HomeReturning to an active and independent life
Thanks to flexible and personalised treatment options, many patients are able to continue working, adapt their home environment for greater comfort and maintain a fulfilling social life. Our resources are here to help you organise your treatment in a way that supports an active lifestyle and promotes quicker recovery after each session.8,9,14
What options are available for patients
with kidney disease?
Living with kidney disease does not necessarily mean the end of your professional life. Thanks to advances in patient care, particularly home-based therapies, and the support systems available, it is entirely possible to balance treatment with an active working life.
Here is an overview of the available solutions and support measures to help you maintain or return to employment.
1/ Adapting treatment to help maintain employment
When suitable, kidney transplantation and home dialysis, whether peritoneal dialysis or daily home haemodialysis, offer valuable flexibility for people wishing to continue working. Unlike in-centre dialysis sessions, these treatment options allow schedules to be adjusted around professional commitments.
Peritoneal dialysis
Performed at home and can be automated overnight, helping to free up daytime hours for work.
Daily home haemodialysis
Involves shorter, more frequent sessions that are often better tolerated, helping reduce post-dialysis fatigue and supporting a quicker return to work.
Several studies show that these treatment approaches can improve quality of life and support continued employment.
2/ Les dispositifs d’aide pour les travailleurs insuffisants rénaux
Indemnité compensatrice de perte de salaire (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
Si un retour à temps plein est trop difficile, le temps partiel thérapeutique permet de reprendre progressivement le travail tout en bénéficiant d’une indemnisation de la Sécurité sociale. Il nécessite une prescription médicale et l’accord du médecin-conseil de la CPAM. L’employeur doit aussi donner son accord pour adapter le poste.
Reconnaissance de la qualité de travailleur handicapé (RQTH)
La RQTH est un statut permettant d’obtenir des aménagements de poste, un accompagnement par l’Agefiph (Association pour l’insertion professionnelle des personnes handicapées) et des aides pour l’adaptation du poste de travail. Elle est attribuée par la Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées (MDPH) après étude du dossier. Elle facilite l’accès aux dispositifs comme le maintien dans l’emploi, la reconversion professionnelle ou les aides à l’aménagement du poste de travail.
Disability Pension
En cas de diminution durable de la capacité de travail (au moins 2/3), la CPAM peut accorder une pension d’invalidité permettant de compenser une perte de revenu. Il existe trois catégories de pension, selon la capacité à reprendre une activité professionnelle. La demande doit être faite auprès de la CPAM sur justificatif médical.
2/ Adapting the workplace and working environment
Alongside these treatment options, practical solutions also exist to adapt the working environment:
Flexible working hours :
Thanks to the flexibility of home dialysis, sessions can often be scheduled outside working hours.
Remote working :
Where possible, working from home may help reduce fatigue linked to commuting.
Workplace adjustments and support :
Government support schemes may provide access to specialist equipment or workplace adaptations to improve comfort and working conditions.
3/ Planning and organising your return to work
A successful return to work often requires preparation and anticipation. A few useful recommendations:
Speak with your employer :
Discuss possible adjustments to help balance dialysis treatment and work commitments.
Seek support :
A social worker or support service can provide personalised advice and guidance.
Consider a gradual return :
A phased return or therapeutic part-time schedule may help manage fatigue more effectively.
With treatment adapted to your lifestyle and access to appropriate support systems, many people living with kidney disease are able to continue working in good conditions. The key is to stay informed, plan ahead and make use of the support available for your individual situation.