Home Dialysis: Treatment at Home
Home dialysis allows patients to perform dialysis treatments in the comfort of their own homes, offering greater flexibility, independence, and potentially better health outcomes compared to in-center treatment.
Medical Emergency
If you experience severe symptoms during home dialysis such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or confusion, stop treatment if it's safe to do so and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. This website provides informational content only and is not a substitute for medical advice or emergency services.
Types of Home Dialysis
Home Hemodialysis (Home HD)
Home hemodialysis uses a machine to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. With proper training, this procedure can be performed at home with the help of a care partner.
Common Home HD Schedules
- Conventional Home HD: 3 sessions per week, 3-4 hours each (similar to in-center schedule)
- Short Daily Home HD: 5-6 sessions per week, 2-3 hours each
- Nocturnal Home HD: 3-6 nights per week, 6-8 hours while sleeping
Home Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A special solution (dialysate) is introduced into your abdominal cavity through a permanently placed catheter. The solution absorbs waste and excess fluid, which is then drained out.
Common Home PD Options
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): Manual exchanges performed throughout the day, typically 4-5 times. Each exchange takes about 30-40 minutes, and the dialysate remains in the abdomen for 4-6 hours between exchanges.
- Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD): Uses a machine called a cycler to perform exchanges automatically, usually overnight while you sleep. The machine performs multiple exchanges over 8-10 hours.
Benefits of Home Dialysis
Lifestyle Benefits
- Greater flexibility in treatment schedule
- No travel to and from a dialysis center
- More privacy and comfort
- Ability to dialyze during sleep (nocturnal)
- More time for work, family, and activities
- Easier to travel (especially with PD)
- Greater dietary freedom (with more frequent treatments)
Health Benefits
- More frequent or longer treatments possible
- Better clearance of waste products
- Better control of blood pressure
- Reduced medications in some cases
- Better phosphorus control
- Less "recovery time" after treatment
- May preserve residual kidney function longer
- Reduced exposure to hospital environment
Home Dialysis Equipment and Space Requirements
| Home Hemodialysis | Peritoneal Dialysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Equipment | Dialysis machine, water treatment system | Cycler machine (for APD) or none (for CAPD) |
| Space Needed | 100-150 square feet for machine, water treatment, and supplies | 50-100 square feet for supplies; space for cycler (if using APD) |
| Utilities | Electrical outlets (dedicated circuit may be needed), plumbing modifications potentially required | Standard electrical outlet for cycler (if using APD) |
| Supply Storage | Space for dialyzers, bloodlines, dialysate, needles, etc. | Space for dialysate solution bags, tubing, caps, etc. |
Training for Home Dialysis
Before starting home dialysis, you'll need comprehensive training provided by your dialysis center or home training unit. Training typically includes:
- Understanding the basic principles of dialysis
- Learning to operate and troubleshoot the equipment
- Proper infection control and sterile technique
- Administering medications as needed
- Tracking vital signs and treatment parameters
- Recognizing and responding to complications
- Record keeping and inventory management
- Emergency procedures
Training Duration:
- Home Hemodialysis: 3-8 weeks, depending on the program and how quickly you learn
- Peritoneal Dialysis: 1-2 weeks, as it is generally simpler to learn
Is Home Dialysis Right for You?
Good candidates for home dialysis typically:
- Are motivated to take an active role in their care
- Have a clean, suitable home environment
- Have a care partner (for home hemodialysis)
- Can follow detailed procedures
- Are committed to attending follow-up appointments
- Have adequate vision, hearing, and dexterity (or assistance)
Challenges to consider:
- Time commitment for training
- Space requirements for equipment and supplies
- Responsibility for performing treatments correctly
- Potential utility modifications or increased utility costs
- Need for care partner support (especially for home hemodialysis)
- Psychological aspects of having medical treatments at home
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. This content is not reviewed by medical professionals and is simply an aggregation of information found online. This site makes no claim to be a medical expert, professional, or doctor in any way. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice about dialysis treatment options. In case of emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Find Home Dialysis Support
Use our directory to find dialysis centers that offer home dialysis training and support.