How should a caregiver care for a mentally ill resident?

• A. Isolate the resident
• B. Support the resident and his family and friends
• C. Withhold information from family
• D. Only provide care to the resident, not family

Answer: (B)

A mentally ill resident benefits from a caregiving approach that includes both the person and their support network. Mental illness affects not just the individual but also family and friends who work to provide stability, understanding, and daily support. By involving and supporting the resident’s family and friends, you help create a consistent, collaborative care environment. This helps with communication among caregivers and professionals, supports treatment adherence, and enhances safety and well-being for everyone involved. It also respects the resident’s dignity and autonomy by engaging those who care about them in planning and decision-making, with appropriate respect for privacy and consent.

Isolating the resident isolates them from important support, which can worsen symptoms and reduce safety. Withholding information from family undermines trust and can impede coordinated care and crisis planning. Providing care only to the resident and not including family overlooks the real-life context of recovery and daily management.