The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are responsible for filtering extra fluid and waste from the blood into the urine so they can be expelled from the body before they do any harm. When a person has chronic kidney disease, the kidneys slowly stop working as they should, gradually creating other health conditions as they cannot function as they should. An in-home care team can step in and support your loved one as they learn to manage and live with their health condition.
Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Factors
As with just about any disease or illness, anyone can develop it. But there are often risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of getting the health condition, and the same can be said about chronic kidney disease. Some risk factors can be reduced by making lifestyle changes, but many cannot be changed, making it important for caregivers to be able to recognize if their loved one is struggling with chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease often develops as a complication of other health issues, such as:
Diabetes. The high blood sugar often associated with diabetes can lead to damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, making it difficult for them to function properly.
Heart Disease. If a person has heart failure, many organs do not get the blood flow they need to function well. This is true of the kidneys as well.
High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure often narrows the blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow to all areas of the body. With high blood pressure, the blood vessels in the kidneys also become damaged, making it difficult for them to remove waste as needed.
Obesity. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, thus increasing the risk of kidney disease.
Other factors can also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, such as a family history of kidney disease, smoking, old age, being Black or Asian, and the frequent use of medications that may cause kidney damage.
Kidney Disease Symptoms
Chronic kidney disease symptoms will develop slowly over time and may not be recognizable as kidney issues at first. Knowing what they may look like in your elderly loved one can help you catch the disease quickly, especially if your loved one has many of the risk factors for the health condition.
- Dry, itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and possible vomiting
- Feelings of extreme fatigue and weakness.
- Changes in urination frequency – either more often or less often than normal
- Sleep issues
- Swelling in areas of the body, especially the feet and ankles
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion or decreased ability to process information
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain due to fluid buildup
Getting Help with In-Home Care for Your Senior
Anyone battling a serious health issue, such as chronic kidney disease, may need help with some of their daily living activities so that they can remain independent in their home. In-home care teams can help with household chores when your loved one is fatigued, assist in meal management, and provide transportation. Your loved one can focus on their health care when they know an in-home care provider will help with home care and meals.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care Services in Norfolk, MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today at (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn, MA, and surrounding areas.
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