What are the chances for an elderly person who has renal failure

Hello Anon, a diagnosis of kidney failure is life-changing. It's important for your you, your dad and your family to learn as much as you can about kidney failure and how it is treated. You can find a lot of information about this on the American Kidney Fund's website -- start here (cut and paste this address into your brower): http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/#treatment_of_kidney_failure . If your dad does begin dialysis, it's important that he get off to a strong start -- it can make a huge difference in how well he does. This link will take you to FIRST30, which gives practical information and a checklist to help get through first 30 days of dialysis treatment: http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/new-to-dialysis/ . Take it one day at a time as your dad and your family adjust to life with kidney failure. We wish you all the best.

Hello Anon
Thank you for writing and we're sorry your Dad has this diagnosis.
We don't know how long he will live or what is prognosis is - you will have to insist on an honest prognosis from his doctors.
His longevity may depend on what stage his renal failure is. The American Kidney Foundation explains the different stages here (cut and paste): http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/stages-of-chronic-kidney-disease/

Best,
Susan