Dialysis vs. Kidney Replacement: How to Talk to Senior Relatives About Options
Skip main navigation
Serving Webster Groves, St. Louis City & County, and surrounding areas.
Type Size
Serving Webster Groves, St. Louis City & County, and surrounding areas.
Past main navigation Contact Us

Dialysis vs. Kidney Replacement: How to Talk to Senior Relatives About Options

Discussing dialysis and kidney replacement with your senior loved one can be intensely challenging. When examining these options with your senior parent, it's important to remember the difficulty of choosing one option over the other. Explore both dialysis and kidney replacement procedures, so you can guide the conversation.

What Is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical process used to filter waste, salt, and fluid from the body when the kidneys do not work properly. It works by removing extra fluid and toxins from the blood through two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. 

Hemodialysis uses a special machine on an external device. Meanwhile, peritoneal dialysis uses a solution that is infused into your senior loved one's belly before being removed after several hours.

Benefits of Dialysis

A major advantage of dialysis is that it can extend the life expectancy of your senior parent. Dialysis also helps reduce symptoms associated with chronic kidney failures, such as fatigue and pain. 

Once the initial setup is complete, hemodialysis treatments can easily fit into a person's weekly schedule. Additionally, peritoneal dialysis offers mobility. By using an implantable device, people can move around without worrying about being too far away from treatment centers or hospitals where they would need to be hooked up to equipment.

What Is Kidney Replacement?

Kidney replacement, or renal transplantation, is a surgical procedure used to replace one or both of your senior loved ones’ malfunctioning kidneys with a healthy donor's kidney. But first, the patient and potential donor would need to undergo numerous tests to ensure compatibility between them, such as blood tests and tissue typing studies.

Benefits of Kidney Replacement

One of the biggest benefits of a kidney transplant is that it can dramatically increase life expectancy. Additionally, once seniors receive a transplant, they no longer need to rely on regular treatments, such as hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to stay healthy.

Another advantage to opting for kidney replacement surgery is the potential physical health improvements your senior parent may experience after receiving their new kidney. this includes increased energy levels and improved nutrition.  

Discussing the Options With Your Senior Loved Ones

When considering which treatment option is best for your senior parent, it's important to discuss the options with them sensitively and respectfully. Encourage open communication and be sure to listen closely to their questions and concerns about dialysis or kidney replacement. 

Select Senior Helpers Webster Groves for Help With Daily activities

When choosing between dialysis and kidney replacement, your senior relative needs to understand the options and expected outcomes. Explaining the various features of each treatment option in a non-confrontational way may help minimize stress and anxiety, helping them make an informed decision. If you need any advice or in-home care for your senior loved one in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Webster Groves, Richmond Heights, Kirkwood, Affton, Frontenac, Mehlville, Crestwood, or Oakville. Senior Helpers is here to help. Senior Helpers Webster Groves can help your senior parent with cooking meals, medication reminders, and more. Reach out to us now!