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When a person is diagnosed with kidney disease, it can be a challenging time. It is normal for them to experience sadness due to the several life-changes they will encounter as kidney patients. A peer mentor empowers fellow patients to move forward with their lives after being diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD).  Peer mentoring provides support and increases the confidence that many new patients need and offers them access to someone who has been through similar experiences while understanding their concerns. Join us as  ESRD Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) members, Ken Spoor and Patience McCowan, share their experiences as both mentors and mentees and how much participating makes a difference in a patients life.

www.allianthealth.org

Transitional Care Units (TCUs) are designed to provide personalized education to patients with kidney failure. Whether those patients are new to dialysis, transitioning between in-center and home dialysis or returning to dialysis after transplantation, there are benefits to both patients and facilities from having a TCU program. The Advancing American Kidney Health organization has an initiative goal of having 80% of newly diagnosed patients with kidney failure receive a transplant or be on home dialysis by 2025. Studies have shown that more than 50% of patients who complete education in a TCU will choose home dialysis as their preferred modality (vs. 15% on average). Tune in as Regina Liddell, a Mississippi-based facility administrator and home program manager, shares the steps and benefits for both patients and facilities in establishing a TCU.

www.allianthealth.org