A 79-year-old woman has moderate Alzheimer's dementia. Her daughter, who is her main carer, attends the GP alone. The daughter appears exhausted and t...

Question

A 79-year-old woman has moderate Alzheimer's dementia. Her daughter, who is her main carer, attends the GP alone. The daughter appears exhausted and tearful. She reports feeling isolated, unable to leave her mother alone, and guilty about considering respite care. What is the MOST appropriate initial response from the GP?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge her feelings, offer a carer's assessment, and discuss respite options and local carer support services

Answer

Advise her to contact social services herself

Answer

Prescribe an antidepressant for the daughter

Answer

Focus only on the patient's dementia management

Answer

Suggest she stops caring and places her mother in a care home immediately

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Carer Support and Assessment