Follow
Share

Anyone have advise for care taking someone who is starting dialysis?

Find Care & Housing
I agree that we could use some more information before offering advice. I will share my personal thoughts on in-home dialysis. I was a full-time caregiver for my husband before he died last year and he was on dialysis at a center for a year.

The time he spent at dialysis was my only respite and it allowed me to manage my stress with time for my appointments, going to the gym, meeting friends, etc. Even as a medical professional, I had no desire to have the responsibility for the invasive procedure of dialysis. I had my hands full taking care of all his other needs/medical issues, with the stress that brings. In a strange way, it also gave him social support as you get to know people and they loved him at the dialysis center.

I think that in-home dialysis might be a good option for someone who has multiple caregivers although I think one person will be trained to be the dialysis partner. That person will need a break if 24 hour care is needed. For someone who is more independent, perhaps has people coming to visit and likes to be home, etc. it might make sense too. You also need dedicated space for equipment, supplies, etc.

Let us know a little more about your situation and concerns. We probably have lots of ideas.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to MidwestOT
Report

As stated previously, There are many types of dialysis treatments. I can give my experiences as food for thought.

Home dialysis/ PD is just as effective and sometimes can be even better than going to a clinical setting, IF your help is willing to learn proper techniques/ help regulate your intake, and keep up with constant blood work and medications. Advantages: You are comfortable at home, no waiting on rides, you get 1:1 care that’s a big one!
Cons: Clean space for the equipment, space for supplies can be a challenge for some.

I agree do research, decide what would work best for the one getting dialysis. Have patience. It will be a time consuming task but can also be rewarding! I commend you for even thinking of it! 👏. If dialyzing at at clinic get in touch with the social worker at the facility they will help walk you through the paperwork process and then you can talk with a home nurse or clinical nurse/dietitian.

Ive served over 24 in that field.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to MrSad25
Report

Not knowing about your situation, but many insurance companies and medicare plans will cover in home dialysis. It was an option we considered if my father was staying at home. This allows for patients and caregivers to do dialysis treatments on their own schedule. You or the patient is trained on how to administer it and steps that need to be taken to keep things clean and sterile.

Just a thought.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to baq724
Report

I would echo Alva to learn all you can BEFORE you start. Ask whatever center you're considering if they will let you see what is involved before you sign any paperwork. My 91 YO father is coming up on 3 years of dialysis but is not ready to stop. We have to make sure we get him there and pick him up 3x/week. He spends the day after dialysis resting up and then the next day goes back. I guess he figures the 4 days per week he has on dialysis makes the other 3 worth it. If you are asking for yourself or for a family member, make sure and discuss the transport situation.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to YaYa79
Report

Research. Research. Research.
Much as everyone is leaving FB I say go to Facebook and join dialysis support sites right away. Go to youtube and look up dialysis information. And go online to research all you can.
You should be getting packets of information. Read it all.

This is truly a life change that is going to take up a very large portion of days, weeks and months. To be honest it's a full-time job.
There are diet restrictions, there are ports and their care. There is the weekly problem of time spent, getting to and front the centers, and so on.

I will tell you that I as a retired RN long knew that I would never do certain things to sustain my life. One of those things is dialysis. It has long been in my advance directive that I will not accept dialysis.
Doctors will respond with "But that's an AWFUL death". On the contrary. It's an easy one because there is hospice and the good drugs and you are soon enough on your way. I don't have the guts or stamina to go through the often three times weekly trip to dialysis, the exhaustion before I need the cleansing treatment and the exhaustion after, the diet restrictions, the ports with their infections, and so on. I just wouldn't want to deal with it. For me it is about quality of life.

Your decision has been other, so the most important thing is to learn all that you can about preventing infection, dealing with exhaustion, transportation, infection prevention, diet and etc.

We did have a member who, before she passed, spent years on dialysis, enjoyed her life and was not dissatisfied with the quality of it at all. She often made me rethink my decision, but at 82 I stand firm on it now for certain. But Becky is gone now, and that I know of we have no current regular members here to offer you directly supportive commiseration. I would ask doctor if there are any support groups, education groups to attend, especially at the beginning.

I wish you the best of luck going forward. This, as with all things, is about support and education to the extent you can find it in our system. Hope you will keep us updated.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter