Dialysis is a medical procedure carried out to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. When conducting Dialysis, blood is diverted into a machine for cleaning. 

Dialysis is conducted when kidneys are not working properly caused by excess waste products and fluids in your body. This prevents the kidney filters from adequately cleaning the blood.

There are two major types of Dialysis. These are: 

Peritoneal Dialysis

This type of Dialysis pumping dialysis fluid into the space inside your abdomen to draw out waste products from the blood through the vessels lining the inside of the abdomen

Hemodialysis dialysis

This dialysis procedure involves diverting blood into a machine, where it’s cleaned before being returned to the body

Hemodialysis is the most common type of Dialysis and can be done at home. Interestingly, you may be able to do home hemodialysis without assistance based on the doctor’s advice. At home, it allows you to be able to fit your treatments into your daily schedule. 

How does home dialysis work?

The process is the same as clinic hemodialysis but requires slightly different equipment. During home dialysis, your blood is filtered outside of your body through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) to remove unwanted waste, excess fluids, and toxins. Home dialysis utilizes a solution called dialysate to remove unwanted substances from

The benefits of home dialysis include your blood. Then, clean, chemically balanced blood is returned to your body.

What do you need to perform successful home dialysis? It would be best if you had the following

1. Adequate training

You and your care partner (or any family member) need sufficient training ranging from 4 to 8 weeks to conduct successful home dialysis. 

2. Dependable Care Partner

The care partner that will assist you through the home dialysis process should be highly dependable. The care partner must commit to participating in your home dialysis treatments or staying with you to monitor the process.

3. Insurance Plan

Contact your health insurance provider or social worker to confirm whether home dialysis is covered.  Do this before you begin the home dialysis procedure.

4. Run Proper Check

Before starting your home dialysis procedure, also make sure you carefully check your water and electrical systems. This will allow you to know if they need to be upgraded or modified.

5. Space

You need to set aside space in your home to store supplies and equipment required for the proper conduct of the home dialysis procedure.

6. Proper Cleaning

You and your care partner should be willing to set for treatment and ensure proper cleaning after the dialysis procedure. Ensure adequate cleaning of the equipment and environment to when the procedure was conducted to prevent infections.