Necessity is the mother of invention!

Common concerns for those on dialysis treatment include the inconvenience of frequent visits to a centre, limited privacy during treatment, the potential of exposure to infection, and adhering to tedious schedules, often creating a sense of anxiety in some patients. However, through advancements in technology & innovation, science has yet again revealed the solution.

Today, easy-to-use machines are being developed for home hemodialysis. These are much easier to set up, clean and disinfect. Some variants also require fewer storage supplies.

What is home dialysis?

First developed in the early 1960s, home hemodialysis is a service that enables dialysis patients to effectively treat end-stage renal disease in the comfort of their own homes. Home dialysis has slowly caught on over the decades, with more patients opting for it due to its overall benefits & convenience.

The home dialysis advantage

Home hemodialysis offers several benefits over dialysing at a hospital or a centre – the main one being that you can dialyse more frequently with ease. Several research studies have revealed that hemodialysis treatment is much better for the body, both in the long and short term, when done more frequently, gently & over longer durations. This kind of optimal dialysis is much more doable when done at home.

The following are the advantages of the home hemodialysis treatment:

• Dialysing at your own convenience
• No need to adhere to centre schedules and timings
• Be completely independent
• Better dialysis routine for the body

A proven track record

Daily home hemodialysis has produced excellent results. Due to longer sessions and the more gentle nature of home hemodialysis treatment, several patients have experienced improved kidney function and life expectancy. Dialysing more frequently is also proven to reduce recovery times, from eight hours after in-centre treatment to just one hour after home hemodialysis.

Many reports have revealed that people undergoing short, daily home hemodialysis require less medication, experience improvements in naturopathy (nerve damage), feel less fatigued after treatment, have more energy through the day, sleep better, observe improvements in the quality of life and live longer.

What do you need for home dialysis?

A few things to consider to easily organise your home hemodialysis treatment are a clean room or another area in your home (dedicated to your treatment), space for your dialysis machine, additional storage space for up to 6 weeks of supplies and a dedicated technician who will provide support or help during treatments.

Your home hemodialysis treatment is possible with just three components:

1. A hemodialysis machine
2. A reverse osmosis water treatment plant
3. Additional electrical wiring and plumbing

How does NephroPlus help in setting up?

Making arrangements for your home dialysis setup can be quite a tedious task. Here’s where NephroPlus weighs in to take the burden off your shoulders. NephroPlus has a dedicated team of operatives to help with all the arrangements.

NephroPlus goes the extra mile to ensure that each individual has access to the best treatment, care, and service by making the necessary arrangements for you, right from setting up all the equipment, making the necessary alterations to the dedicated treatment room in your home to administering a comfortable home hemodialysis experience. Our home session technicians are well-trained, ensuring all the appropriate protocols and guidelines are met.

For more details, please call 1800 120 001 001 or message 888-60-333-10

A few common challenges faced

However, consult with your doctor and nephrologist before switching to home hemodialysis. Though closest to ideal, there are several things to consider before doing so.

The following are the most common challenges faced – 

• First, consider the feasibility & affordability of the home dialysis setup.
• Patients must oversee their own treatment at home.
• You will require a dedicated area in your home. Sufficient home dialysis equipment and supply storage space are needed.
• Patients need a trained technician with them during treatments.

To conclude, there is no absolute right or wrong form of dialysis treatment. It depends on each individual’s condition, preference and circumstances. Though home dialysis has its benefits, it’s important to consider the feasibility, affordability and viability specific to your case. Please consult with your doctor and nephrologist before choosing your course of action.