Understanding and Coping with Renal Failure

A diagnosis of renal failure does not have to mean that the best parts of your senior’s life are over. Her health may be a little more fragile, but with the right medical and care support, you and your senior will be able to take care of her needs. 

Lots of Health Issues Impact Renal Function

Senior Placement Services Mead, WA: Renal Failure

The first thing you need to know about renal failure is that a wide range of health conditions and issues can impact renal function. The kidneys filter waste from the entire body and when they’re overwhelmed, overworked, or damaged, they don’t function as well. Illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, circulatory problems, and more can all create issues for your senior’s kidneys and how they function. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Renal Failure Is Important 

It’s really important to be alert for the signs of renal failure so that you and your senior’s doctor can take action quickly. Things like swelling or edema in the extremities, muscle cramps, and even itching skin that doesn’t seem to have another cause can all be part of renal failure. So can lack of appetite, nausea, and extreme fatigue. Confusion and muscle weakness may be other symptoms your senior exhibits. These symptoms can also be part of other health issues, so always talk to your senior’s doctor. 

Get as Much Information as Possible 

Once you know what your elderly family member is up against, it’s time to create a plan for managing her health. Renal failure can be treated, to an extent. Dialysis is the most common form of treatment and your elderly family member’s doctor may change or adjust some of the other medications that she takes. Lifestyle changes, like eating a healthier diet and reducing intake of things like alcohol, can also help.  

Consider Where You Need More Help 

But your senior may need more help. Working with experts in senior advocacy can help you to ensure that your senior is getting all of the assistance that she needs from all the right places. If moving to a location with on-site home care services is the best solution for her needs, they can help you to find the right one for your senior.  

Coping with renal failure is not always easy, but the more knowledge and help you have, the easier it’s going to be for you to make sure your senior’s needs are covered on a regular basis. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Placement Services in Mead, WA please contact the caring staff at Angel Senior Care today at (509) 326-4357.

Vaughn & Donna Young