Stage 3: Growing Burden — When Caregiving Becomes Overwhelming and Unsustainable

Many families provide care for months or years, but eventually the physical, emotional, and logistical strain can become overwhelming. Caregivers may face sleep deprivation, burnout, financial stress, and increasing fear about emergencies or rapid health changes. Frequent ER visits, uncontrolled symptoms, falls, or recurring hospitalizations often signal that the current approach is no longer sustainable.

At this point, families may say:
“We’re exhausted.”
“We are afraid to be alone at night.”
“We want to keep them comfortable, but we don’t know how.”

Silverado Hospice helps families recognize when hospice services could significantly improve comfort, symptom control, and emotional wellbeing. We provide guidance on caregiver support, respite resources, psychosocial support, and how hospice can reduce hospitalizations while increasing quality of life at home or in a care community.

This stage is about recognizing limits, honoring the caregiver’s wellbeing, and understanding that choosing hospice is an act of love, not surrender.