Question

A nurse is speaking with the adult child of a client who has severe Alzheimer's disease. The child is crying and tells the nurse, "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a) "I understand how you must be feeling."
b) "You should speak with your parent's doctor about this."
c) "Let's discuss options for respite care."
d) "You'll need to get help if your parent becomes combative."

Answer 1

The best response is to discuss respite care options, as it offers immediate relief and support for the caregiver. It's critical to address caregiver stress and emotional challenges in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's while maintaining social connectedness.

Step-by-step explanation:

In responding to an adult child of a client with severe Alzheimer's disease who expresses difficulty in coping, the nurse should provide empathetic and practical support. Among the provided options, c) "Let's discuss options for respite care" is the most suitable response as it addresses the immediate need for the caregiver to take a break and recharge, while also looking into longer-term solutions for care. Alzheimer's disease places a significant strain on family members, which can lead to burnout, depression, or other psychiatric disorders. Respite care can help mitigate these risks and provide the caregiver with necessary support.

Caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease encounter various challenges, including managing verbal aggression and the emotional burden of providing care. Finding meaning and maintaining social connectedness are important aspects of healthy aging, both for the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer's disease. Access to resources like respite care and support groups is vital for maintaining well-being during this life stage.