Are you at a loss as to how to help your friend or family cope with kidney failure? Seeing a loved one experience kidney failure can be frustrating and scary. The National Kidney Foundation discusses five ways that you can support a loved one with kidney failure.*

Understand their treatment plan

When a person’s kidneys fail, the most common form of treatment is dialysis. Dialysis helps remove toxins and excess fluid to help people live longer and feel better. Learning more about the type of dialysis involved, and common associated conditions (i.e. anemia and mineral-bone disorders), enables you to support them with your knowledge and understanding. 

Share resources

While you may not fully understand what an end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patient is personally going through, or have all the answers, there are resources you can share with your loved one to help them find peer support and expert advice that can calm their fears, and reduce feelings of loneliness and alienation. 

• NKF Peers allows ESKD patients to connect and speak with trained mentors via telephone or in-app chat. These mentors have been in similar situations and may provide valuable information from a patient perspective. 
• NKF Cares is a patient information helpline that answers questions about kidney failure from trained specialists.
• NKF offers kidney communities where patients and caregivers can share experiences, ask questions, and get answers related to kidney health. 
• A social worker may help you find financial assistance for medications and other ESKD treatments. NKF also provides a free discount card for prescription medications and information on other assistance resources. 

Help them find a living donor

For many patients, receiving a kidney transplant is the best way to improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, there are not enough donor kidneys for everyone who needs one. There are two ways you can help your loved one in getting a living donor: 

• Help them craft their story and message to help attract someone willing to donate their kidney. Sharing the story on social media, and at work, gyms, and schools can help spread the word. 
• Ask Congress to support and pass the Living Donor Protection Act. Protecting living organ donors and removing barriers to donation is imperative to increase donations. Sign petitions and/or start your own, and contact your local legislators.

Be specific 

Offering specific actions to your loved ones is beneficial, especially for those who struggle to ask for help. Some ideas include:

• Accompany them to their dialysis appointments
• Bring over kidney-failure-friendly food
• Offer to watch children or pets
• Help around the house or yard
• Listen and just be present when they need to talk
• Help change public policy as a Voices for Kidney Health Advocate

Keep an eye out for depression

Kidney failure is often associated with anxiety, stress, and confusion, and may lead to depression. Recognizing the signs of depression is key and may include:

• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Poor appetite
• Lack of focus
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Substance abuse
• Social isolation

If you notice persistent changes, encourage your loved one to share their feelings and seek professional help. A kidney doctor, nurse, or social worker can help diagnose the issue and determine what treatment option is best. 

*5 Ways to Help Your Friend or Family Member with Kidney Failure. (2022, August 18). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/5-ways-to-help-your-friend-or-family-member-kidney-failure