When my partner’s kidneys failed fifteen months ago, it was a surprise for everyone but especially for her. As relatively young people (in our 30s), neither of us could have imagined such a life-altering diagnosis or what it would mean for our future. After navigating the complex web of doctors, pharmacies, and insurance, caring for ourselves often felt overwhelming. Fortunately, she has strong familial supports, and our friendship network helped us when it all became too much. Additionally, we supported one another. And recently things have finally started to really change for the better.

A little over a month ago, I donated my kidney to my partner. After months and months of dialysis, and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) related complications, our long road toward a more hopeful future was finally realized. Organ transplant surgery is never a small thing, but fortunately our community (and especially her family) rallied to our support. From cooking meals, to helping us manage new medications, to simply helping adjust our pillows in bed, I experienced how the work of a caregiver is both vital and deeply vulnerable.

I share this brief story at the top of this blog post because these experiences changed my perspective on caregiving. Having worked for Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake for several years, writing educational content, and talking with clients and staff, I of course was already familiar with caregiving in general. But something about experiencing both being a caregiver and receiving care has given me a greater appreciation for the great blessing our caregivers are in people’s lives.

While providing care for people with chronic kidney disease, ESRD, and transplant takes a large network or family, friends, doctors, surgeons, nurses, and techs adding a professional caregiver to that team provide a boon for individuals with kidney problems, family support, and medical professionals alike. Our compassionate and local caregivers should be your first choice when you or your patient needs additional support at home.

How Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake can Support

Medication support & adherence reporting

Our caregivers ensure complex regimens are followed, note missed doses or side effects, and communicate these findings in writing to the clinical team.

Daily observation & early-warning escalation

Our caregivers visually check incision sites and vascular access for redness, swelling, or drainage, take temperatures when ordered, and contact the designated clinical escalation point immediately.

Note: Our caregivers observe and report; licensed clinicians perform wound care and clinical interventions.

Walking Support

One of the most important parts of recovering from a transplant is encouraging walking as much as possible. Our caregivers support transplant recipients by providing encouragement and mobility support.

Nutrition, hydration & activity support

We prepare renal-appropriate meals, reinforce dietitian guidance, and help patients follow ordered activity pacing, all documented with notes the team can review.

Caregiver training & psychosocial support

Family members benefit from concrete coaching: what to watch for, when to call, and how to help without overstepping. In our role we protect the dignity of people with kidney disease by actively partnering in their care; rather than taking over.

Closing

Sharing my story isn’t intended to be sentimental: it’s practical. When clinicians, and families know what home care can and cannot do, we move faster as a team and keep patients out of the ER. I know first-hand how difficult it can be to see a loved one struggle with kidney disease, but I’ve also seen the incredible power of community, and support that the right mix of family and professional caregiving can provide. At Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake, we know how to hit that sweet spot of support that can help patient, family, and clinician alike.

Call us to schedule a consultation at 815-310-1369 or visit our website to learn more about how Homewatch CareGivers of Crystal Lake can support you and your loved one today!