Home Dialysis Training
Reviewed by Medical Contributor Michelle Carver, BSN, RN, CNN, MBA on September 22, 2023.
You will need training to perform dialysis at home, whether you are starting peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (home HD). Though there is a lot to learn, we will provide everything you need to confidently and successfully perform dialysis at home.
Our training program, which varies in length depending on your needs, will teach you how to safely perform dialysis at home, monitor your health, and manage any potential complications. An experienced home dialysis nurse will guide you through every step of the training.
Something that’s important to know about home dialysis is that anyone can do it—there’s no medical experience required! Our training materials are easy to use and designed specifically for adult learners. We even provide translated materials or special needs accommodations if you need them.
From your home dialysis nurse to your care partner to the training materials and beyond, you are truly never alone when you choose home dialysis.
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Home dialysis on your schedule
Enjoy flexibility with your treatment schedule with home dialysis so you can continue working, traveling, or spending time with loved ones. A home dialysis advocate can help.
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See the difference training can make
Our award-winning home dialysis training program will leave you feeling confident and ready to begin treatment at home.
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Support from a care partner
While home dialysis can be performed independently, many people choose to have a care partner with them during treatments. Some people even choose to have multiple care partners. The role of a care partner is to assist you during treatments, provide encouragement, and help you monitor and maintain your health.
If you choose to have a care partner, they will go through training right along with you. The training period is a great time to decide how much or how little help you would like when performing home dialysis.
Fresenius Kidney Care supports care partners in many ways—by offering tips for care partners, sharing care partner resources, or helping schedule respite care at times when your care partner is unable to help with your treatment.
If you choose to have a care partner, they will go through training right along with you. The training period is a great time to decide how much or how little help you would like when performing home dialysis.
Fresenius Kidney Care supports care partners in many ways—by offering tips for care partners, sharing care partner resources, or helping schedule respite care at times when your care partner is unable to help with your treatment.
Award-winning home dialysis training
Enjoy independence and flexibility with 24/7 support whenever you need it.
Learn moreTrain to do dialysis at home
Our home dialysis training program will cover everything you need to know about performing dialysis at home. In addition to learning how to use the equipment and safely perform treatments, you will learn how to monitor and manage any complications that may arise.
No matter which type of home dialysis treatment you will be performing, our training program will teach you how to:
No matter which type of home dialysis treatment you will be performing, our training program will teach you how to:
Set up your space for treatments
Take daily vital signs and weigh yourself
Order and store your home dialysis equipment and supplies
Safely and properly dispose of needles, syringes, tubing, and dialyzers
Keep accurate treatment records
Understand the different parts of your dialysis equipment
Put on a mask and wash your hands thoroughly to help prevent infection
Troubleshoot any issues that may arise
Care for your access site
After you finish your home dialysis training course, you will be awarded a special certificate. There is a lot to learn, but it’s worth it so you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility that home dialysis brings.
From concerned to confident
Home dialysis training left Paul and his wife Cheryl feeling “very confident” performing his treatments on their own.
Read their story
Training for home peritoneal dialysis (PD)
If you are starting PD, you will need one or two weeks of training. This training will be unique and tailored to you, whether your PD treatment is automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Your home dialysis nurse will work with you until you feel confident performing treatment all by yourself (or with a care partner, if you choose). You will learn how to connect and disconnect your catheter to the PD bag in a sterile way and how to add medicine to your PD bag if needed. Your nurse will also teach you how to drain out used dialysate and put in fresh dialysate⏤this is also known as an exchange.
Your home dialysis nurse will work with you until you feel confident performing treatment all by yourself (or with a care partner, if you choose). You will learn how to connect and disconnect your catheter to the PD bag in a sterile way and how to add medicine to your PD bag if needed. Your nurse will also teach you how to drain out used dialysate and put in fresh dialysate⏤this is also known as an exchange.
Training for home hemodialysis (home HD)
Depending on your individual needs, the training program for home HD lasts about four to six weeks. You will continue to get dialysis treatments in-center while you are going through your home training.
After training, you will feel confident and ready to perform HD at home. Training topics will cover everything you need to know, including how to use your home hemodialysis and water machines and how to identify and troubleshoot each part of your equipment.
After training, you will feel confident and ready to perform HD at home. Training topics will cover everything you need to know, including how to use your home hemodialysis and water machines and how to identify and troubleshoot each part of your equipment.
Waiting for a transplant?
Home dialysis is the best option while you wait for a kidney transplant. A home dialysis advocate can help you understand the benefits.
Get startedTips for home dialysis training
Choosing dialysis at home gives you many benefits, like the convenience of performing treatments on your own time and in your own space. Despite the perks, it can feel overwhelming when you are first starting. Keep in mind that, like everything else that takes practice, performing dialysis at home gets easier with time.
Be patient with yourself during the training period and allow plenty of time to learn and build confidence. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Your home dialysis nurse will provide all the guidance you need to feel ready and confident. Even after that, you will always be surrounded by plenty of resources and support team members.
Here are some more tips to help you feel in control of your health, treatment, and time:
Be patient with yourself during the training period and allow plenty of time to learn and build confidence. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Your home dialysis nurse will provide all the guidance you need to feel ready and confident. Even after that, you will always be surrounded by plenty of resources and support team members.
Here are some more tips to help you feel in control of your health, treatment, and time:
- Go to the grocery store before you start training
Following a kidney-friendly diet is key when you are on dialysis. Set yourself up for success by going grocery shopping before you begin home treatment. When your kitchen is stocked with kidney-friendly meals, you will be able to focus all of your energy on training. - Stay rested
It’s easier to focus when you are well rested. Approach training with an alert mind by getting a good night’s sleep before you start. You can also help yourself to feel more rested by journaling, meditating, or practicing deep breathing. - Take notes
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed if you don’t take notes. Writing things down during training can help you process the information at a later time. By taking good notes, you won’t feel pressured to remember everything right away. - Prepare to ask many questions
There’s no such thing as asking too many questions! Don’t be afraid to speak up if something isn’t clear during training. Our nurses and technicians are there to help you understand. - Ask to have a friend or loved one with you during training
Having a friend or care partner with you during training can help you feel more comfortable. They may even take notes and ask questions of their own. A care partner is just one more valuable resource for you to lean on during training and beyond.
Your first treatment at home
Once you’ve finished your training at the dialysis center, you and your home dialysis nurse will choose a day and time for your first home treatment.
On that day, your nurse will come to your house to watch⏤and help⏤you and your care partner go through all the treatment steps in your own home with your own equipment. That way, they can make sure you both feel confident and safe dialyzing on your own.
Technicians will make sure that all your home dialysis equipment is in safe and working condition. They will also do regular maintenance checks.
On that day, your nurse will come to your house to watch⏤and help⏤you and your care partner go through all the treatment steps in your own home with your own equipment. That way, they can make sure you both feel confident and safe dialyzing on your own.
Technicians will make sure that all your home dialysis equipment is in safe and working condition. They will also do regular maintenance checks.
Be confident with home dialysis training
Home dialysis training helps you to manage your own health and improve your quality of life. We give you the tools and resources you need to feel prepared and confident performing dialysis in the comfort of your home.
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