For Loved Ones

If somebody you love has kidney failure, you know that caring for him/her can be rewarding, but is not always easy. Being a good care partner should not mean sacrificing your own well-being.

  • Encourage independence in your loved one when appropriate. Sometimes, you can do too much. This can lead you to feel angry and resentful, and your loved one may feel like a burden.
  • Flexibility is important. It can be difficult to predict how a patient with kidney failure will feel from day-to-day.
  • You are not alone. Connect to others who understand what you are experiencing. Stay connected to the world around you, and take time for yourself.
  • Pay attention to your own health and stress.
  • Be open to accepting help from others and asking for help when you need it.
 

Research described on this web site was partially funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Award (1109). The statements and views presented here are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), its Board of Governors or Methodology Committee.