Treatment and Support

Learn about treatments for kidney failure and find support.

Doctor sitting at a desk holding up a urine cup

Treatment

Nutrition is key to managing kidney disease and your overall health. Learn more about food and your kidneys.

Learn how medicines affect your kidneys.

In-center Dialysis

In-center dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure done at a dialysis center.

Home Dialysis

Our guide for home dialysis patients and care partners, offering support on types, preparation, and nutrition, resources.

Living with a Transplant

After a kidney transplant, take anti-rejection meds, attend check-ups, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Looking for a Living Donor

Explore the benefits, types, and process of getting a kidney from a living donor, including costs, finding a donor, and key questions for your healthcare team.

Palliative Care (Symptom Management)

Quality of Life

Palliative care supports kidney patients by managing symptoms, easing emotional stress, and improving quality of life. It's available at any stage and complements other treatments.

Stopping or Starting Dialysis

Choosing not to start or stop dialysis, known as conservative care, focuses on easing symptoms and improving comfort without aiming to cure the illness.

Treatment Options

Make the best choice for yourself in our free, self-paced guide.

Get Support

Find support for living with kidney disease, connect with others, get resources, and manage your health with confidence.

Despite medical advances, kidney failure deeply affects daily life and emotions. Learn about the challenges and support available for patients and families.
Clinical trials are research studies which test new ways to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases.
Access financial and legal help for kidney disease and find support for costs, insurance, work, and advance care planning.
Find a kidney dietitian experienced in managing nutrition for pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. They can serve as a valuable resource to support personalized dietary care.
Our free Information helpline, NKF Cares, offers support for people affected by kidney disease, organ donation, and transplantation. Get the answers, resources and information you need.
You're not alone! Talk to someone who's been there. Speak with a trained peer mentor who can share their experiences about dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation with you.
NKF communities offer a safe and supportive place where patients and caregivers can share experiences, ask questions and get answers related to kidney health, kidney disease, transplantation and living organ donation. Participation is free and anonymous.
Concerned about yourself, a friend or family member? Ask away. Dr. Leslie Spry is happy to provide answers to all your questions.
Mom and daughter hugging, smiling, and looking camera

One day, no one’s life will be lost to kidney disease.

Extraordinary progress is made possible by YOU. Your gift today will help revolutionize kidney health and transform lives for the next 75 years and beyond by helping to:
  • Equip patients and families with knowledge, resources, and access to high-quality care.
  • Advocate for policies that address disparities and prioritize kidney health for all.
  • Fund research and technology to advance early detection, improve treatment, and expand transplant access.

Advance Kidney Research

Join the KidneyCARE Study, a research study for people with kidney disease. By participating, you will receive up-to-date education, information about support programs, and access to clinical trials.