By Dr. Tom O’Neil, Chief Medical Officer
The world is remembering Jimmy Carter as a U.S. president, a Nobel Peace Prize and 5-time Grammy Award winner, and perhaps the best-known builder of Habitat for Humanity houses. He is also a great example of the value of hospice care.
We have discussed Jimmy Carter’s time in hospice care before. He first entered care in February 2023, and continued to receive service until his death in December 2024, nearly two years.
Carter, his family, and his physician made the choice to begin hospice care after a string of hospital visits. They decided that quality end-of-life care was a better option than attempting to continue treatment that was doing little to help him.
Like many hospice patients, Carter was able to receive care at his home in Georgia. His care team had appointments with him every week, where they would review his condition and let his family know what they could do to make sure he was as comfortable and cared-for as possible.
During his time in hospice care, Carter’s family visited him regularly, just to check in on him and talk. He even ate ice cream now and then.
“I wish we started earlier”
A phrase we hear all too often in hospice care is “I wish we started earlier.” Patients and their families say they appreciate all the services and the one-on-one attention they receive once the patient begins care. For many, though, there is a hesitation to start hospice, even when it is clear that other care is no longer appropriate.
- People might not understand what hospice is — but hopefully the information here on our website helps explain.
- They might have the feeling that their loved one is simply being put on some sort of waiting list — instead, they will be getting care and attention from skilled professionals who can assist with everything from mobility to spiritual counseling.
- They might think setting up hospice care is an expensive, time-consuming process — but Centrica Care Navigators hospice service is for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. We also have a team to help with the paperwork.
The well-being of our patients and their families is our first priority throughout hospice care, from the moment they reach out to us to the family’s grieving after their loss.
The best option
No one knows when they begin care how many days they have remaining, of course. But a patient in hospice will receive compassionate care from a team of specialists throughout all those days. That is reassuring during a period of time full of new information and stress.
A family might not be sure when it is the right time to look into hospice care. But if they are even considering end-of-life care, then now is the right time. Our team can help develop a plan of care that fits each patient’s needs and responds to their wishes. The more time a patient spends in hospice, the more time the patient, their loved ones, and the care team will have to make the experience better.
Families say they wish they had started earlier. They never feel they should have waited until the last minute.
Jimmy Carter and his family made the decision to start hospice care when they saw that it was the best option for him. They helped shine light on what can be a confusing time for people. Hospice care with Centrica Care Navigators is a choice that more families like President Carter’s can and should make.
Learn more about Centrica Care Navigators end-of-life care services here on our website, by visiting our Facebook and LinkedIn pages, or call our team at 269.345.0273.
