Former President Jimmy Carter, currently under hospice care at home following several brief hospitalizations, has encountered numerous health problems in recent years.
PHOTO Courtesy | John Bazemore/AP, FILE
Despite being 98 years old, Carter holds the distinction of being the oldest and longest-lived U.S. President.
In a 2015 interview with People Magazine, at the age of 95, he expressed surprise at his longevity, never anticipating living as long as he has. Below are some of the recent health obstacles Carter has confronted:
Surgery on his Liver
On August 2, 2015, Carter underwent elective surgery at Emory University Hospital to extract a small mass from his liver, as disclosed by the Carter Center.
Although the surgery proceeded smoothly and medical professionals assured a complete recovery, it unveiled additional health complications for the former president.
2015 Cancer Diagnosis
On August 11, 2015, Carter revealed that the liver surgery disclosed his cancer had metastasized to other areas of his body. “I will be adjusting my schedule to undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare,” he stated through his organization.
Carter’s family history includes instances of cancer; his mother succumbed to breast cancer, while his father, two sisters, and brother all fell victim to pancreatic cancer.
Doctors diagnosed Carter with melanoma, the most prevalent form of skin cancer in the U.S. and the deadliest. Melanoma poses a significant risk of spreading through the bloodstream, lymphatic system, and to other organs.
At a press conference on August 20, 2015, the 39th president, then 90 years old, disclosed that an MRI revealed metastasis to four regions of his brain.
Despite initially expecting limited time, Carter expressed surprising calmness, citing a fulfilling life and extensive support network.
Though at ease with his circumstances, Carter pledged to heed his doctors’ advice to prolong his life. He underwent surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy between August 2015 and February 2016.
By December 2015, MRI scans displayed no evidence of melanoma in his brain, indicating a positive response to treatment. Carter informed his congregation in March 2016 that treatment ceased due to the absence of tumors.
Medical experts attribute the successful treatment primarily to pembrolizumab, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011. This medication enhances the body’s immune system to combat cancer cells.
At Hospice Home Care
On Saturday, The Carter Center declared that the former president has opted for hospice care at home, intending to spend his remaining time surrounded by loved ones rather than pursuing further medical interventions.
In a statement, the Carter Center conveyed, “He enjoys the unwavering support of his family and medical team,” while also requesting privacy for the Carter family during this period and expressing gratitude for the concern displayed by supporters.
Despite recent health struggles, Carter attributes his longevity to his marriage to former first lady Rosalynn Carter. “Reaching the age of 95 is no small feat,” he remarked to People Magazine in 2019, shortly after his second fall.
“I believe the key factor is having an exceptional spouse—someone who cares for you, challenges you, and keeps you engaged and passionate about life.”
What is a Hospice Care
Hospice care provides a comprehensive approach to end-of-life support, aiming to enhance comfort for individuals facing terminal illnesses.
Patients diagnosed with conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, dementia, and others are eligible for hospice services.
Dr. Corey Tapper, an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explains that hospice, as a Medicare benefit, caters specifically to patients with serious illnesses and a prognosis of six months or less.
Physicians determine life expectancy based on the expected progression of the disease.
This form of care prioritizes pain management and addresses the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the patient, as outlined by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC).
According to Dr. Tapper, the primary goal of hospice care is to optimize the patient’s quality of life and alleviate suffering for the remainder of their time.
Contrary to a common misconception, hospice care is not aimed at hastening death. While patients discontinue active therapies for their underlying conditions during hospice, it still involves medical interventions.
Dr. Tapper emphasizes that medications are often utilized aggressively to manage symptoms, allowing patients to maintain functionality and preserve their identity for as long as possible.
Who is Eligible
SSM Health at Home’s hospice care caters to individuals with a restricted life expectancy, who are coping with various conditions, including but not limited to:
– Advanced stages of heart, lung, liver, kidney, or pancreatic diseases
– Cancer
– Certain neuromuscular diseases like Lou Gehrig’s disease or multiple sclerosis
– AIDS
– Other life-limiting conditions as assessed by a healthcare provider
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