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Returning to Work: What are the options for patients with kidney failure disease ?
Living with kidney disease does not necessarily mean ending one’s career. Thanks to advances in patient care—especially home treatment options—and various support measures, it is entirely possible to balance treatment with an active professional life.
Here’s an overview of solutions and available assistance to help maintain or resume work:
1. Adapting Treatment to Preserve Employment
When feasible, transplantation and home dialysis (whether peritoneal or daily hemodialysis) offer valuable flexibility for continuing to work. Unlike in-center dialysis, these methods allow scheduling adjustments based on job constraints.
Peritoneal dialysis:
Performed at home and can be automated overnight, freeing up the day for work.
Daily home hemodialysis:
Involves shorter, more frequent sessions, which are often better tolerated, reducing post-dialysis fatigue and facilitating a quicker return to work.
Studies show that these treatment methods improve quality of life and help patients stay employed.
2. Financial Assistance and Support Programs for Working Kidney Patients
Compensation for Lost Wages (ICPS)
The ICPS is financial support provided by Health Insurance (CPAM) to help cover income loss due to frequent absences for treatment. It is available under certain conditions, particularly when work schedules need to be adjusted.
Therapeutic Part-Time Work
If returning to full-time work is too challenging, therapeutic part-time work allows for a gradual return while receiving financial support from Social Security.
It requires a doctor’s prescription and approval from CPAM’s medical advisor.
The employer must also agree to adjust the role accordingly.
Recognition as a Disabled Worker (RQTH)
The RQTH status provides access to job accommodations, support from Agefiph (an organization for the employment of disabled individuals), and financial aid for adapting the workplace.
It is granted by the Departmental House for Disabled Persons (MDPH) after reviewing the application.
This status helps with job retention, career changes, and adjustments to the work environment.
Find out more
Disabled worker:
RQTH:
Disability Pension
If a person’s ability to work is permanently reduced by at least two-thirds, CPAM may grant a disability pension to compensate for lost income.
There are three levels of disability pensions, depending on how much the condition affects the ability to work.
The application must be submitted to CPAM with medical documentation.
3. Adjusting Your Job and Work Environment
In addition to financial aid, several solutions can help make working with kidney disease more manageable:
Flexible Work Hours:
Home dialysis allows for scheduling treatments outside of working hours, offering greater flexibility.
Remote Work:
For those whose jobs allow it, remote work can help reduce fatigue caused by commuting.
Workplace Adaptations:
Through Agefiph or MDPH, employees can receive specialized equipment or support to adjust their work environment.
4. Planning and Organizing a Return to Work
A successful return to work requires good preparation. Here are some key steps:
Discuss with your employer:
Discuss the possible accommodations to balance dialysis and work.
Seek guidance:
From social services (CPAM, MDPH, Agefiph) for personalized advice.
Plan a gradual return:
Through therapeutic part-time work to better manage fatigue.
With the right treatment plan and various support programs, individuals with kidney disease can continue working under good conditions.
The key is to stay informed, anticipate necessary steps, and take advantage of the available assistance suited to each situation.
