A middle-class family is talking with the nurse about the impact a seriously mental ill son has had on the family. Insurance has only partially covered treatment expenses, and the family has spent much of their savings to care for him. The patient's younger sister mentions she feels lost because her parents are so focused on her brother that it seems as though they have no time for her. The parents are concerned that when the siblings move out and they themselves become aged, there will be no one to care for the patient. Which response would be most helpful?
a. Acknowledge their concerns, and indicate that you will consult with the treatment team about ways to bring the patient's symptoms under better control.
b. Give them the names of financial advisors and banks that could help them save or borrow sufficient funds to leave a trust fund to care for their loved one.
c. Refer them to crisis intervention services to learn ways to manage caregiver stress, and provide the titles of some helpful books for families of SMI persons.
d. Discuss the benefits of participating in National Alliance on Mental Illness programs, and discuss ways to help the son become more independent.
Answer: D