What is the prevalence of kidney disease in Honolulu?
CKD is becoming more prevalent than you might expect based on the latest CDC data, with the rate of ESRD increasing substantially in recent years. Hawaii’s rate isn’t quite as high as the national average, but it’s increasing at a faster rate that figures to keep dialysis facilities in Honolulu busy. At least your loved one will have plenty of great clinics to choose from.
Dialysis takes a physical and emotional toll on many seniors, forcing them to cancel plans to recuperate. This could make it more difficult for you to spend time with your loved one, especially if they have a substantial commute to their dialysis clinic in Honolulu. The best way to minimize this fatigue is to find a great, local clinic for your older adult.
Should seniors in Honolulu be screened for kidney disease?
Nobody wants to go on dialysis, so it’s best to detect CKD in its early stages when diet and lifestyle changes can slow its progression and hopefully prevent the onset of ESRD entirely. While screenings are recommended for all seniors, the NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) has identified several risk factors that make them even more important:
Top risk factors for kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Kidney stones
- A family history of kidney failure
- Prolonged use of over-the-counter pain medications
- Being over the age of 60
Again, your loved one should be screened for kidney disease whether they have any of the conditions above or not. You might also want to use the prospect of having to go to a Honolulu dialysis center as motivation if the senior in your life is resisting the lifestyle changes to address conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
How do I find the best dialysis clinics in Honolulu?
Many people think that dialysis has to take place in a healthcare facility where patients are strapped into blood filtration machines, but that’s only one option. It’s called hemodialysis and is generally the right choice for seniors who want experts managing their care or are unable to take a hands-on role themselves. Peritoneal dialysis is an alternative that uses the patient’s natural stomach lining to filter their blood, often allowing for more convenient home treatments. Both forms of dialysis offer similar efficacy, so your senior should choose whichever they find more appealing.
Once you know what type of dialysis to look for, you can start looking at specific dialysis clinics in Honolulu. If it’s hemodialysis, look for nearby clinics with reliable transportation options. Cleanliness, entertainment, and how caregivers treat patients should also be on your radar. If it’s peritoneal dialysis, make sure your loved one will get support whenever they need it. Either way, our comprehensive guide to choosing dialysis facilities provides further guidance.
Dialysis centers in Honolulu
Dialysis will change your loved one’s life forever, but that doesn’t preclude them from making the most of their twilight years. Seasons is dedicated to connecting older adults and their families with the services they need to live well, so please use our local listings to find an excellent dialysis clinic for the senior in your life today.
