Hospice care for kidney failure provides symptom management, assistance with daily tasks, emotional support, and respite care for primary caregivers, enhancing the quality of life for patients in their final stages. Hospice care is viewed as a way to end life with dignity rather than giving up. The focus during end-stage renal disease shifts to comfort and quality of life.

1- Understanding Kidney Failure

End-stage renal disease (ESRD), commonly known as kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys cease to function properly due to various causes, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and acute kidney injury. The kidneys are crucial in filtering waste and toxins from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and eliminating excess fluid. When they fail, these vital functions are compromised.

2- Hospice Criteria for Renal Disease Patients

In late-stage renal disease, the spread of toxins in the bloodstream can cause organ failure throughout the body. Moreover, terminally ill patients can apply for hospice care through their doctor. A diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is made when all other treatment options are exhausted. Patients with chronic kidney disease may be eligible for hospice care if they meet the following criteria:

• Ineligible for dialysis or a kidney transplant
• Have a creatinine clearance of at least 8.0 mg/dl without diabetes or 6.0 mg/dl with diabetes
• Over 60 and have coexisting conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or advanced liver disease.

Hospice care is intended for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. Patients cannot receive curative treatments like dialysis or kidney transplants while under hospice care.

Patients eligible for dialysis might choose not to start or discontinue treatment when symptoms of kidney failure become too severe. Those who discontinue dialysis and meet the above criteria may qualify for hospice care.

Patients without end-stage renal illness but with acute or chronic kidney disease and comorbidities such as diabetes or heart disease may also be eligible for hospice care. 

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Failure

In the terminal stages of renal failure, doctors focus on relieving pain to improve life expectancy. As the kidneys’ ability to filter waste declines, by-products accumulate, leading to organ failure. Hospice care aims to alleviate symptoms and provide comfort during end-of-life care.

Common symptoms of kidney failure include:

• 1- Fatigue
• 2- Itching
• 3- Drowsiness
• 4- Muscle cramps
• 5- Breathlessness
• 6- Anxiety
• 7- Depression
• 8- Pain
• 9- Nausea
• 10- Loss of appetite
• 11- Sleep disturbances
• 12- Edema (swelling), often in the feet and legs
• 13- Restless legs or decreased urine production

Kidney failure patients often suffer from anemia, which can cause additional fatigue and shortness of breath.

Hospice Evaluation for Kidney Failure Patients

Primary doctors or nephrologists may recommend hospice care at any time, particularly if the renal illness becomes unresponsive and the patient exhibits significant symptoms. At this point, dialysis may also be discontinued. 

Patients, families, and social workers can also initiate hospice evaluations. These evaluations assist families in making informed decisions and explain how hospice care can meet the patient’s medical needs and prepare them for the end of life. 

Choosing Renal Disease Hospice

Deciding when to enter hospice care involves discussions between the patient, caregivers, and doctor. Caregivers often include adult children, spouses, or friends. Patients and caregivers can seek referrals from primary care physicians.

It is essential to discuss hospice options before kidney disease progresses to its final stages. Understanding the typical stages of kidney disease can help patients determine when to transition to hospice care.

Hospice patients are less likely to need emergency hospitalizations than non-hospice kidney failure patients. Hospice care also alleviates caregiver stress for those providing extensive end-of-life care.

For patients not eligible for hospice care, palliative care may be an alternative. Palliative care allows patients to continue dialysis and receive support beyond what family and friends can provide. Both hospice and palliative care focus on managing daily tasks and symptoms.

Our Skilled Team Supports You

Melodia offers skilled and compassionate hospice care for kidney failure. Our healthcare specialists have extensive experience in supporting patients and families facing severe illnesses.

We provide round-the-clock medical support to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible. We also keep their physician and family caregivers informed about their health status.

For more information about our hospice care services for Melodia patients with kidney failure, call 1-888-635-6347.