As the world reflects on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, his decision to embrace hospice care during his final months has sparked meaningful conversations about the role of this specialized service in end-of-life care.
To gain deeper insight into hospice care and its impact, we spoke with Dr. Kate Brazzale, the chief medical officer of Empath Health’s Hospice Division and Hospice of Marion County. Her perspective sheds light on the true essence of hospice and the lessons we can learn from Carter’s choice.
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“The saddest misconception I come across still these days is that hospice hastens death,” Brazzale began. “Medicine in this country is so advanced, it’s incredible what we can do. But there’s little room to pause and reflect on ‘Just because we can, should we?’”
Hospice of Marion County, like other providers across the nation, offers comprehensive care that includes end-of-life care, palliative care and specialized dementia care and education, not just for the patient but also for their loved ones. Brazzale emphasized the holistic nature of hospice care, which prioritizes honoring the individual’s wishes and empowering families to be active participants in the care process.
In February 2023, Carter made the decision to enter hospice care, bringing global attention to this approach.
“President Carter’s choice highlighted the fact that hospice empowers the patient and family,” Brazzale reflected. “It really brought everyone’s attention to the fact that, especially given he was on hospice for 22 months, hospice is not designed for the last hours to days of somebody’s life.”
Carter’s openness helped dispel the stigma surrounding hospice care and highlighted its benefits. On average, patients in hospice receive care for more than two months, a period during which they can experience enhanced physical comfort, meaningful emotional connections, and personalized support tailored to their needs.
The integration of hospice care into Medicare in 1982—shortly after Carter left office—was a monumental achievement that expanded access to this vital service. Carter’s advocacy for compassionate end-of-life care paved the way for programs like Hospice of Marion County to flourish, ensuring that patients and their families can find comfort and dignity when they need it most.
Jonathan Fleece, CEO of Empath Health, echoed these sentiments in a statement.
“As we remember President Jimmy Carter, we honor his enduring legacy of service and advocacy. His leadership, including his role in expanding access hospice care, has allowed countless individuals and families to experience dignity, comfort, and support during life’s most tender moments,” he said.
Brazzale highlighted the essential role of family and friends in enriching a patient’s hospice experience.
“Loved ones are integral in hospice care, as much as we clinicians or chaplains or social workers,” she added.
Here are some of the ways loved ones contribute to a patient’s well-being:
Enhanced quality of life: Simple activities like reminiscing, listening to music, or holding hands can bring joy and comfort.
Emotional support: The reassurance of family and friends helps reduce loneliness and anxiety.
Improved communication: Open conversations allow patients to express their wishes, enabling care that aligns with their values.
Tailored care: Insights from loved ones help hospice teams deliver personalized care.
Advocacy: Families collaborate with hospice providers to ensure care reflects the patient’s goals.
Spiritual and cultural guidance: Family members often provide the spiritual and cultural context that fosters a deeper sense of peace.
As we continue to say goodbye to a man whose life embodied service and humility, we are reminded of the profound impact of embracing end-of-life care with dignity and grace.
“We don’t get a choice as to whether we live or die, but we do get a choice as to how that experience occurs,” Brazzale said. “We do get a choice as to how involved our family is or where we are during those precious months.”
Hospice of Marion County and organizations like Empath Health remain committed to continuing Carter’s legacy by providing exceptional care to patients and their families, helping them navigate life’s final chapter with love and dignity.