Living With Kidney Disease (CKD) at Home

Reviewed by Ylmard Grimaldi, LVN
Last reviewed: October 19, 2026

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means the kidneys are damaged and do not clean the blood as well as they should. It often gets worse slowly over time. Good daily habits can help protect your kidneys. This page shares simple steps you can take at home. Always follow your doctor's orders first.

What your kidneys do

• They clean waste and extra water out of your blood. This leaves your body as pee.
• They help control blood pressure.
• They help keep your bones strong and help make red blood cells.
• High blood pressure and diabetes are the two main causes of kidney disease.
• Early kidney disease often has no signs. Blood and urine tests help your doctor check your kidneys.

Everyday habits that help

• Keep your blood pressure at the goal your doctor set. This is one of the most important steps.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in the range your doctor set.
• Take your medicines just as prescribed.
• Follow the eating plan from your doctor or dietitian. You may need to limit salt. Some people also need to limit potassium, phosphorus, protein, or fluids. Ask what is right for you.
• Be active most days, in ways your doctor says are safe.
• Try to sleep 7 to 8 hours each night.
• Do not smoke. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help to quit. You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Be careful with medicines

• Some pain medicines can hurt your kidneys. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Ask your doctor or pharmacist before you take any pain or cold medicine.
• Your doctor may change your doses as your kidneys change.
• Keep a list of all your medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Bring it to every visit.
• Try to use one pharmacy, so your pharmacist can check for problems.
• Ask before you take any new vitamin, supplement, or herb.

Watch for changes

As kidney disease gets worse, you may notice:

• Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Itchy skin.
• Feeling sick to your stomach, or not hungry.
• Peeing much less than usual.
• Muscle cramps.
• Trouble thinking clearly.

Call your doctor if

• You notice any of the changes listed above, or they get worse.
• You gain weight fast, or swelling gets worse.
• Your blood pressure or blood sugar is often above your goal.
• You feel down or sad most days. Help is available.

Call 911 if

• You have trouble breathing or chest pain.
• The person is suddenly very confused, very sleepy, or hard to wake up.
• You have a seizure.
• You stop peeing, or pee very little, and feel very sick.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How well are my kidneys working? Has it changed since last time?
• What should my blood pressure be?
• Are any of my medicines hard on my kidneys?
• Which pain medicine is safe for me?
• Do I need to change what I eat or drink? Can I see a dietitian?
• Do I need to see a kidney doctor (nephrologist)?
• What signs should I watch for?
• Who do I call after hours?

How Newstart helps with kidney disease

• Home health care brings skilled care, like nursing and therapy, to you at home. It follows a care plan from your doctor.
• Our skilled nurses can check your blood pressure, weight, and swelling, and report changes to your doctor.
• They can review your medicines with you and help you take them safely.
• They can teach you and your family about your eating plan and warning signs.
• Our medical social workers can help you find community resources.
• Ask your doctor if home health care is right for you.
• Newstart Home Health Inc is licensed in 7 Southern California counties. We are currently serving Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties. We are also Medicare-certified.
• We provide skilled home health care only.

Related pages

• Disease Management
• Skilled Nursing
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Medication Safety at Home

Sources

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, NIH). "Managing Chronic Kidney Disease." https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/managing (checked Oct 12, 2026, PT)
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, NIH). "What is Kidney Failure?" https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/what-is-kidney-failure (checked Oct 12, 2026, PT)

Last reviewed: October 19, 2026