A nurse is discussing home care concerns with the son of a client who has Alzheimer's disease. The son states, "I am so tired all the time, but Mom needs me." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I think you should find other family members who could help your mother." While involving other family members can be helpful, this response may come across as dismissive rather than supportive. The nurse should offer specific resources or interventions to assist with caregiver burden. B. "Let me give you some information about respite care for your mother." Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers by allowing trained professionals to care for the client. This helps reduce caregiver stress, prevents burnout, and allows the son to rest while ensuring his mother receives appropriate care. C. "You should think about placing your mother in a long-term care facility." Suggesting placement in a facility without first assessing the son’s willingness or ability to continue caregiving may be inappropriate. The nurse should offer less drastic options, such as respite care, before discussing long-term placement. D. "You owe it to your mother to take care of her now that she needs you." This statement could induce guilt and increase stress for the caregiver. The nurse should provide emotional support and resources rather than making the son feel obligated to provide care without assistance.