3 Easy Steps to Switch to Home Dialysis

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis from a physician.

Step 1

Talk to your doctor to find out if you are a candidate for home dialysis. Guidelines for your discussion:

  • Be open and honest about what is important to you.
  • If you want to continue working, avoid transportation hassles, or stay away from needles, tell your doctor.
  • Nine out of 10 kidney doctors would choose home dialysis for themselves. Ask your doctor why.
  • Understand that your medical condition, motivation, age, lifestyle and home environment are considerations.
  • Your doctor will refer you to a home training nurse if home dialysis is an option for you.

Step 2

Choose the home treatment method (home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) that fits your health and lifestyle needs.

Considerations for HHD

Considerations for PD
  • Patients perform treatments on their own schedules.
  • PD is the most popular form of home dialysis.
  • A home training nurse will guide you and your care partner.
  • PD uses the abdominal lining, the peritoneum, to clean your blood.
  • You will need a care partner to assist you.
  • PD patients dialyze every day with little or no assistance from others.
  • A permanent vascular access will be surgically created.
  • A catheter must be placed into your abdomen and takes 2 to 3 weeks to heal.
  • If your access is an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, it can take several weeks to several months to develop.
  • A home dialysis training nurse will teach you.
  • HHD training with a home dialysis training nurse usually takes 3 to 6 weeks.
  • PD training usually takes 2 weeks.
  • Training stops when you’re ready.

 

Step 3

Call 1-800-244-0582 to schedule a personal consultation with a registered nurse.

  • Your personalized care team includes your nephrologist, your home training nurse, a registered DaVita® dietitian and social worker.
  •  Visits to DaVita centers for you to meet with your entire care team face-to-face are scheduled at least once a month.
  • With DaVita, you are never alone.
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