PLAINS, GEORGIA: Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is now under hospice care, as announced by her grandson, Jason Carter.
The 96-year-old is staying at her Plains, Georgia residence almost six months after it was revealed that she had been diagnosed with dementia.
Former President Jimmy Carter was already in hospice care
Her husband, Former President Jimmy Carter has chosen to discontinue his medical treatment to prioritize spending more time with his family.
"[Rosalynn] and President Carter are spending time with each other and their family," stated Jason in a message released on Friday, November 17.
The chairman of the Carter Center added, "The Carter family continues to ask for privacy and remains grateful for the outpouring of love and support."
In May, Rosalynn's family provided a health update, revealing her battle with dementia. The statement highlighted her active role in raising awareness about the disease.
"Mrs. Carter has been the nation’s leading mental health advocate for much of her life," the statement read.
"First in the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, then in the White House, and later at The Carter Center, she urged improved access to care and decreased stigma about issues surrounding mental health."
The statement continued, "One in 10 older Americans have dementia, a condition that affects overall mental health. We recognize, as she did more than half a century ago, that stigma is often a barrier that keeps individuals and their families from seeking and getting much-needed support."
"We hope sharing our family's news will increase important conversations at kitchen tables and in doctor’s offices around the country," the statement added.
Grandson Josh Carter informed about Rosalynn's condition
In August, Josh Carter, another grandson of Rosalynn, shared with People, "She still knows who we are, for the most part — that we are family." He mentioned that a restful night's sleep tends to improve her symptoms.
"My grandmother is still able to form new memories."
Despite their health challenges, he emphasized that the two share a deep and caring connection. "I think the beautiful thing is that they are still together," he remarked. "And they're not just under the same roof. They are still holding hands... it's just amazing."
On February 18, before Rosalynn displayed symptoms of dementia, the Carter family disclosed that the longest-living former First Lady of the United States would be entering hospice care for undisclosed health issues.
