NPHI Releases Statement Calling Rosalynn Carter’s Decision to Enter Hospice-at-Home Care “Courageous”

Experts Available to Discuss Health Care Options, from in-Patient Care and Hospital-at-Home to End-of-Life Issues, such as Hospice to Palliative Care, and Ways to Support the Health Care Service Delivery Community

[WASHINGTON, D.C.]– With the news that former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, is entering hospice-at-home care just nine months after her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the national voice for not-for-profit advanced illness, hospice, and palliative care providers, released the following statement:

“NPHI is pleased to learn of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s courageous decision to elect hospice care for this significant chapter in her life,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO. “Following in the footsteps of her husband, President Carter, her decision shines a bright light on a critical health care option available to many Americans, allowing them to live out their lives with dignity. As recipients of hospice care, both the former president and first lady will receive a comprehensive range of high-quality, personalized care services, including bereavement support for their family. We extend our wishes for a peaceful and comforting hospice experience, surrounded by the care and support she and President Carter have so generously shared with others throughout their lives.”

Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s decision to enter hospice has ignited a national conversation around important health care options available during any stage of life, including both in-patient and in the home, as well as end-of-life issues, including hospice and palliative care options. Along with the former president and first lady, millions of Americans face the challenge of deciding the most beneficial type of care best for them in the hospital or in the home, and as they look ahead to end-of-life care and related issues.

Health care policy experts with NPHI are available for comment by contacting Matt Wilkinson at mwilkinson@hospiceinnovations.org

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About NPHI
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is a membership organization comprising 100+ not-for-profit, community-integrated hospice and palliative care providers dedicated to ensuring patients and their families have access to care that reflects their individual goals, values, and preferences. Representing providers from 37 states and the District of Columbia, NPHI and its members help design more innovative and effective models of care, advocate for comprehensive and community-integrated care customized to meet each person’s unique needs, and build collaboration between national thought leaders, decision-makers, and other healthcare stakeholders to improve hospice care. Learn more at hospiceinnovations.org.