ATLANTA - Former President Jimmy Carter remains in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia. The Carter Center made the announcement regarding the president's health over the weekend.
Representatives from the Center say the 98-year-old has decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and his wife, Rosalyn.With former President Carter in hospice care, many may be asking what that is.
Hospice is defined as care for terminally ill patients. According to the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, people enter hospice care if the likely have six months or less to live.
The priority is not to provide further treatment, but to reduce pain and discomfort toward the end of life.A recent survey found most Americans did not know hospice care could be offered at home or that it's fully covered by Medicare.According to the American Cancer Society, a person who enters into hospice care is asked to pick someone to be their primary caregiver.