If one of your loved ones has Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), you can help by learning about the disease and its treatments. Many people with kidney disease take charge of their own health most of the time, but may lean on you when they feel ill or anxious. Others will need you to help more with their healthcare.
Whatever your situation, for you to help care for someone with CKD, you must first take care of yourself. Understanding what it’s like to have kidney disease and undergo dialysis, realizing what it takes to be a caregiver, and finding strategies to help you take care of yourself will keep you healthy - so you can support your loved one. This section provides you with some information to help you be the best care partner that you can for your loved one with kidney disease.
Learning About
Kidney Disease
It’s natural to feel anxious, scared, or upset when you find out your loved one has kidney disease. Learn what kidney diseaseis, what it isn’t, and what you can expect in the future.
What Your Loved One is Going
Through
Find out what it feels like physically and emotionally to have kidney disease and get dialysis.
Supporting Your Loved One
Understand the kind of support your loved one may need from you. Some will be hard, some easy. Learn what you should look for to help keep your loved one healthy.
Effects of Kidney Failure on
the Family
The entire family will be affected when a family member has kidney failure. This page talks about the possible effects.
Talking to Friends and Family
About Kidney Failure
Caregivers may be the ones who communicate information between the patient and their friends and family members. Take a look at a list of questions that friends might have and ideas for handling them.
How To Take Care of Yourself
Caring for someone with kidney disease may be hard and stressful. Use the information on this page to help you take care of yourself.
Being a Peritoneal Dialysis
Partner
Explore what peritoneal dialysis is like and how you can help.
Being an In-Home Hemodialysis
Partner
Learn what home hemodialysis is like, the training required, and how you will help.
Being an In-Center Dialysis
Partner
Read about in-center hemodialysis and how you may need to help.
