Kidney Disease

For seniors who wish to remain in the comfort of home throughout aging – and, who wouldn’t? – in-home care services provide a lifeline, offering assistance with daily activities that can become difficult in later years and supplying a means of safety, security and enhanced independence. But what happens when an older adult is struggling with a disease, such as chronic kidney disease?

In-home senior care is not only possible for those with kidney disease, but it’s actually preferred over a move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Consider some of the numerous ways that a professional in-home caregiver, such as Hired Hands Homecare provides, can help those who are at risk for or diagnosed with kidney disease:

Providing education on management of the disease. Caregivers work hand in hand with the senior’s doctor … Read More »

You are what you eat, as the saying goes, and for individuals with kidney disease, it’s even more essential that a proper nutritional plan be adhered to in order to reduce symptoms, such as nausea, swelling, pain and others, and to maybe even slow the progression of the disease. Hired Hands Homecare recommends the following dietary considerations (after approval by one’s healthcare provider) and notes which foods to avoid with kidney disease:

Salt

High amounts of sodium in the diet can result in fluid retention, elevated blood pressure, and cause the heart to work harder. Sodium intake should be restricted to 2 grams per day. Refrain from consuming foods that contain significant levels of salt such as:

Canned food

Smoked or processed meats

Pretzels, crackers and chips

Nuts

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Itching. Hiccups. Loss of appetite. Sleep problems. These are just a handful of the numerous seemingly innocuous warning signs that may possibly suggest kidney disease. And with around 20 million people in America fighting kidney pain, and many more not officially diagnosed, it’s crucial to bring any concerning symptoms to the attention of the physician.

If kidney disease is the cause, these guidelines from the National Kidney Center can help you or your loved one adjust and thrive:

Make sure you are knowledgeable. Knowledge is power, and trying to learn as much as you possibly can about the disease will be helpful towards properly managing it.

Stay in control. It’s inherently up to the person with kidney disease, or that individual’s primary caregiver, to be aware of symptoms, monitor test results and treatments, and take responsibility for … Read More »