Rosalynn Carter, Longtime Advocate for Caregivers, Dies at Age 96
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has died at age 96, the Carter Center announced. She passed away peacefully at her home in Plains, Georgia, at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 19th, 2023, surrounded by family, according to the center.
Former President Jimmy Carter, in a statement, remembered his wife as a crucial partner in all his endeavors.
Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.
The former First Lady started receiving hospice care at her home in Plains, Georgia, on November 17th, 2023.
The center announced in May 2023 that Mrs. Carter was diagnosed with dementia. No further details about her health were provided in the latest update. Jimmy Carter began home hospice care in February following multiple short hospital stays.
Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady of the United States, has long been a leading advocate for caregivers. She famously noted, "There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." This insight underscores that caregiving touches us all at some point.
Mrs. Carter, who had championed caregivers and long-term care, required care herself. An announcement from the Carter Center, made the announcement.
Carter is receiving care alongside the former president, who is under hospice care at their home in Georgia.
Full statement: https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-on-rosalynn-carters-health.html
Devoted Life to Caregiving Challenges and Awareness of Long-Term Care
The former first lady devoted her life to increasing awareness of caregiving challenges and advocating improved support for caregivers. She founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) in 1987 to offer resources and support to caregivers. The institute provides a range of programs and services, including educational workshops, support groups, and online resources.
Dementia, a general term for a loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that interfere with daily life, is one of the most common reasons for requiring long-term health care. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, but other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
The Carter Center stated that the announcement of Carter's diagnosis will "increase important conversations at kitchen tables and in doctor's offices around the country."
Former President Carter, 98, began home hospice care in February after several brief hospital stays.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted during a White House briefing that President and Mrs. Biden have been in touch with the Carters to "ensure that their family knows that they are certainly in the president and first lady's thoughts."
Millions Suffer From Memory Loss
In the United States, an estimated 6.7 million people have Alzheimer's disease, a figure expected to be near 13 million by 2050. The disease's total cost is estimated at $355 billion annually.
The symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the type of dementia and the stage of the disease. Some common symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty thinking and making decisions
- Difficulty understanding and using language
- Difficulty with visual perception
- Difficulty with judgment and problem-solving
- Changes in personality and behavior
- Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and eating
Family Caregivers Face Tremendous Burden
Carter acknowledged that caregivers frequently carry a substantial burden with scant societal support or understanding. Through the RCI, she has emphasized caregivers' crucial role in the long-term care system and championed research and action in this area. She stressed that society must address caregivers' physical, emotional, and financial well-being alongside the needs of those in their care.
Carter's advocacy for caregivers has been significant and impactful. In 1987, she founded the RCI at her alma mater, Georgia Southwestern State University, to support professional and family caregivers through efforts to recognize their societal contribution, provide effective caregiver training, and drive the development of supportive policies and programs.
She also played a key role in propelling the national conversation around long-term care. She frequently highlighted the long-term care system's gaps, which often leave the most vulnerable navigating a complex and fragmented system. Her voice has been instrumental in calling for systemic reforms to ensure quality care for the aging population, the chronically ill, and individuals with disabilities.
Most traditional health insurance, including Medicare, does not cover long-term care services.Medicaid pays for long-term health care for individuals with little or no income and assets. Long-Term Care Insurance, which paid over $13.25 billion in benefits in 2022 alone, is available, although one must have fairly good health to obtain coverage. Most people purchase coverage in their 50s as part of retirement planning.
Carter's work stretches beyond advocacy. She co-authored "Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book for Caregivers," providing practical advice and emotional support to caregivers.
Carter's enduring commitment to caregivers and long-term care has permanently transformed societal perceptions and support for those carrying the often unseen but critical responsibility of caregiving.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden honored Rosalynn Carter, saying she inspired both the nation and the world. In a statement, they highlighted her extensive work as first lady of Georgia and the United States.
Throughout her incredible life, Rosalynn did so much to address many of society's greatest needs.
They commended her for being a staunch advocate for the rights and opportunities of women and girls, a promoter of mental health and wellness, and a supporter of caregivers for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.