1. The Caregiver’s Tip Guide
Brenda Taylor, Founder ESRD Rockstars

2. NOT ALL SUPERHERO’S WEAR CAPES
CAREGIVERS FOR KIDNEY PATIENTS
SUPERHERO’S

3. INFORMAL CAREGIVING

4. What Is Informal Caregiving?
Support provided to individuals who are either temporarily or permanently unable to function independently.
Informal caregivers often have a long-term commitment to the person(s) they are helping.

5. Caregiving Can Involve a Range of Activities Such As:
Assisting with personal hygiene
Helping with medication (administering pills, injections, etc.)
Assisting with doctor visits
Performing wound care
Managing finances
Acting as a patient advocate
Providing emotional support (HUGE!)

6. Challenges As a Caregiver:
DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF
Balancing family dynamics
Emotional and physical stress
Lack of privacy
Financial hardship
Sleep deprivation
Time management
Being afraid to ask for help
Depression and Isolation

7. Where Do You Begin?

8. Remember, When Taking Care of Renal Patients…
Each patient is different.
Do what works BEST for YOU!....
KNOW THAT YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

9. Things Caregivers Should Know About Dialysis
Modalities-Different ways you can receive dialysis
Hemodialysis
In-Home
Peritoneal dialysis-home dialysis
Kidney Transplant

10. Patient Compliance-the degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice. This include treatment and medication compliance.
THE 4 IMPORTANT POINTS IN LIVING A LONG HEALTHY LIFE AS A KIDNEY PATIENT:
Compliance
Treatment
Diet
Fluid Restriction
Medication

11. Caregiver Roles Informal Caregiver Sole Role
TIPS FOR BEING THE SOLE INFORMAL CAREGIVER
Time management
Organize Tasks
Delegator-Asking others who are willing to complete various tasks

12. Caring for Yourself!!!

13. Strategies for Dealing With Caregiver Stress:
Accept help
Focus on what you are able to provide
Set realistic goals
Get connected
Join a support group
Seek social support
Set personal health goals
See your doctor

14. I Wouldn’t Change My Journey…

15. ESRD ROCKSTARS!!!

16. Brenda Taylor, Founder http://www. esrdrockstars
Brenda Taylor, Founder

18. Please visit our website and leave feedback…we are always looking for ways to improve and better serve you!