End-stage kidney disease, also called renal disease, occurs when the kidneys are so badly damaged that the patient cannot survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant. When a patient chooses to end dialysis treatments, Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care provides supportive care to keep the patient comfortable and control end-stage kidney failure symptoms.
End-stage renal/kidney disease patients are eligible for hospice care. Read the list below to see the renal failure hospice criteria requirements.
Renal failure hospice criteria:
- Creatinine clearance of <10cc/min (<15cc/min for diabetics) AND serum creatinine >8.0 mg/dl (>6.0 mg/dl for diabetics)
- Uremia with obtundation
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Patient has chosen not to have renal dialysis
- Intractable hyperkalemia
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Structural and functional impairments
- Platelet count <25,000
- Comorbid and secondary conditions contribute to terminal prognosis
- Pruritus
- Self-care deficits
- Activity limitations
- Uremic pericarditis
- Anorexia
- Albumin <3.5 gm/dl
When to call hospice.
Crossroads partners with the patient’s current physicians to develop a plan of care for end-stage kidney patients. Our experienced team of nurses, chaplains, aides, social workers, and other healthcare professionals offer support to patients and their families. Patients who meet the hospice requirements for renal disease can receive care in their home, an in-patient facility, a hospital, or anywhere the patient calls home. If you would like more information or would like a hospice consultation, please call us at 1-888-564-3405.