Hiccupping. Itching. Changes in appetite and sleep. These are only a few of the many seemingly harmless signs that could actually indicate kidney disease. And with as many as 20 million people in the United States alone managing the disease, in addition to many more who have not yet been diagnosed, it is imperative that those experiencing these symptoms bring them to the attention of the physician.
How Can You Best Care for Seniors With Kidney Disease?
If you’re a family caregiver trying to decide how to best care for someone you love with kidney disease, sharing these suggestions from the National Kidney Center with the person in your care can help him or her to improve quality of life:
- Remain healthy. Staying on track with a diet that’s approved for kidney disease as well as participating in doctor-approved exercise and taking medications as prescribed are crucial for the person’s health.
- Learn. Power is attained through knowledge, and encouraging the person to learn as much as possible about the disease will help with more efficiently managing it.
- Be productive. Both physical and mental wellbeing are positively influenced when the person has meaningful work and activities to do. Help the person you love to stay active through volunteering with a cause of interest.
- Stay in control. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual with kidney disease to pay attention to symptoms, monitor test results and treatments, and control management of the disease and day-to-day lifestyle choices. As the person’s caregiver, you can empower them to be conscious of their sense of control.
- Be proactive. Motivate the person with kidney disease to contemplate a plan for the future, including different treatment choices to consider if their condition should change or become worse.
An important part of care for a senior with kidney disease – or any other health problem – is to help them continue to be socially connected with family and friends who can provide support and inspiration. As their family caregiver, a vital part of your role is to deliver necessary companionship, meal planning and preparation, personal care services, housekeeping, and the many other tasks you perform to improve quality of life. Be sure that while caring for your loved one you are also taking plenty of time to care for yourself, something that is incredibly important but often overlooked by busy family caregivers.
At Happier Home Care, we’re on hand to partner with family caregivers to ensure the best possible care is provided at all times for seniors with kidney disease, while family members take the time they need for their own physical and mental well-being. Call us at 818-651-6679 to find out more about how our services can help. See our Service Area page to learn what areas we serve!