In a world where the word “hospice” has shamed, misunderstood, or worse yet, mumbled in a dimly lit ICU, when all other options have failed, President Carter showed the world how hospice was supposed to be done.

Diagnosed with multiple melanoma- a cancer that had spread to too many different parts of the body for any aggressive treatment to be effective – President Carter entered hospice in February 2023 and was on the program until his death in December of 2024.

23 months.

23 months, when the average length of the problem is just over 9 weeks.

23 months of holistic care to support him, his body, mind, and spirit, as well as those of his family. He was able to live and die at home, on his own terms, with the type of care he chose.

You see, hospice is not about the last few days of life. Hospice is about living the final chapter of one’s life with peace, dignity, and as little pain as possible. It is about a journey towards closure. When done with the right care partners, hospice allows a family to heal, grieve, and continue their lives without the trappings of anger, resentment, or hollowness.

Hospice is a gift that, in a nation where we sometimes question the motivations of legislators and government (and occasionally of humanity in general), we soared to higher heights and saw beyond the “dollars and bottom lines” to explore the true needs of people when their lives are coming to a close.

Hospice is not for the final moments of life in a hospital; hospice is about living while dying.

Talk about hospice long before it might be needed. Talk about how you want your life to end if you are lucky enough to have that opportunity. Say the hospice word; it is not nearly as scary as you might think.

Make a plan.