Former President Jimmy Carter’s youngest son, Jeff Carter, has been living with Parkinson’s disease, unknown to the public for a while. His son Josh recently told PEOPLE about how Jeff lives with the illness, especially after his wife, Annette Davis Carter, died in 2021.
Jeff’s diagnosis became known during a panel discussion at the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons event on Monday. Josh revealed that his dad has been supportive of Grandad Carter through hospice; however, his presence has been limited due to his own health struggles.
Why was Jeff Carter secretive about his Parkinson’s battle?
Josh noted that his father preferred to keep his illness away from the news to avoid unnecessary public attention. So far, Jeff has been doing fine living alone in his home, which he built years ago, with wheelchair accessibility for potential issues in old age. He praised his 72-year-old dad for his foresight into his later years, which is a result of his caregiving prowess.
Jeff joined the family to care for his mother-in-law Dorothy Davis during her battle with stroke and supported Josh when his youngest son was diagnosed with a chronic intestinal disorder. The Carter family also took turns visiting ex-US president Jimmy and his late wife Rosalynn in hospice.
Jeff Carter is doing fine on his own
Jeff uses deep brain stimulation therapy for his activities, which involves two remote-controlled electrodes in the areas of his brain that manage movement. With these, he can manage his symptoms and control his brain from his smartphone.
With this technology, Jeff can turn his sensors on and off at will to move around, eat, drink, communicate, and even play. Without his device, he is limited and cannot function without help. Despite his illness, Jeff makes time out for his grandchildren and family thanks to his simulation therapy.
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