What is the prevalence of kidney disease in Abilene ?
As CKD progresses, it turns into another condition called ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease). The change in nomenclature marks the point where many patients go from feeling fine to requiring regular dialysis treatments to stay alive. The following statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compare the number of ESRD patients in Texas to the national average:
Texans are more likely to develop ESRD than residents of many other states, so you should encourage your senior to receive regular screenings to try and catch it early. The high rate of ESRD diagnoses also means that many dialysis clinics in Abilene are available, making it easier for patients to find the care they need.
What should seniors in Abilene know about the stages of chronic kidney disease?
CKD follows a set progression between five different stages, the last of which is ESRD. While there is no way to reverse the progression (going from stage 3 back to stage 2), medical intervention may slow or halt the progression and prevent patients from ever needing dialysis or a transplant. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) provides further information on each stage:
| Stage 1 | Kidney damage with normal kidney function |
|---|---|
| Stage 2 | Kidney damage with mild loss of kidney function |
| Stage 3 | Mild-to-severe loss of kidney function |
| Stage 4 | Severe loss of kidney function |
| Stage 5 (ESRD) | End-Stage Renal Disease. Kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant for survival |
Medical intervention becomes more effective the earlier it can be put into place. If your older adult has their CKD diagnosed at stage 1, they will likely be able to enjoy the rest of their lives without ever setting foot in an Abilene dialysis center. If it isn’t caught until stage 4 or 5, comparing dialysis facilities in Abilene or Sweetwater is all you can do for them.
How do I find the best dialysis clinics in Abilene ?
The first step in choosing an Abilene dialysis center for your loved one is choosing what type of dialysis best suits their needs. Hemodialysis is the more common type and uses an artificial kidney machine to filter a patient’s blood, generally within a facility setting. Peritoneal dialysis foregoes the machine in favor of using a patient’s natural stomach lining to filter their blood, allowing patients to receive treatments at home instead of traveling to a facility.
If you choose hemodialysis, you should look for a facility that your loved one will be able to reach easily. With peritoneal dialysis, you’ll want to make sure that your loved one has access to expert support whenever they might need it. Either way, you should interview your senior’s potential caregivers to verify their credentials and bedside manner. Our comprehensive guide to finding dialysis clinics provides further information.
Dialysis centers in Abilene
It can be difficult to learn that your beloved older adult needs dialysis because it means that their life will never be the same, but choosing a great facility can mitigate how much their lifestyle is affected. Seasons offers a variety of free resources to help seniors live their best lives even if they need dialysis, and we encourage you to take full advantage of them today.
