Dialysis is a medical procedure where a patient’s blood is purified with the help of equipment. The kidneys are responsible for purifying the blood by filtering it from impurities and toxic substances for the body’s proper functioning. When the kidneys fail to function properly—which might occur due to certain medical conditions—the body suffers from an imbalance in fluids and electrolytes. That’s when dialysis comes into play.
Home dialysis refers to the process of performing dialysis treatments at home instead of a dialysis center. There are two main types of home dialysis: peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD). Here’s a general procedure for each:
Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare team will be scheduled to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, and ensure your well-being
It’s important to note that the specific procedures and protocols may vary depending on the healthcare provider, the type of home dialysis chosen, and individual patient needs.
With the treatment being possible to practice at home and an increasing number of dialysis among elderly people, people started to wonder if the process is effective at home permanently. Studies have put forward their findings, helping one find the answer to the much-asked question, “Is home hemodialysis a practical option?”
Home dialysis for elderly people with ESRD makes them feel comfortable about the procedure, sparing them from the anxiety of being in a hospital. This also gives the patients the choice to select their dialysis schedule, and spend more time with family and friends. Recovery time would also reduce significantly in home dialysis. The usual recovery time is eight hours, but it is just one hour at home.
As much as the patient would find comfort and support in home dialysis among elderly patients, the entire process is difficult and any minor mistake would lead to consequences. Home dialysis requires utmost care and dedication from the patient and the person taking care of them. One of the patient’s family members or the person themselves had to hold responsibility for the procedure, from managing the equipment to placing the needles on the body.
Despite the advantages and benefits of home dialysis among elderly patients, one should be aware of its cons. The lack or absence of a medical care person for assistance could complicate things, and could sometimes lead to problems like misplacing needles or infections. Infections during home dialysis occur due to improper handling of the needles or equipment, which could result in severe consequences. So it is important to follow the procedure properly.
Home dialysis among elderly patients is a balance of pros and cons. Make sure to have a thorough consultation with a specialized healthcare professional about the procedure and training. Also, discuss this with your family to confirm if everyone has a mutual understanding of the same..
Table of Contents Keep Your Body Hydrated Sticking to the BRAT Diet Ginger Apple Cider…
Clefts are a common birth defect that occurs when certain body parts do not fuse…
Every day, we see kids jumping in the water, dancing to their favorite tunes, playing…
For those who don’t know what cortisol is, it is an important hormone in the…
If you are not sure about the reasons to keep your child from school, you…
If you are a new parent and cannot manage them whining all day, you need…