Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn were hospice care pioneers
From Melissa Sullivan, CEO Homecare & Hospice, photo from the Carter Center
The passing of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, marks the end of a remarkable life of service and compassion. His profound impact on the field of hospice care cannot be overstated.
During his presidency, President Carter was instrumental in laying the foundation for modern hospice care. In 1978, he signed the first White House proclamation recognizing National Hospice Month, bringing critical awareness to the importance of compassionate end-of-life care. The following year, the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) launched a groundbreaking demonstration project under his leadership. This initiative involved 26 providers in 16 states and sought to define hospice services and evaluate their cost-effectiveness. These efforts ultimately led to the establishment of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, a cornerstone of today’s end-of-life care system.
President Carter’s leadership extended beyond policy. He played a pivotal role in dispelling misconceptions about hospice, emphasizing its value in allowing patients to live their remaining days with dignity, comfort, and as much fulfillment as possible. His decision in February 2023 to enter home hospice care further educated the public, demonstrating that hospice is not solely for the final days or weeks of life. Instead, it is a model of care that provides ongoing support for patients and their families. His 22 months in hospice underscored the depth and breadth of what hospice care can offer.
The Carter family’s commitment to hospice continued with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter entering home hospice care, nine months after her husband made the same decision. Their collective actions have inspired millions and furthered the national conversation about the importance of hospice care.
Hospice remains an indelible part of President Carter’s legacy. His efforts during his presidency and his personal embrace of hospice care, alongside the support of his wife, Rosalynn, have left a lasting imprint on how we approach end-of-life care in this country.
At HomeCare & Hospice, we are deeply grateful for the contributions of President and Mrs. Carter. Their leadership and personal choices remind us of the profound importance of providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we serve those in need.
Sincerely,
Melissa Sullivan
CEO, HomeCare & Hospice
