Dialysis tailored for aged

[okarol]

Dialysis tailored for aged
Less tiring treatment

By KEVIN CONNOR, SUN MEDIA
Wed, December 26, 2007

Hermano Costa says he can't believe how much his life has improved since he started a new dialysis regime specifically for seniors.

Traditional dialysis treatments can require the patient to be in bed for hours and the long periods of immobility, along with existing physical woes, can lead to a decline in a patient's wellbeing.

The geriatric dialysis rehabilitation program -- created by the University Health Network and Toronto Rehabilitation -- provides shorter, less tiring daily dialysis treatments combined with integrated multi-disciplinary care by experts in rehabilitation.

"I'm 69 and at my age you don't expect very much, but I'm very happy with this new program ...," said Costa, who almost lost the use of his legs when his kidneys failed. He also broke his hip, which complicated matters.

"It is very important to me that I am able to do things for myself," Costa said.

DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE OVER 55

The program is for patients over 55 years of age who suffer from a physical disability or multiple medical problems.

A patient with kidney failure, on dialysis, has more complex needs when learning how to walk after a stroke.

The program is critical for older adult patients, as research has shown that more than 50% of older dialysis patients living at home need supervision or assistance with at least one activity of daily living.

"Dialysis improves a patient's chance of survival. However, it can impact their everyday life by making them more dependent. The program reverses that dependency on family, nurses and caregivers," said Dr. Vanita Jassal, UHN nephrologist and Toronto Rehab geriatric physician. "The program goes beyond seeing patients return to the activities of daily living ... it gives back dignity."

Costa has returned to regular outpatient dialysis sessions three times per week at a community hospital, and he continues to visit Toronto Rehab twice a week for a full schedule of rehabilitation services including speech pathology, therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy and tai chi.

http://torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2007/12/26/4740304-sun.html