When a loved one faces a serious illness, families are often introduced to terms like “hospice” and “palliative care” — sometimes for the first time. While both types of care provide comfort and support, they serve different needs and stages in the journey. Understanding these differences can help families make informed, compassionate choices.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses. It can begin at any time during a diagnosis and is provided alongside curative treatments. The goal is to support the whole person — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and help them live as well as possible.
At Weinstein Hospice, our Danny Sklar Palliative Care Program provides in-home consultative support from board-certified palliative care physicians. We work with families and medical teams to manage pain, reduce stress, and ensure care aligns with the patient’s goals and values.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less, when curative treatment is no longer a consideration and the focus turns fully to comfort and quality of life. It provides a full team of support — including nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care providers, and trained volunteers — to help patients and their families find peace, dignity, and relief.
Weinstein Hospice offers in-home hospice care throughout the Atlanta area, with 24/7 access and care grounded in compassion and respect. Both our palliative and hospice services are delivered in the comfort of home — offering relief from physical pain, emotional stress, and spiritual uncertainty. Our services are rooted in Jewish values but are available to families of all backgrounds.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Timing: Palliative care can start at any point; hospice begins when curative treatment is no longer being pursued.
- Treatment: Palliative care works alongside treatment and can help better manage symptoms to treatment can continue; hospice focuses solely on comfort.
- Eligibility: Hospice requires a prognosis of six months or less.
- Care Team: Both offer interdisciplinary teams, but hospice adds additional layers of support for caregivers and families.
Can You Receive Both?
Yes. Many people begin with palliative care and later transition to hospice when appropriate. Others may not need hospice at all. The transition is often smooth, as the goals of both services align around comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
A Supportive Partner at Every Step
Whether your family is navigating a new diagnosis or facing the final stages of life, Weinstein Hospice is here to help. Our team can answer questions, coordinate care, and guide you through decisions with compassion and clarity.
Reach out today to learn more about our palliative and hospice care services in Atlanta — and how we can support your family through every stage of the journey.
Weinstein Hospice is part of Jewish HomeLife, Atlanta’s trusted provider of senior care services guided by Jewish values and open to all.
