What Is End Stage Renal Disease Care?
End stage renal disease, when kidneys fail to function adequately, affects hundreds of thousands of seniors. Understanding ESRD care options helps patients and families navigate this serious condition.
Understanding Kidney Failure
End stage renal disease is the final stage of chronic kidney disease when kidneys can no longer sustain life without treatment. Kidney function has declined to less than 15 percent of normal.
Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney failure in seniors. Years of poorly controlled blood sugar and blood pressure damage kidneys progressively. Other conditions including glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidney disease also cause ESRD.
Symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, swelling, decreased urination, shortness of breath, confusion, and nausea. As kidneys fail, waste products accumulate and fluid balance is disrupted.
Treatment Options
Dialysis filters waste products and excess fluid from blood when kidneys cannot. Two main types exist, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine, typically three times weekly for three to four hours each session. Most hemodialysis occurs in dialysis centers, though home hemodialysis is possible for some patients.
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as a filter. Fluid is introduced into the abdomen, absorbs waste products, and is drained. This can be done at home, often during sleep.
Kidney transplant is another option for suitable candidates. Transplant offers better quality of life and survival than dialysis for appropriate patients. Age alone does not disqualify seniors from transplant consideration.
Choosing Dialysis
Dialysis modality choice depends on medical factors, lifestyle preferences, and available support. Home dialysis offers flexibility but requires ability to perform treatments. In-center hemodialysis provides professional oversight but requires regular travel to centers.
Dialysis requires significant time commitment and lifestyle adaptation. Understanding what is involved helps patients make informed decisions and prepare for the demands.
Conservative Management
Some seniors choose not to pursue dialysis. Conservative management, sometimes called supportive care, manages symptoms without dialysis. This choice is appropriate when dialysis burden outweighs benefits or conflicts with patient values.
Conservative management focuses on quality of life. Symptom management, diet modifications, and comfort care address symptoms. Hospice may be appropriate as disease progresses.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare provides special coverage for ESRD. People of any age with ESRD qualify for Medicare. Coverage includes dialysis, transplant, and related services.
Getting ESRD Care
All Seniors Foundation supports patients with kidney disease including those facing ESRD decisions. Understanding options enables informed choices. Contact us for kidney disease care and support.
