Understanding End-Stage Kidney Disease
Kidney disease ranks among the leading causes of death in the United States, with over 37 million Americans living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and millions more at risk (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK], 2023). For patients who progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the challenges of managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life, and navigating care options can feel overwhelming.
When curative treatments are no longer effective or desired, hospice care offers a specialized approach to providing comfort, dignity, and peace during the final stages of life.
The Role of Hospice in Kidney Health
Hospice care is a holistic, interdisciplinary service designed to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. For those with ESRD, hospice care provides:
Important Considerations
- Only 13.2% of patients with ESRD receive hospice care in the final weeks of life, compared to over 50% of patients with cancer diagnoses (Meier et al., 2023).
- Patients with ESRD who opt for hospice care often experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, allowing more time at home with loved ones (NIDDK, 2023).
- Studies have shown that timely hospice referrals improve both patient quality of life and caregiver satisfaction (Meier et al., 2023).
Who Can Benefit from Hospice Care?
Patients with ESRD are eligible for hospice care if they meet specific criteria, such as:
- A decision to stop dialysis or forgo dialysis initiation.
- Advanced symptoms of kidney failure, including persistent nausea, difficulty breathing, or poor appetite.
- A prognosis of six months or less, as determined by a physician.
Action Plan
If you have a patient or loved one facing end-stage kidney disease, hospice care can provide comfort and support during this challenging time. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help ensure the best possible quality of life.
Contact us today to learn more about how hospice care can make a difference for those living with kidney-related diseases.
References
Meier, D. E., Morrison, R. S., & Aldridge, M. D. (2023). Timely hospice care and improved outcomes
for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 26(3), 250-260.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2023). Kidney disease
statistics for the United States. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov
