Understanding the pros and cons of hemodialysis
The two types of hemodialysis are home hemodialysis and in-center hemodialysis. Both types have pros and cons. You should talk with your healthcare team, family, caregivers, or others you trust to help you decide what's best for you. If you choose one type of hemodialysis first, you can usually change to the other. For example, you may start with in-center hemodialysis, but find that you want more freedom with your schedule. If you're able to do the training and meet all the requirements for home hemodialysis, then you can dialyze at home.
Home Hemodialysis
Pros
Cons
- Studies show that having dialysis at home 5-7 times a week for shorter periods has much better outcomes, including longer life.
- You can also dialyze with the same schedule as in-center. This would include treatments three days a week, with each treatment lasting an average of 4 hours.
- You and your dialysis partner learn to do treatments without the need for in-center staff.
- Dialysis is done in the comfort of your own home.
- No need to travel to a dialysis center.
- More flexibility to choose a convenient time to dialyze, including at night.
- Greater sense of control from being independent and doing treatment yourself.
- A dialysis partner may need to be present while you're on dialysis depending on the type of machine.
- Both you and your dialysis partner must attend training.
- Room must be made for the machine, water system (if needed), and supplies.
- Special electrical connections and plumbing may be needed depending on the type of machine.
- No medical staff is at home to monitor treatment or answer immediate questions, although you can call your center at any time. Your center may also provide remote monitoring services, so a nurse is alerted if you're having a problem.
Home Hemodialysis
Pros
- Studies show that having dialysis at home 5-7 times a week for shorter periods has much better outcomes, including longer life.
- You can also dialyze with the same schedule as in-center. This would include treatments three days a week, with each treatment lasting an average of 4 hours.
- You and your dialysis partner learn to do treatments without the need for in-center staff.
- Dialysis is done in the comfort of your own home.
- No need to travel to a dialysis center.
- More flexibility to choose a convenient time to dialyze, including at night.
- Greater sense of control from being independent and doing treatment yourself.
Cons
- A dialysis partner may need to be present while you're on dialysis depending on the type of machine.
- Both you and your dialysis partner must attend training.
- Room must be made for the machine, water system (if needed), and supplies.
- Special electrical connections and plumbing may be needed depending on the type of machine.
- No medical staff is at home to monitor treatment or answer immediate questions, although you can call your center at any time. Your center may also provide remote monitoring services, so a nurse is alerted if you're having a problem.
In-Center Hemodialysis
Pros
Cons
- Trained staff perform all aspects of treatment. You may be able to do some things yourself like insert the needles.
- Since other people are dialyzing at the same time, you may make friends who provide support and a social network.
- Treatment days and times are scheduled by the center.
- You must travel to the center at least three times a week.
- Other people are doing dialysis at the same time, so you have less privacy.
- Family and friends can't be with you during treatment.
- There may be rules against eating and drinking while on dialysis.
In-Center Hemodialysis
Pros
- Trained staff perform all aspects of treatment. You may be able to do some things yourself like insert the needles.
- Since other people are dialyzing at the same time, you may make friends who provide support and a social network.
Cons
- Treatment days and times are scheduled by the center.
- You must travel to the center at least three times a week.
- Other people are doing dialysis at the same time, so you have less privacy.
- Family and friends can't be with you during treatment.
- There may be rules against eating and drinking while on dialysis.
You can watch this video for personal views on both types of hemodialysis: