What is chronic kidney disease? Symptoms, risk factors and management for older adults

A chronic kidney disease diagnosis can feel overwhelming but understanding what chronic kidney disease is and how it’s treated can help you or a loved one take control of your health.

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, affects an estimated 37 million U.S. adults. Yet, according to the CDC, nine in 10 people who have it don’t know it, because symptoms often develop gradually and go unnoticed until the disease has advanced. Kidney disease is also a leading cause of death in the U.S., which makes awareness and early intervention especially important.

The good news is that many people successfully manage CKD for years with the right care, education and support.

What is chronic kidney disease?

Your kidneys work around the clock to filter waste from your blood, regulate fluid levels and maintain your body’s chemical balance. Chronic kidney disease occurs when kidney damage gradually reduces that filtering ability over time. While CKD cannot be reversed, treatment can help manage the disease and support better kidney health for older adults.

There are five stages of chronic kidney disease:

• Stage 1: Mild kidney damage with normal or near-normal function
• Stage 2: Mild loss of kidney function
• Stage 3: Moderate loss of kidney function and mild symptoms may begin to appear
• Stage 4: Severe loss of kidney function and increasing complications
• Stage 5: Kidney failure; dialysis or a kidney transplant may become necessary

One of the challenges of CKD is that it often develops silently, with many people experiencing no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Understanding chronic kidney disease symptoms and early signs can help support earlier screening and diagnosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, many people are not diagnosed until Stage 3. Some individuals begin to experience symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, changes in urination, high blood pressure, nausea or shortness of breath, while others may still have no noticeable symptoms. Because symptoms often emerge after kidney damage has progressed, simple blood and urine tests can play an important role in catching CKD early.

Chronic kidney disease in older adults: risk factors to know

Chronic kidney disease is common in older adults. According to the CDC, more than one-third of adults age 65 and older are living with kidney disease, compared to just 6% of adults under 45. For many seniors, CKD occurs alongside diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure — the National Council on Aging reports that 79% of older adults are managing two or more chronic conditions.

Families often wonder if chronic kidney disease is simply a normal part of aging. It isn’t. Age is a risk factor, not a cause. Many people manage the disease successfully for years, so understanding what causes CKD in older adults can help patients and caregivers identify and address the most common risk factors, including:

• Diabetes: The leading cause of CKD in the U.S., diabetes can damage the kidneys’ filtering vessels over time through high blood sugar levels. An estimated 38% of adults with diabetes have CKD, according to the CDC.
• High blood pressure: The second leading cause of CKD, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys. More than 20% of adults with hypertension also has CKD.
• Heart disease: CKD and heart disease are closely connected, with each condition increasing the risk of the other.
• Family history: Kidney disease can run in families, making people with a close relative who has kidney disease more likely to develop it themselves.
• Age, weight and substance use: Older age, excess weight and smoking can all increase stress on the kidneys over time. Long-term or frequent use of certain pain medications, such as ibuprofen, may also contribute to kidney damage.

If you or a loved one has several of these risk factors, ask your physician whether kidney screening may be needed.

Managing chronic kidney disease day to day

A CKD diagnosis doesn’t mean life has to stop. Simple lifestyle changes can help slow disease progression, reduce the risk of hospitalization and preserve independence. A few key habits can make a difference for older adults managing CKD:

• Follow a kidney-friendly diet: A dietitian can help create meal plans and explain what foods to limit, which may include foods high in sodium, phosphorus or potassium.
• Take medications as prescribed: Some medications, including certain blood pressure medicines, can help protect the kidneys. Taking them consistently and understanding their purpose are important parts of managing CKD.
• Learn to recognize changes early: Paying attention to symptoms and using self-management tools can help you spot potential concerns sooner and know when it’s time to contact your care team.
• Stay current with lab work: Regular blood and urine tests help monitor kidney function, track changes over time and show whether your treatment plan is working as intended.

Managing CKD is a long-term process, but support from your healthcare team can help protect kidney health and quality of life.

How caregivers can help

Managing CKD is easier when patients and caregivers work together. While the person living with kidney disease is at the center of their own care, caregivers often provide support, encouragement and an extra set of eyes to help keep treatment plans on track.

Family caregivers can help by:

• Keeping track of appointments, lab results and care plans.
• Supporting healthy lifestyle changes, including meal planning and dietary recommendations.
• Monitoring for concerning changes, such as increased swelling, fatigue, confusion or changes in urination.
• Providing encouragement and emotional support through the day-to-day challenges of living with a chronic condition.

How home health can help manage chronic kidney disease

Because CKD management often involves multiple providers, medications and lifestyle adjustments, support between physician visits can help patients stay on track and identify potential concerns earlier. At Enhabit, our skilled clinicians provide education, monitoring and care coordination in the home, helping patients and caregivers navigate the condition with greater confidence.

Many families also want to know how home health can help manage CKD, particularly when additional support is needed between physician visits.

For patients with CKD, home health provides:

• Physician-directed care plans, disease management education and care coordination to reduce complications and hospitalizations.
• Medication management to support safe medication adherence and help patients receive the full benefit of their prescriptions.
• Nutritional education to support healthy dietary choices.
• Ongoing monitoring and outcome tracking to identify changes early and measure progress over time.
• Physical and occupational therapy to help patients maintain mobility, independence, activities of daily living (ADLs) and energy conservation.

With the right care plan in place, managing CKD can feel less overwhelming. By focusing on proactive care, patients and caregivers can take meaningful steps to protect kidney health, maintain independence and continue enjoying the moments that matter most.

For some patients with advanced kidney disease who choose comfort-focused care rather than dialysis or other intensive treatments, hospice care can provide symptom management and support. Our hospice team helps patients and their loved ones navigate this stage with dignity and better quality of life.

Enhabit Home Health & Hospice can work with your physician to help you get the care that you deserve. Visit our services page to learn more about our home health services and how you can get started.olor viverra efficitur.