There are support services to assist people with kidney failure, including general, financial and mental health support options.
Primary contacts for support
- Your general practitioner provides most medical support in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- The local renal (kidney) unit, including a nephrologist (kidney doctor), nurse, social worker and dietitian, can offer advice and assistance.
General support
Renal Supportive Care Services
Renal (kidney) supportive care (RSC) is delivered through local renal units. The team offers physical, emotional and practical support, no matter what treatment pathway a person is on. The team supports patients with kidney disease (mainly stages 4 and 5) and their carers and families to live as well as possible. Patients accessing this service may be:
- Deciding on a treatment pathway
- Being managed conservatively
- Receiving renal replacement therapies (dialysis or transplant)
- Withdrawing from dialysis
Kidney Helpline
Kidney Health Australia offers free support and information for anyone who has questions or concerns about their kidney health or kidney disease diagnosis through the Kidney Helpline.
Source: Kidney Health Australia
Carer Gateway
Emotional and practical services and support for carers of people with chronic illness, including kidney failure.
Source: Australian Government
Relationship Support Services
Having a chronic disease can impact relationships. Relationships Australia provides a range of relationship services to Australian families.
Source: Relationships Australia
Financial support
Financial support for people on home dialysis
The Home Network offers a range of resources to assist people overcome some of the barriers to home dialysis, including financial barriers. There is a financial support factsheet for people in NSW.
Source: The Home Network
When you spend a lot on PBS medicines
When you need a lot of medications, the PBS Safety Net helps you pay less for medicines after you have reached a certain amount in a calendar year.
Source: Services Australia
Finances and kidney disease
A summary of financial support options that may be available to people with kidney failure. They include Australian Government assistance, travel in rural and remote areas, private health insurance, superannuation, etc. as a starting point.
Source: Kidney Health Australia
Mental health support
Having kidney disease can be challenging, stressful and emotionally draining. There is often grief, sadness, anger, fear. The person can also feel alone due to the impact on daily life, their family and future plans. These changes in life circumstances can affect mental wellbeing resulting in anxiety and depression.
For Aboriginal people, being isolated or off Country can worsen stress and trauma responses. It is important to work with Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Liaison Officers as well as counsellors to establish the appropriate support for the individual situation. Kidney care should look after the whole person, not just the kidneys.
There are many organisations that can provide counselling and other services.
Mental health services and support
NSW Health maintains an up-to-date contact list of mental health services and supports available across the state.
Source: NSW Health
Chronic kidney disease and mental health
This web resource has information about how chronic kidney disease can affect mental health. It offers different types and levels of mental health support for patients and carers.
Source: SANE