Things to Think About

There are pros and cons with each dialysis option. Each person is different and they need to work with their family and healthcare team to decide which will work best for them. For many, dialysis at home is more flexible than at a center, but there are also more responsibilities.

This chart compares each of the choices:

 

In Center

Home

 

Conventional or Nocturnal

Conventional, Short Daily, or Nocturnal*

CAPD/CCPD (peritoneal dialysis)

Portable

No

Depends on machine

Yes

Travel possible

With advance planning

With portable machine

Yes


Needles used

Yes

Yes

No

Training time

None

4-6 weeks (depending on system)

1-2 weeks

Amount of storage space

Not applicable

Depends on machine from 10 to 80 boxes

Monthly supply shipments of 30-60 boxes

Bathing or swimming allowed

Yes, per doctor

Yes, per doctor

No or limited

Changes to home wiring or plumbing

Not applicable

Depends on machine

No

 

*There are currently no systems specifically indicated for nocturnal hemodialysis.