Our guide for home dialysis patients and care partners, offering support on types, preparation, and nutrition, resources.
Home Dialysis
Overview of Home Dialysis
The two main types of home dialysis are peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis. Each have their own set of options. Explore the different options with these NKF resources.
Learn about home dialysis, the different treatment types, the possible benefits and downsides of home dialysis, and how to decide if home dialysis is right for you.
Home dialysis lets people manage treatment at home with peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis. Learn key differences and setup.
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly to filter blood when kidneys fail. Learn about the process, types, pros and cons, and payment options.
Is home dialysis right for you?
Preparing for Home Dialysis
Preparing for home dialysis can include setting up space for treatment and supplies, setting a schedule, and training for you and/or a care partner. Learn more about how to get started and what to expect with these NKF resources.
Before starting home dialysis, your training team will check your home, help set up your treatment space, arrange needed surgery, and provide information on payment options.
Use this discussion guide to talk with your household about home dialysis, scheduling, space, and support to prepare for treatment and daily life changes.
Living Well with Home Dialysis
You can include home dialysis in your daily schedule. Keeping a regular routine for treatments and upkeep of equipment and supplies can help. Explore NKF’s resources for tips on how to make it work for you.
Learn what your day-to-day life may be like on home dialysis including changes to your schedule, what you eat, exercise, and physical and mental health.
Learn how to live well on home dialysis with answers to common questions about safety, flexibility, travel, and daily life.
Overcoming Challenges of Home Dialysis
Overcoming challenges with home dialysis is possible with preparation, communication, and having the right support. Learn more about managing these challenges and finding support.
There can be a lot of challenges when doing home dialysis, but you can overcome them! Learn about common challenges and concerns, and how you can prepare for them.
Check out our online communities to connect, learn more and hear from others going through similar experiences.
A trained professional will listen to your concerns, help answer your questions, and provide free resources on home dialysis and other treatment options.
Through the NKF Peers program, connect one-on-one with someone who has been on home dialysis.
Care Partner Support
A care partner is someone you choose to help manage your health. They can help you with your home dialysis and provide emotional support. Learn more about how a care partner can be part of your journey.
As a care partner, you can help in many ways, like setting up treatment space, managing side effects, and offering support. Everyone’s needs are different, your role may vary.
A guide for care partners and family adjust to home dialysis with guidance on setup, support, and open discussions for a smooth transition.
The dialysis care team includes nephrologists, nurses, dietitians, social workers, technicians, and more. Each plays a role in managing your care.
Nutrition & Home Dialysis
Discover kidney-friendly nutrition tips to support your health and success on home dialysis.
Learn about nutrition and home dialysis, including what nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you need to eat or limit, and which foods have them.
Nutrition is key to managing kidney disease and your overall health. Learn more about food and your kidneys.