End of Life Care

(Excerpt from Network 5 Kidney End-of-Life Coalition Website)

“There are over 320,000 people receiving dialysis therapy in the United States and over 45% are over the age of 60. Despite many dialysis patients having significant co-morbid conditions that affect their care, they have a high quality of life and can be expected to enjoy extra years of life afforded by dialysis. However, this is not true for all patients. About 20% of patients withdraw from dialysis prior to death, and many die from heart disease, infections, and other causes while continuing dialysis. For these patients, end-of-life care is an important part of their treatment plan.”

Renal Physicians Association

• Share Decision-Making in the Appropriate Initiation of and Withdrawal from Dialysis – Clinical Practice Guideline

National Kidney Foundation

• When Stopping Dialysis Treatment is Your Choice – A Guide for Patients and their Families

Center to Advance Palliative Care

• What Should You Know About Palliative Care?

Renal Support Network

• Hopeline Postcard

Coalition for Compassionate Care of California

• Advance Health Care Directive Fact Sheet for Consumers
• POLST: Frequently Asked Questions for Consumers
• Facing Serious Illness: Making Your Wishes Known (Español)

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• Medicare Hospice Benefits