To live a normal life, people diagnosed with kidney failure have to go through dialysis treatment frequently. Dialysis can be done either at specialized centers or at home. Visiting the hospital or dialysis center for receiving treatment is stressful and time-consuming. Luckily, the option of home dialysis is available to rescue people who don’t want to go to the hospital to receive dialysis treatment almost every day.

Home dialysis is gaining popularity around the globe due to the freedom it offers. Home dialysis can be performed either by a medical expert visiting you at home or by a trained member of your family. If you are considering doing dialysis at home, then you must be wondering about the items required for performing dialysis at home. Here in this article, we will attempt to answer this question by providing information regarding the supplies required for performing dialysis at home.

What is Needed For Home Dialysis?

In the presence of appropriate resources, performing home dialysis is not much complex.  The things required for performing dialysis at home are not very expensive and are available almost everywhere. Discussed below are some important things that you need for home dialysis:

1.     Proper Area

The most important requirement for home dialysis is the presence of a proper and clean place. Dialysis is a serious medical procedure. You need to find a place or room that is appropriate for performing dialysis. Everything in the room or space you choose to perform dialysis in must be proper. The area you choose for performing dialysis must be well-ventilated and should have a proper lighting source. Water source and toilet must also be present in the chosen area. Also, the hygiene of the space should be given prime importance.

2.     Comfortable Bed or Chair

Making the patient feel comfortable during dialysis is essential. Without a comfortable bed or chair, dialysis patients can experience several unpleasant symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle pain, and body sores. A comfortable bed or chair, when used for dialysis, can make the treatment easier for the patient. The bed should be adjusted to ensure the comfort of the patient. Also, a comfortable chair is found to reduce the pain experienced by patients while receiving dialysis treatment. You must ensure the hygiene of the chair and should change bed sheets frequently to get rid of bacteria and germs.

3.     Dialysis Machine

The other extremely important thing needed for performing dialysis at home is the dialysis machine. Many small and uncomplicated machines are designed for assisting in dialysis at home. You need to consult your doctor in the process of finding out the perfect dialysis machine for yourself. Proper cleanliness and hygiene of the dialysis machine being used is the utmost responsibility of the caretaker. It is always advised to have at least two dialysis machines at home every time.

4.     Dialysis Supplies

After a dialysis machine, more commonly known as a dialyzer, dialysis supplies are the most importantly needed equipment for performing dialysis at home. Dialysis supplies include a dialysis solution, large bags for solutions, drainage bags, and many other such resources. Your doctor can inform you of the dialysis supplies you need to perform dialysis at home.

5.     Proper Source of Electricity

In the absence of a proper electric outlet and electricity, the dialysis machines cannot work. If you are planning on doing dialysis at home then you must have access to the right type of electric outlets, and a strong electricity backup system to be used in case of a power outage. The specialized teams can help you install the right electrical outlets. Some dialysis machines use electricity to charge the batteries, which provide power to the machines.

6.     Area For Storage

For performing dialysis at home, you need to have some space for storing and keeping the dialysis essential properly. You need to store your dialysis machine, dialysis fluid, and other necessary things at a proper temperature and in a hygienic place. It is recommended to have a stock of supplies that can last at least six weeks.

7.     Proper Drainage System

You need to have a proper drainage system, to properly dispose off the fluids extracted during treatment. If you lack the proper drainage system, then in-home dialysis is not a valid option for you.

8.     A Medical Expert

A medical expert is needed to ensure that your dialysis is being performed at home effectively. You can contact the medical expert in case of any queries. You can even ask them to check you up and provide an update regarding your health status. The medical expert you choose must be available 24/7. The medical expert must be professional enough to tackle situations of emergency efficiently.

9.     Medical Equipment

If you are doing dialysis at home, then you must have access to the common medical equipment to monitor your health. The machine for checking blood pressure, apparatus used for monitoring the level of sugar in the blood, and pulse oximeter are among the common medical apparatus required by dialysis patients. Your doctor may ask you to check your health and share the stats with him/her periodically.

10.  Disinfecting Solution

The last thing that is needed for performing dialysis at home is a disinfectant solution or sanitizer. Dialysis patients have low immunity, and thus have a higher risk for other health problems and infections. So, dialysis patients and their caretakers need to take special precautions to prevent infections. Disinfecting the machine, surfaces, equipment, and sheets is essential for the well-being of the patient.

Final Note

Home dialysis provides one with the opportunity to save time and cost associated with going to centers for receiving treatment. In the presence of necessary resources, performing dialysis at home is extremely beneficial. It is mandatory for you to schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out whether you are in the condition to choose in-house dialysis and to decide the things that you need for performing dialysis at your home. Also, seek medical advice regarding the appropriate use of the mentioned resources.