Getting Started on Home Hemodialysis
DaVita’s home hemodialysis (HHD) program currently serves more patients than any other HHD program in the United States. We are committed to your success with HHD, which is why we have developed unparalleled services to support you.
Deciding that HHD is right for you
When you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), you and your nephrologist (kidney doctor) will discuss which treatment options best fit your lifestyle. Ask your doctor about HHD. You may prefer this type of treatment because:
- You can dialyze in the comfort of your own home
- You can dialyze for shorter treatment times if you do short daily HHD
- Treatment is administered with the help of your care partner
- Dialyzing at home allows you to maintain an active lifestyle, at work, at school or in your travels
- With HHD, you may have a more liberal diet than you would on in-center hemodialysis
- You’ll save time by not traveling to a dialysis center three days a week
Those benefits, as well as personalized care for your unique health and lifestyle needs, are what you’ll find when you begin HHD treatments with DaVita.
Find a DaVita HHD program
Are you interested in finding an HHD program near you? Call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0582 or find a center with a home dialysis program nearest you.
Training on HHD
Once you and your doctor have determined that HHD is right for you and you have identified a DaVita® program near you, you will work with an HHD nurse who will take you through a comprehensive training program tailored to your specific medical and learning needs. The program will provide the education, tools and support you need to stay healthy and safe while enjoying the many benefits of HHD.
Your HHD nurse will personalize your training program to suit your needs. During training, you will learn all the skills and procedures required to perform short, frequent treatments independently. The wide range of topics will include how to:
- Use your equipment
- Create a hygienic environment
- Manage supplies
- Handle needles
- Keep an organized log of your treatments
The length of training programs varies, but most people usually learn how to perform HHD safely within three to five weeks. The majority of training for home treatments is done at dialysis centers.
People who choose HHD will have a dialysis care partner to assist them. This can be a spouse, parent, child, professional caregiver or other responsible person who can be relied upon to provide support. Your care partner will be trained with you.
Transitioning from in-center dialysis to HHD
Many people that start in-center hemodialysis transition to a home dialysis therapy. You will have more freedom and flexibility but you certainly won’t be alone. You’re only a phone call away from a highly trained home dialysis clinical team that’s dedicated to delivering superior care and making your experience as comfortable as possible.
You're Not Alone: A Toolbox for Managing Your Health
Stay on track with your health anytime, anywhere with DaVita's easy-to-use patient platforms. Check your lab results, find delicious kidney-friendly recipes, connect with your care team, and more. Get started by creating a Health Portal account if you treat in-center or downloading DaVita Care Connect if you treat at home.
DaVita dialysis treatment options
If you want to learn more about dialysis, explore DaVita’s treatment options:
For more information, call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0582.
