February 21, 2023

Former President Carter Receives Hospice Care: EveryStep Answers "What is Hospice?"

The announcement that former President Jimmy Carter is receiving hospice care has sparked a national conversation about what hospice is. With 45 years of experience providing local hospice care to Iowans, EveryStep is a recognized leader in the field.

Learn More About EveryStep Hospice

While hospice care is provided at the end of life, hospice is less about dying and more about living life comfortably and to the fullest. Signs it may be time to have a conversation about hospice care include:

  • Frequent hospitalizations or trips to the ER.
  • Frequent or reoccurring infections.
  • Less desire to eat, leading to significant weight loss.
  • Rapid decline in health over past six months, even with aggressive medical treatments.
  • Uncontrolled pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting.
  • Decreasing alertness, withdrawal, increased sleeping or mental confusion.
  • Inability to perform tasks of daily living, such as eating, walking, using the bathroom, personal cleaning or getting dressed.
  • Decision to focus on quality of life, instead of aggressive treatments.

"They are the most kind, loving people ever." Read a Mother's Story of Choosing EveryStep Hospice for her Daughter

Hospice care can be provided by a for-profit company or a nonprofit organization like EveryStep. EveryStep provides hospice care to people wherever they call home, including nursing facilities and assisted living. When a patient needs around-the-clock hospice care, EveryStep Hospice’s Kavanagh House in Des Moines is available. Kavanagh House provides a home-like atmosphere with private bedrooms, living rooms, a family kitchen, spa room, children's play areas and other family amenities. Learn more about EveryStep Hospice.

EveryStep Hospice is Iowa's oldest and largest non-profit, community-based hospice provider. Since launching our hospice program in 1978, thousands of Iowans have turned to us to find comfort and care when they needed it most. You can find EveryStep Hospice programs based in Centerville, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Knoxville, Mount Ayr, Mount Pleasant, Osceola, Perry and Winterset.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep at 515-558-9946. Or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form on EveryStep’s website. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and provide assistance.