Home Dialysis
Enhance your quality of life by dialyzing at home. Learn about home dialysis by speaking with a DaVita representative.
About Home Dialysis
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Home Dialysis Basics
Getting Started
Talk with your doctor
Even if you are currently receiving dialysis treatment in-center, home dialysis could still be an option for you. Speak with your doctor candidly about your interest in home dialysis. Ask about the potential benefits and any medical risks, as well as your treatment options and how your choice could affect your lifestyle and overall health. If you are currently treating on dialysis, learn more here.
Start home dialysis training
Once you and your doctor decide that home dialysis is right for you, you and your care partner (a friend or family member) will
start a comprehensive safety and training program with your care team. Training is customized to meet your specific needs, and
will provide you the education, tools and support needed to stay healthy and safe.
Download the DaVita® Care Connect app
DaVita home dialysis patients can download the free DaVita® Care Connect smartphone app to stay connected to their care team and dialysis resources. With the app, you can send secure, direct messages to your care team; have telehealth appointments; see your lab results; connect with other patients and DaVita’s support team through virtual support groups; and more.
Get your home ready
Because you'll perform treatments from home, you'll need to make room to store equipment and supplies. Although the
equipment and supplies you need vary based on your choice of treatment, it's essential to make sure you have a comfortable
and sanitary environment dedicated for your treatments.
Receive ongoing care
Even though you do not have to treat at a center, it鈥檚 important to understand that you're never alone when you do home dialysis.
You will maintain regular contact with your doctor and dialysis nurses who will closely monitor and track your care. In most cases,
you'll also make a monthly visit to meet with your health care team and talk regularly by phone about any issues or concerns.
Home Dialysis Myths Debunked
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Myth #1: 鈥淚 can鈥檛 have pets while on home dialysis.鈥
Truth: You don鈥檛 have to give up your beloved companions, but they should not be present in the room where you dialyze while you connect or disconnect to the machine.
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Myth #2: 鈥淚 don鈥檛 have time. Home dialysis is a big time commitment.鈥
Truth: By not traveling to and from a dialysis center for each treatment, home dialysis patients can get more time back in their day.
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Myth #3: 鈥淗ome dialysis can cause infections.鈥
Truth: Proper training and hand-washing techniques can help you avoid infections.
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Myth #4: 鈥淚鈥檓 too old to do home dialysis.鈥
Truth: There is no age cap or requirement to do home dialysis.
Top 5 Reasons to Use DaVita Care Connect
DaVita Care Connect® is a mobile app available to all DaVita home dialysis patients that lets you connect with your care team and dialysis resources to get the quality support you need.