Top 10 Tips When Considering Home Dialysis
If you are going on dialysis for the first time or switching from in-center care, home dialysis may be an opportunity for you to manage your own treatments.
At this point in your journey, you are most likely working with your kidney care team, who will help you understand all the ins and outs of home dialysis. They are also there to help make your transition as smooth as possible once you make your decision. To further help you on your journey, we’ve put together a list of a few home dialysis tips and considerations to ease you into your new role with confidence.
At this point in your journey, you are most likely working with your kidney care team, who will help you understand all the ins and outs of home dialysis. They are also there to help make your transition as smooth as possible once you make your decision. To further help you on your journey, we’ve put together a list of a few home dialysis tips and considerations to ease you into your new role with confidence.
Learn Your Home Dialysis Treatment Options
If you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), your nephrologist may recommend home peritoneal dialysis (PD), which uses your own body to remove waste, or home hemodialysis (HD) which filters your blood through an artificial kidney. Both types of dialysis can be done at home, with or without a partner.
The Perks of Home Dialysis
- You and your doctor can choose when and how often you do treatments, so you’ll have more flexibility.
- Instead of visiting the dialysis center several times a week, you will only check in about once a month, saving time and travel costs.
- Your kidney care team will train you and your care partner. They’ll help you understand more about ESRD, how treatment works, and share useful home dialysis tips.
- You will have more control over how you manage ESRD—people on home dialysis may be able to take fewer medications and have fewer food restrictions.
Ten Home Dialysis Tips for Success
Whether you’re switching from in-center treatments or starting your dialysis journey at home, there are a few home dialysis tips that can ease you into your new role with confidence.
1. Make sure you’re qualified
The ideal candidate for home dialysis wants a flexible schedule, has a well-equipped space to dialyze, and above all, is willing and able to take control of their own health. Depending on the treatment option you and your doctor decide, you’ll need to have your access placed. Speak to your nephrologist to explore your treatment options.
2. Ask lots of questions
During your training, you’ll learn everything you need to know about home dialysis — and be prepared to ask more questions along the way. You will have training from a team of nurses and home therapy experts, plus guidance from your social worker, insurance coordinator, dietitian, and other kidney care professionals who can give you plenty of home dialysis tips.
3. Maintain your overall health
As with any chronic condition, it’s important that you manage your health and talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking so you can stay feeling your best. Your access site for dialysis is your lifeline, so learn to care for it and clean it properly. Continue to support your health by eating well, staying active, and following your doctor’s advice.
4. Track your treatments
Starting home dialysis gives you control and, with it, responsibility for monitoring your own life-sustaining treatments. Enter your treatment flowsheets daily into PatientHub so you have good records of your treatments and so your care team can help monitor your health.
5. Choose the right treatment space
Wherever you dialyze, you’ll need a clean, comfortable, well-lit area. You’ll also need easy access to a bathroom drain, reliable electricity, and a phone nearby so you can reach out to nurses or a care team member if needed.
6. Stay organized
Home dialysis requires some equipment, so make sure you have space for everything. Keeping your supplies neat and organized will help you be ready for every dialysis session and maintain your treatment schedule. Remember to reorder supplies as needed.
7. Rely on your support team
Most people will have a care partner for support, but if you’ve decided to do home dialysis solo, you’re never alone. You’ll be personally trained on the home dialysis process, and you’ll have ongoing access to online education. If you need help, nurses are available by phone 24/7. The Kidney Care Community is another valuable resource—there, you can connect with other people living with kidney disease and their family members to share home dialysis tips, experiences, resources, and so much more.
8. Customize your home dialysis treatment schedule
Instead of a few long sessions, you may be better suited for shorter, more frequent treatments or even nocturnal home dialysis. Your doctor will help you decide which is right for you and your health.
9. Make the most of your time
If you dialyze at home, you can find time to keep up with your hobbies and daily activities. You will also be able to continue working, going to school, socializing, or traveling.
10. Stay motivated
When you have control of your own health, staying motivated is key to success. This is often easier said than done, and many people rely on their care partners for support. Your kidney care team will help you along the way, and you’re encouraged to connect with others in the Kidney Care Community. People who stay involved in their health and do home dialysis when their doctor recommends it have better outcomes than those who don’t.1
Be Confident in Your Care
Choosing home dialysis puts you in the driver’s seat. If you’re a good candidate, you can continue your life-sustaining treatments at home while maintaining your active lifestyle. More and more people are making the switch, and by keeping these home dialysis tips for success in mind, you can transition successfully. Speak with your kidney care team about how you can thrive on home dialysis.
References
1Natalia Target, et al., “Comparison of physical activity and quality of life in home haemodialysis (HHD) patients versus conventional in-centre haemodialysis (ICHD) patients: the observational, longitudinal, prospective, international, multicentric SeCoIA study protocol,” BMC Nephrology 21, no 1 (November 23, 2020): 500, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-020-02127-7.
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