| [ Summary ] |
Considering the merits of peritoneal dialysis as a home therapy, its use as an alternative therapy to other renal treatments for the very elderly may increase in future. Before prescribing dialysis, it is important to assess the physical, psychological, and social state of the elderly patients to evaluate the appropriateness of the treatment. I practice individual nursing care of the elderly with a team and aim at helping them return home early from the hospital after a treatment. After they return home, their family plays the important role of a caregiver and providing them support. Nurses need to provide an all-human support to the elderly who are in their last stages of life, to make their remaining life better. |