A family member caring for a relative with dementia complains of exhaustion. Which of the following responses best conveys respect for this family member's situation?

Question

1. "It sounds like your home situation is too demanding. What about seeking individual therapy to cope with your issues?"
2. "I experienced the same thing with my mother. What about getting a housekeeper?"
3. "Caring for a person with dementia is too much for one person. You should place your relative in a nursing home."
4. "It sounds like you are overwhelmed. You may benefit from respite care services."

Answer 1

4
Rationale: The nurse shows respect for the client and situation by validating feelings and suggesting an option that will support the client's needs. Self-disclosure of the nurse's experience and suggesting a housekeeper takes the focus away from the client's experience. Although acknowledging that caring for a person with dementia is too much for one person can validate the client's experience, suggesting a nursing home conveys the nurse's personal opinion rather than offering an option that will support the client's needs. Commenting that the home situation is demanding and suggesting therapy makes an inaccurate assumption of the client's experience and needs and again offers the nurse's personal opinion.