Kidney failure is a serious condition that can profoundly impact your elderly relative's life. Choosing between two of the most common treatments for kidney failure—dialysis and kidney transplantation—can be emotionally challenging and involve complex decision-making. Ensuring their wishes are honored while helping them safeguard their health is paramount when discussing dialysis vs a kidney replacement with your senior relative. Understanding all the risks, benefits, and options will help you make an informed decision.
What Is Dialysis?
Kidney dialysis is a medical treatment used for people with kidney failure. In this condition, the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste products from the blood. During dialysis, the blood is cleaned outside the body by passing it through a special filter called a dialyzer or artificial kidney. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body through a tube.
There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is typically done at a dialysis center, while peritoneal dialysis can be done at home.
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure but it is not a cure. People who undergo dialysis may need to do so several times a week for the rest of their lives or until they receive a kidney transplant.
What Is a Kidney Replacement?
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is transplanted into a person with kidney failure. The transplanted kidney may come from a living person, such as a family member or friend, or a deceased person who has donated their organs. The transplanted kidney takes over the function of the failed kidneys, filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
A kidney transplant can significantly improve the quality of life for people with kidney failure, allowing them to avoid dialysis and resume normal daily activities. However, it is not a cure, and recipients will need to take medication and receive ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives to maintain the health of the transplanted kidney.
How to Talk to Elderly Relatives About Their Options
Talking to your elderly relative about their options for kidney failure treatment can be challenging. Ensure your elderly relative knows their wishes are heard and respected while helping them make an informed choice by following these tips:
Understand Their Perspective
Before discussing the options available to your elderly relative for treating kidney failure, understand their perspective. What are their needs and long-term goals? Are they trying to maintain a certain quality of life? Assess if they have other underlying health conditions that could affect which option would be best for them.
Explain the Options
Once you have established the needs and concerns of your elderly relative, provide them with a clear explanation of each option. This means discussing all the risks, benefits, and additional lifestyle modifications they may need.
Answer Questions
Including your elderly relative in these conversations can be overwhelming, so give them adequate time to ask questions. This will ensure they fully understand the options and allow them to make an informed decision.
Discuss the Risks and Benefits
When presenting the different options for treatment, explain any risks and benefits of each. This includes physical effects, lifestyle modifications, and potential implications so your elderly relative can make an informed decision.
Is Your Senior Loved One Facing Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure can be a complex and emotional subject to broach with your elderly relative. Provide them with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision while ensuring their wishes are respected.
Do you or a senior loved one live in Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, or Georgetown and require extra assistance for kidney failure treatments or other needs that come with aging? Get in touch today with Senior Helpers Murrells Inlet, specializing in providing high-quality senior home care services to help navigate this journey together.