Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Seniors

Edmonton Senior Health  |  March 19, 2018

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Kidney Disease

Symptoms of kidney disease in seniors and older adults are so subtle that the disease often goes undiagnosed. This is why it’s extremely important to understand the symptoms of kidney disease so that you can spot the symptoms early and take your senior loved one to see a medical professional before the disease advances.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Seniors:

Feet and/or Ankles that are Swollen: If kidney function decreases, sodium can build up in the body. This can lead to swollen feet and ankles. Swollen feet and ankles can also be a symptom of heart disease, chronic leg vein issues, or liver disease.

Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing: Decreased kidney function can lead to fluid build-up in the body and the lungs, making it difficult to breathe or causing shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is often seen in the later stages of kidney disease.

Constantly Cold: Kidney disease can cause a person to feel cold constantly, even when they should be warm. Additionally, pyelonephritis or a kidney infection can cause a person to experience fever and chills.

Changes in Urinating: Kidneys are the organ that handles the urinary tract within the body, and changes in urination are often a sign of kidney disease. Urine with traces of blood, bubbly or foamy urine, difficulty urinating, or the overwhelming urge to urinate are all considered changes in urination and should be reported to a doctor.

Weakness or Fatigue: As kidneys begin to fail, a buildup of wastes in the body or anemia can cause a shortage of red blood cells. This can lead to feelings of weakness or fatigue.

Bad Tastes in the Mouth: Waste buildup from weakened kidney function can cause a bad taste in the mouth. Medications used to treat kidney stones, arthritis, and high blood pressure can also cause a bad taste in the mouth.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, you should visit a doctor to perform basic screening tests. If kidney disease is found during screening, a doctor known as a nephrologist can conduct deeper, more specialized evaluations and can advise on lifestyle changes to reduce or treat the symptoms of kidney disease.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

Share This Post: