follows her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, entering hospice care earlier in the year.
Rosalynn Carter’s hospice care was initiated after she was diagnosed with dementia in May, highlighting the importance of end-of-life care and support. Here’s what you need to know about hospice care, a choice made by over 1 million Americans each year.
Understanding Hospice Care: Hospice care is a specialized form of care designed to provide comfort and support to individuals in the final stages of life when attempts to cure their illness have ceased. Its primary goal is to maximize the patient’s comfort and quality of life during this challenging time.
Contrary to some misconceptions, hospice care does not involve medical interventions intended to prolong life nor is it synonymous with medically assisted death. Instead, it is about ensuring that patients pass away with dignity, free from pain, and surrounded by their loved ones.
Duration of Hospice Care: Hospice care is typically offered to individuals who have chosen to discontinue treatment for a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of six months or less. This approach aims to help patients transition pain-free and peacefully.
Location of Hospice Care: Hospice care can take place in various settings, including:
- Home: Many patients receive hospice care in the comfort of their own homes.
- Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility: Some individuals may reside in these facilities and receive hospice care.
- Hospital: In certain cases, hospice care may be provided within a hospital.
- Dedicated Hospice Facility: Specialized hospice facilities are equipped to offer comprehensive end-of-life care.
In recent years, home-based hospice care has become increasingly common, allowing patients to spend their final days in familiar surroundings.
Typical Hospice Routine: When a patient begins hospice care, a dedicated hospice team assesses their specific needs and creates a customized care plan. This team typically includes a physician, nurses, nurse assistants, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.
During hospice care, medical interventions aimed at curing the illness are discontinued, with a focus on pain management and symptom relief. A primary caregiver, often a trusted friend or family member, plays a crucial role in administering care.
A typical hospice routine may involve regular visits by a nurse and assistants to monitor the patient’s condition, provide assistance with daily activities, and manage pain. Social workers offer support to the patient and their family, addressing any emotional or logistical challenges that may arise.
Volunteers contribute by assisting with simple tasks, such as household chores, and providing companionship. Additionally, a chaplain or faith-based counselor is available to offer spiritual support, ensuring that the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs are met during this critical phase.
Hospice care represents a compassionate and specialized approach to end-of-life care, aiming to provide individuals with a peaceful and dignified transition surrounded by the love and support of their families.