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 nurse make?

A) "You owe it to your mother to take care of her now that she needs you.": This response is not supportive and places unnecessary guilt on the son. Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is demanding, and expecting the son to provide care without considering his own needs is unrealistic. Guilt-tripping him may lead to burnout, as it does not acknowledge the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. B) "You should think about placing your mother in a long-term care facility.": While this may be a viable option for some families, this statement does not acknowledge the son’s emotional struggle or immediate need for support. Suggesting a long-term care facility may be premature without exploring other options and may cause the son to feel as though he is being pushed into a decision he is not ready to make. C) "Let me give you some information about respite care for your mother.": This is the most appropriate response. Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers, allowing them time to rest and recharge. It is a supportive approach that acknowledges the son’s exhaustion and provides him with a helpful resource. Respite care can alleviate caregiver burnout and help maintain the quality of care for the client. D) "I think you should find other family members who could help your mother.": While involving other family members can be helpful, this response does not provide immediate support or acknowledge the son’s current feelings of exhaustion. Suggesting that he simply find other family members may come across as dismissive of his current emotional state and may not offer the practical help he needs at this moment.