Home hemodialysis is now accepted as an excellent method of caring for patients with kidney failure. Although much of the work involved with hemodialysis can be done by the patient, most home hemodialysis training programs insist that a helper be present during the treatments. A helper is a person who has been trained to do hemodialysis. In most cases, the helper is a spouse or parent, but occasionally, it may be someone else. The home must have enough space to place the artificial kidney.
Electrical outlets are necessary since the machine requires electricity.
Finally, a water faucet is required, since many gallons of water are used during treatment with most artificial kidney systems. The details of the hemodialysis training program differ among institutions. In most cases, the patient will be treated in the home dialysis unit two to three times per week until the patient and helper have learned all the details of the procedure and feel confident performing the procedure at home. Patients will generally be treated as outpatients during this time. Aside from the cost-saving benefits, the main advantage of home hemodialysis is the independence the patient develops.