Kidney Disease

If you or a loved one suffers from kidney disease and are not pursuing dialysis, you still have medical needs and concerns, and bothersome symptoms that interfere with the quality of your daily life.

How can hospice care help those with kidney disease?

Hospice care can help improve your quality of life by alleviating the symptoms of kidney failure, such as fatigue and nausea. The hospice team will closely monitor pain and symptoms and develop a responsive plan for optimal comfort. Our patients experience physical, emotional and spiritual support in the comfort of their home, and spend less time in the clinic.
Hospice’s plan of care for those with kidney disease includes:

  • Expert pain and symptom management in your home to alleviate stiffness, fatigue, nausea, itching, sleep difficulties and other symptoms of kidney disease, and eliminate clinic visits and trips to the emergency room
  • Durable medical equipment, supplies and medications
  • Medications and non-medical interventions to reduce distress and the anxiety it causes
  • Around the clock availability and support via phone
  • A comprehensive evaluation by the hospice team
  • Assistance with advance care planning that aligns with the patient’s needs, priorities and goals
  • Caregiving support, education and guidance from your hospice care team
  • Help with dressing, bathing, grooming and eating
  • Emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their loved ones
  • Grief support

If the decision has been made to stop dialysis, people usually have one question: how long can someone live with kidney failure without dialysis? The answer is different for each person depending on his/her medical history, other chronic conditions, percentage of kidney function and symptoms. In general, hospice care may be beneficial for someone with kidney disease if they have experienced the following:

  • No longer receive dialysis
  • Unintentional weight loss or gain
  • Emergency room visits every few months
  • Repeated hospitalizations and no longer wish to be hospitalized

If you see yourself or your loved one in this description, you may benefit from hospice care. Contact us to request an evaluation. Your physician may also make this request, although you do not need to wait for a referral from a doctor. You can contact us at any time to learn more about hospice services.

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