Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure or chronic renal failure, is the gradual loss of kidney function. When working properly, your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, which are excreted in your urine. When your kidneys become damaged, waste can build up in your blood and causing complications like high blood pressure, anemia, osteoporosis, nerve damage, and poor nutritional health. Treatment for chronic kidney disease slows the progression of kidney damage, but chronic kidney disease can lead to end-stage kidney failure which is fatal without dialysis or a kidney transplant. The chronic kidney disease resources below provide helpful information, guidance, and support. Palliative care can help patients with chronic kidney disease manage symptoms and comorbidities, while hospice care can help patients nearing end of life manage pain and discomfort, and address emotional and spiritual needs.
- What are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease?
- What are the Symptoms of End-Stage Kidney Disease?
- Palliative Care & Dialysis: What are the options?
Additionally, here are some hospice and palliative care financial resources for chronic kidney disease patients:
Community resources for chronic kidney disease patients near you.
While there are many different national kidney disease resources available to patients and their families, there may also be local resources, both at the city and state level. These resources include in-person and online meet-ups and support groups, help for caregivers, food programs like Meal on Wheels, and more. We recommend you do further research to see what kidney disease help and information is available in your area. You can also explore the Crossroads website here to find services in your state.
Chronic Kidney Disease resources for families.
Whether you are the caregiver of someone with chronic kidney disease, or simply a loved one of a patient, the situation can cause significant stress. The following resources and information can help caregivers and family members who are supporting their loved one with kidney disease.
- National Kidney Foundation
- American Kidney Fund
- Crossroads Caregiver Resources
- Eldercare Locator
- Benefits CheckUp
- Caring Bridge
- CaringInfo
- National Alliance for Caregiving - Resources
- Crossroads Grief Support
Additional chronic kidney disease resources and advice.
If you would like more information on kidney disease resources for families, including patient care, and comfort care options, you can contact Crossroads 24/7. We are available by email, phone, or live chat to answer any questions you may have.
Browse additional kidney disease hospice and palliative care resources below:
- Why Patients with Kidney Disease are Missing Out on Hospice
- How Does Home Dialysis Work?
- Summer Tips for Patients with Kidney Disease
(Please note that Crossroads does not endorse any of the organizations linked above. Patients and their families should conduct their own research before making any healthcare decisions.)