How Long Can You Live with Kidney Failure?
A kidney failure diagnosis can be difficult to come to terms with — whether it’s your own or a loved one’s. Among the many questions it raises, one of the most common is: how long can you live with kidney failure?
There’s no single answer, as life expectancy can vary widely depending on the person’s overall health, age, treatment choices and how advanced the condition is. While some people live for many years with proper treatment, others may choose a different path focused on comfort and quality of life.
Here we will explain the different types of kidney failure, what affects life expectancy and how supportive care can help you or your loved one feel more comfortable, informed and in control.
Understanding kidney failure
Kidney failure happens when the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood as they should. It can happen suddenly, or develop slowly over time, depending on the underlying cause.
There are two main types of kidney failure:
Acute kidney failure
Also known as acute kidney injury (AKI), it happens suddenly—often over a few hours or days. It’s usually caused by illness, infection, or a reaction to medication. In some cases, kidney function can recover with treatment.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
This is a long-term condition where kidney function declines gradually over time. In the later stages, known as end-stage kidney disease or end-stage renal failure, the kidneys lose nearly all their ability to function. At this stage, treatment decisions become especially important.
Doctors monitor kidney function using a test called the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which measures how well the kidneys are working. The lower the eGFR, the more advanced the kidney disease.
Life expectancy with kidney failure
How long someone can live with kidney failure depends on a range of factors, including age, overall health, the type of kidney failure and whether treatment is started. While this can be a difficult topic to think about, understanding the possibilities can help families feel more informed and better prepared.
Key factors that affect life expectancy include:
- Age – Older adults may face a shorter prognosis, especially if other health conditions are present.
- Overall health – Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or frailty can have an impact.
- Type of kidney failure – Acute kidney failure may be temporary if treated early, while chronic kidney disease tends to worsen over time.
- Treatment decisions – Whether someone begins dialysis, receives a transplant or opts for conservative (non-dialysis) care.
With dialysis
Dialysis can extend life for many people, sometimes by years. However, it can also be demanding and may not suit everyone, especially those who are very frail or living with other serious conditions. Life expectancy on dialysis varies, but many people live 5–10 years or longer with regular treatment and good care.
Without dialysis
For those who choose not to start dialysis, life expectancy is usually shorter, often measured in weeks to months. However, with the right support, many people can remain comfortable and well-cared-for during this time.
Treatment is always a personal choice. It’s important to consider not only how long someone may live, but also how they wish to live during that time.
Living without dialysis: conservative kidney care
Not everyone with kidney failure chooses dialysis. For some people, especially those who are older or living with other serious health conditions, the focus may be on comfort, quality of life and symptom management rather than active treatment. This approach is known as conservative care or non-dialysis management.
Conservative care does not aim to cure or reverse kidney failure, but it can help a person live as comfortably as possible in the time they have. It often involves:
- Managing symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, itching or swelling
- Supporting appetite and hydration
- Reviewing medications to reduce side effects or interactions
- Providing emotional support and reassurance
- Planning for end-of-life care in a way that respects the person’s wishes
Life expectancy without dialysis varies depending on the stage of kidney failure and overall health. For some people, it may be a few weeks or months. For others, particularly those with a slower decline in kidney function, it may be longer.
Conservative care is often supported by GPs, community nurses, palliative care teams and professional carers who work together to provide a calm, compassionate environment — often at home.
How supportive care can help
When someone is living with kidney failure—especially in the later stages—supportive care becomes just as important as medical treatment. It focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being, helping the person feel safe and cared for at home.
Supportive care can include:
- Managing symptoms such as tiredness, breathlessness, swelling or nausea
- Help with eating, drinking and personal care when daily tasks become tiring
- Mobility support to prevent falls and reduce strain
- Emotional reassurance during times of worry, frustration or low mood
- A calm daily routine to reduce stress and promote comfort
- Companionship and conversation to ease loneliness and build trust
At Trinity, our carers work closely with families, GPs and healthcare teams to ensure care is well coordinated and fully personalised. Whether support is needed for a few hours each day or full time home care, our goal is always the same — to help people feel as comfortable, safe and supported as possible.
You’re not alone – speak to our team today
Whether you’re exploring treatment options or planning care for a loved one with kidney failure, Trinity Homecare can help. Our experienced carers provide gentle, one-to-one support at home focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life.
Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
