Caring for someone living with kidney disease or receiving dialysis is an important role. Caregivers and care partners may help with transportation to dialysis, medications, appointments, meal planning, communication with the healthcare team, home dialysis responsibilities, and emotional support. During an emergency, caregivers may also help make sure the person they support has a plan for continuing dialysis, knows how to contact their dialysis facility, and has essential medications, supplies, food, and important medical information available.
Caregiving can also be demanding. Caregivers should remember their own health and well-being matter. Asking for help, sharing responsibilities with family or friends, connecting with other caregivers, and speaking with the dialysis facility social worker or healthcare team can help. Caregivers are encouraged to learn about kidney disease and dialysis, participate in emergency planning, and use trusted support services when additional assistance is needed.
- NKF Family and Caregiver Resources
- Your Role as a Home Dialysis Care Partner
- NKF PEERS Support Program
- Caregiver and Care Partner Resources
- Care Partner Burnout and Self-Care
Remember: Caregivers Need Support, Too
You do not have to manage every responsibility alone. Talk with the patient’s dialysis facility social worker or healthcare team about caregiver education, transportation assistance, community services, respite resources, emergency planning, and other available support. Building a support network can help both the caregiver and the person receiving kidney care.
