Can You Do Hemodialysis at Home?
Home hemodialysis allows patients to receive dialysis treatment in their homes without having to confront stress associated with going to the hospital. Hemodialysis at home can be performed easily using simple machines and formal training.
Regardless of the benefits and flexibility offered by home hemodialysis, many people are still not aware of it and often question what is home dialysis? This article is an attempt to answer this question in simple words and will assist the readers in figuring out whether they can perform hemodialysis at home or not.
One important thing to remember is to consult your doctor before choosing home hemodialysis. The doctor will determine the appropriateness of this treatment for you based on your health factors.
Table of Contents
What is Home Hemodialysis?
Home hemodialysis as the name indicates is a type of kidney dialysis that is done at home. Home hemodialysis includes a nurse or doctor coming to your home to perform dialysis or having a trained family member perform the procedure for you. The dialyzer is used to perform hemodialysis at home. This machine pumps blood out of the body, filters it, and returns the filtered blood to the body. Home dialysis typically requires less time than in-center dialysis, and it gives the patients comfort.
Benefit of Hemodialysis at Home
There are many benefits associated with home hemodialysis and shared below are a few of them:
1. Less Exposure to Germs
Hospitals or dialysis centers are home to a lot of germs and bacteria. People who receive dialysis treatment don’t have a strong immune system. Frequent visits to hospitals or dialysis centers expose them to germs and worsen the situation. The risk of diseases caused due to exposure of germs can be reduced by opting for home hemodialysis. By taking measures to ensure the hygiene of the home and performing dialysis at home, patients can be protected from many diseases and infections.
2. Independence And Flexibility
Another main advantage associated with home hemodialysis includes the independence and flexibility it offers. The patient has the independence to choose the time that he/she thinks is appropriate. Also, hemodialysis at home offers the receiver the flexibility to better execute his/her daily life. You can even take the home dialysis system with you while traveling. Many patients have agreed that the independence associated with hemodialysis at home makes them feel less stressed.
3. Saved Time
When you choose to receive hemodialysis at home you save your time. The time associated with traveling and waiting for your turn to receive dialysis at dedicated centers, can be saved by the help of hemodialysis at home. You can even choose to do some of your tasks like writing tasks, sending emails, and other such tasks while receiving dialysis at home. This advantage makes hemodialysis at home great for the patient and the family members as well.
4. Increased Knowledge
People who choose hemodialysis at home have a better understanding of their situation. The increased knowledge allows them to take all the precautionary measures and take care of themselves in a proper way. Also, by having a better knowledge of the treatment, the patients can track their symptoms and can take measures timely if something unusual happens.
5. Saved Cost
Similar to time, the cost can also be saved by opting for hemodialysis at home. Traveling expenses are the major cost that you can save with the help of home hemodialysis. Initially, you need to invest some money in the home dialysis system, after that there is no major expense that you have to incur for home hemodialysis.
6. Better Results
Many experts believe that hemodialysis at home offers better results when compared to hemodialysis at hospitals or dedicated centers. The decreased level of stress associated with home hemodialysis might be the reason behind the improved results. The recovery time associated with hemodialysis at home is also less.
7. Improved Life Quality
The saved expenses, more family time, time saved, and improved recovery rate all help to improve the quality of life. People who choose hemodialysis at home have greater control over their lives and hence can make the most out of it.
Things You Need to Consider While Performing Hemodialysis at Home
To reap all the benefits associated with hemodialysis at home you need to carry it out properly. Some of the things you need to consider while doing this include:
1. Proper Training
You or your family member need to get proper training for performing hemodialysis at home. Doctors or health experts usually provide training to patients’ families to perform the treatment accurately. Luckily the training is not very complex and time-consuming, so anyone can get trained to perform the procedure easily.
2. 24/7 Professional Assistance
For all those taking services of home hemodialysis, it is essential to have professional assistance every time. A specialized doctor or nurse should always be in your contact every time. You can contact them in case of emergency or can also call them occasionally to get yourself checked up or to provide an update on your health.
3. Hygiene
Ensuring proper cleanliness of the area where home hemodialysis is performed is crucial. The caretaker needs to ensure that the equipment, bed, and surroundings are cleaned and disinfected before and after hemodialysis. Not everyone should be allowed in the dialysis room. Disinfectant sprays and other cleaning solutions should be used to ensure the hygiene of the apparatus and surroundings.
4. Proper Space
A proper room must be dedicated to performing hemodialysis at home. The proper space maintains the patient’s privacy, ensures proper hygiene, and keeps everything organized. You also need to have proper space to store your home dialysis system and other supplies.
Final Verdict
From all the above discussion it can be said that hemodialysis at home can be performed easily. By taking proper measures you can realize the advantages of hemodialysis at home. However, always consult your doctor before shifting to hemodialysis at home and keep a close eye on the effects of hemodialysis on your health.
