FAMILY AND FRIENDS

End Stage Kidney (Renal) Disease (Failure) ESKD will have a significant impact on the lives of the family and friends of the patient. Arrangements will have to be made to facilitate 12 to 15 hours per week for dialysis either at home or a facility – namely a Hospital or Clinic. Some patients may need persons to take them to and from the hospital or clinic. Where a patient is working, special arrangements may have to be made with the employer to facilitate dialysis.

Living with Kidney Disease is not something you should go through alone. Nevertheless, family dynamics often change when one member has a chronic illness. The people closest to the patient are often emotionally affected. But it does not have to be a negative experience. In fact, living with Kidney Disease can bring the family closer together. Over time, family life can reach a new norm, different than before, but just as rewarding.

It is very important for the family and friends of the patient to obtain detailed information about this disease. Membership in a support group can add significant value to the entire family both in terms of learning from those who would have been afflicted with the disease and those who care for the patients.

Support of family and friends will help in the following ways:

• Assistance with travel arrangements to and from the dialysis centre.
• Maintaining a diet low in potassium, sugar, phosphorous, protein etc.
• Restricting the intake of liquid.
• Managing and overcoming depression.
• Taking a positive attitude towards life.
• Assistance with medical expenses.