An elderly female is struggling with the care of her mother after her daughter moved out. What is the best initial step for the nurse practitioner to assist her?

Discussing community resources available to provide assistance and respite care is an essential initial step in addressing the elderly female's challenges in caring for her mother. This approach directly supports her immediate needs by identifying available services that can alleviate her responsibilities, thereby reducing her stress and improving her ability to provide care.

By presenting options like adult day care, home health services, or respite care programs, the nurse practitioner helps the caregiver find a balance between her caregiving responsibilities and her own well-being. Providing these resources empowers the caregiver to seek help, which can be critical in preventing caregiver burnout and promoting the health of both the caregiver and the elderly patient.

Other options may not address immediate needs effectively. Referring the patient's daughter to a social worker for counseling does not provide immediate practical assistance to the caregiver. Reviewing placement options may be premature and might not be necessary if community resources can alleviate the burden. Calling the granddaughter could create misunderstandings or escalate the situation without offering direct solutions to the caregiver's immediate challenges. Thus, focusing on community resources stands as the most appropriate and supportive initial action.