Life as a family member

It is perfectly understandable if you are initially nervous about the decisions that need to be done. Try to realize that neither your loved one nor you have to walk the path alone in finding a suitable therapy.

You can get a lot of information from the care team and other contacts at the dialysis center. Other patients can share their own experiences and give insights into life with chronic kidney disease with their own personal stories.

Together with your loved one, you will find ways to live a fulfilling family life despite having the disease.

• You work more than your relative/friend
  Because of his or her health condition, your loved one may find it difficult to continue to work as usual. If they are working, they may have to change from a full-time to a part-time job, or they may have to stop working temporarily. This may mean a drop in income for both of you.
   
• You do the majority of the housework
  After dialysis, your loved one may feel very exhausted and no longer able to help you as usual. It is also important for your relative / friend be cautious and protect the catheter or shunt.
   
• There might be a change their diet
  Dialysis patients must often pay attention to certain ingredients in their diet, such as potassium, phosphate, and salt as well as fluid intake. In this case, it is important not to take in too much of these respective ingredients, as this can worsen kidney performance or lead to complications. You may have to reinvent old family recipes or cook two different dishes. A dietitian can help with setting up a diet plan and with the adaptation phase. At the following link, you will find recipes that are well-suited for dialysis patients.
   
• There is psychological support for family members
  Living with chronic kidney disease is a challenge for everyone involved. Your loved one may be frustrated with the disease or with the fact that their health has deteriorated. Perhaps cherished hobbies need to be given up. It is also possible that events at the dialysis center are upsetting. Perhaps a patient friend has had complications or a good friend has died. Look for psychological support if needed; your care team may be able to help you with this.
   
• You need to set up a new time management
  To maintain the best possible quality of life, it is essential for your loved one to follow the physician's instructions and keep appointments. The treatment itself also takes some time, no matter whether the choice is for in-center or home therapy. Try to look at the treatment from a different perspective: dialysis time is lifetime! Popular and relaxing activities such as reading, Sudoku, listening to music, etc. can still be done by your loved one during treatment. It can help to embed the necessary treatment into structures that are always the same, as this can provide security and help reduce stress.
   
• You will experience a new form of cohesion
  It is understandable that dealing with a chronic illness can be scary. Thoughts such as "Why my family?" or "How are we going to manage all of this?" are also very understandable. Close cohesion among the family members is indispensable, especially now. Speak openly about your worries and do not hold back as a relative/friend. Open communication creates clear conditions and provides the basis for finding solutions together. Once the new daily routine is established, you will be proud of what you have achieved together.