Kidney disease is one of the most common health conditions that seniors deal with. Seniors who have kidney disease may be able to continue living on their own if they wish, but they may need some extra support and help managing their disease. If you can’t provide daily help for your senior parent because you have a full-time job, or you have kids that need you at home, in-home care can help your senior parent manage their kidney disease at home.
With in-home care, your parent will receive the consistent support they need to stay happy and healthy at home. They will have the support they need to follow their doctor’s recommended diet and make healthy lifestyle choices, which can directly affect their kidney health.
How Kidney Disease Affects Seniors
Seniors who are living on their own with kidney disease may experience symptoms and challenges like these as a result of their illness:
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
One of the most common symptoms is swelling, also called edema. When the kidneys cannot remove extra fluid from the body, it often collects in the lower legs. Seniors may notice their shoes feel tighter or that their ankles look puffy.
Swelling can also happen in the hands or face. This buildup of fluid can make walking uncomfortable and may cause seniors to feel tired or heavy. Families should pay attention to swelling that keeps coming back or slowly gets worse.
Changes in Urination
Kidney problems often show up in the way a person urinates. Seniors may need to use the bathroom more often, especially at night, or may feel they cannot fully empty their bladder. Others may notice that their urine appears foamy, darker, or contains blood.
Some seniors may urinate much less than usual. Any clear change in bathroom habits is worth reporting to a doctor, because the kidneys play a major role in filtering waste from the body.
Extreme Fatigue and Weakness
When the kidneys are not working well, waste products build up in the blood. This can cause seniors to feel very tired, weak, or drained of energy. Even simple tasks like walking across a room or making a meal may feel harder than usual.
Kidney disease can also lead to low red blood cell counts, which causes anemia. Anemia makes people feel worn out, lightheaded, or short of breath. If a senior suddenly seems more tired than normal, kidney problems may be part of the cause.
Loss of Appetite and Nausea
Kidney disease can affect digestion. Waste buildup in the bloodstream can alter the taste of food or make seniors feel nauseated. They may lose their appetite, skip meals, or complain of nausea.
In some cases, they may vomit or have difficulty keeping food down. Over time, this can lead to weight loss and weakness. Families should watch for changes in eating habits, especially if the senior normally enjoys food.
Trouble Concentrating and Feeling Confused
When the kidneys cannot filter toxins effectively, toxins can reach the brain. Seniors may have trouble focusing, remembering simple things, or following conversations. They may seem confused, irritated, or slow to respond. These changes can be mistaken for early dementia, but sometimes the real cause is kidney disease. Treating the kidney issue can improve mental clarity.
How In-Home Care Can Help
Getting in-home care is a great way to help your senior parent navigate the challenges of living with kidney disease at home. An in-home care provider can ensure your parent is drinking enough water, cook healthy meals, and remind them to take their medications on time. In-home care providers also provide comfort and make your senior parent feel less alone.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care in Glendale, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Resources today. Call (602) 443-4700
Home Care Resources is a top provider of home care services in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Goodyear, Cave Creek, Care Free, Fountain Hills, and surrounding areas.
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