Former US President Jimmy Carter to begin receiving hospice care at home, surrounded by loved ones

Former US President Jimmy Carter has made so many contributions since leaving the White House in 1981 that we assumed he would be around with us forever. In October, he broke the record for the longest-living president. According to PEOPLE, The Carter Center announced on Saturday that the former US president, 98, will receive hospice care following "a series of short hospital stays." Carter's health is deteriorating, so hospice care is indicated. In hospice care, doctors, along with the patient and the patient's family, often regard further treatments as futile and focus on the quality of life of patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses.

"Former US President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention," the statement said. "He has the full support of his family and his medical team." "The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers," the statement concluded. It is unsure which specific medical problems have led to Carter's designation to hospice care. In 2019, he was the longest-living US President, surpassing former President George H.W., who died at 94. However, such longevity brings medical issues. In 2015, Carter received treatment for melanoma, which spread to his brain and liver.

As reported by Forbes, he suffered three falls in 2019. One in May, left him with a broken hip, another in October caused a forehead injury and a third that same month resulted in a fracture in his pelvis. In the same year, Carter underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain created by bleeding from his falls. People on social media posted several well-deserved tributes to Carter after learning about him receiving hospice care. Vala Afshar, Chief Digital Evangelist for Salesforce, mentioned that “In 2019, President Jimmy Carter, the oldest living former president in US history, at age 95, built Habitat for Humanity homes in Nashville. President Carter represents the best of humanity.” 

Mike Sington, a former NBCUniversal executive, shared a video of Carter flying a commercial airplane on Twitter. Something we do not see very frequently from individuals of certain social standings, but it was much appreciated. Joel Achenbach, a Washington Post journalist, tweeted a story on how Carter pulled back from the riches following his presidency. The article summarised how Carter "decided not to join corporate boards or give speeches for big money because he says, he didn't want to 'capitalize financially on being in the White House.'" After his presidency, Carter focused on doing good for the world and founded The Carter Center, which provides aid to humanitarian efforts.

Jason Carter, the grandson of Carter and Rosalynn Carter, tells PEOPLE he won't be surprised if his grandfather would still be politically engaged as he approaches 100 years old. "As the longest-living president in US history, President Jimmy Carter has had a remarkable life of service that deserves worldwide celebration," said Paige Alexander, the Carter Center CEO. In stark contrast to most political figures of this era, Carter continued to serve others after leaving office. He recognizes that moral leadership and societal leadership don't end when you leave the White House or the US Capitol. While in office, Carter achieved a lot, but his post-administration work is what makes him most famous. He has led a presidential life and will do so in the future.