refusal of dialysis

[Unregistered]

I'm hoping you can help me. My mother has been chronic kidney disease for several years. her creatinine levels have been steadily increasing. She peaked at 6.3 last week and is currently 5.9 She is refusing dialysis. Her GFR is 7. I am her caregiver and she is currently living alone with a call button to summon help. She has made it known she wants hospice care when the time comes. Her dr isn't being very forthcoming with information as to what kind of life is left for her. Is it time to contact hospice on our own? I want to help her in this and will take a leave of absence from work when it is necessary. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.....like is it even realistic to think she can die at home and not in a hospital?

[DoriSchatell]

Hi Unregistered,

I am not a doctor, but if your mom already requires a significant amount of care and has a GFR of 7, it is time to contact hospice. The National Kidney Foundation has information about what to expect when a loved one refuses dialysis that you may find helpful. You can download the pdf here: http://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozcopy.cfm?pdflink=IfYouChoose.pdf. Your mom is fortunate to have such a compassionate daughter.