Preparing Your Home for Dialysis: A Simple Checklist

Choosing at-home dialysis gives you more control over your treatment and your life. At Shifa Dialysis, we’re proud to offer the best home kidney dialysis services in the Chicago area, helping patients receive high-quality, compassionate care without leaving their homes. Whether you’re starting peritoneal dialysis or staff-assisted home hemodialysis, preparing your home properly is an important first step.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you create a safe, efficient space for your dialysis treatments.

1. Create a Clean and Organized Treatment Area

You don’t need a dedicated room, but you do need a clean, comfortable space where you can set up your supplies and equipment. Ideally, choose a quiet area with enough room for your dialysis machine, storage for supplies, and a comfortable chair where you can relax during treatments. Keeping the area free of clutter will help prevent contamination and make your sessions easier to manage.

2. Ensure Good Lighting and Ventilation

Proper lighting helps you or your assisting staff clearly see the machine, connections, and supplies during setup and treatment. Good ventilation keeps the environment comfortable and reduces the risk of overheating equipment.

3. Access to Power and Water (If Needed)

For Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis, your machine may require access to a grounded electrical outlet and, in some cases, a water source. Before beginning home hemodialysis, our team will assess your home and guide you through any necessary adjustments to ensure the setup is safe and fully functional.

4. Stock Up on Supplies

You’ll need to keep a steady supply of dialysis materials such as solutions, tubing, dressings, gloves, and disinfectants. Having an organized storage area close to your treatment space makes treatments easier and less stressful. At Shifa Dialysis, we help patients manage their supply orders and make sure they have everything they need ahead of time.

5. Maintain a Hygiene Routine

Hand hygiene is critical to avoid infections during dialysis. Set up a small hygiene station near your treatment area with hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, and disinfectant wipes. Clean your space before and after each session.

6. Set Up Emergency Contacts and Instructions

It’s important to have emergency numbers and instructions posted clearly near your dialysis area. If you’re receiving Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis, our team will also go over emergency procedures with you and your family so everyone feels confident and prepared.

7. Stay Connected with Your Care Team

At Shifa Dialysis, we believe that clinical excellence and personalized care go hand in hand. We keep in close contact with our home dialysis patients, offering support, regular check-ins, and adjustments to care plans as needed. Our staff is always available to answer your questions or provide guidance when needed.

Our focus is on helping you maintain your lifestyle, your independence, and your peace of mind. Whether you choose peritoneal dialysis or staff-assisted home hemodialysis, we’re here to make sure your transition to home treatment is smooth, safe, and fully supported.

Ready to learn more? Contact Shifa Dialysis today to find out how we can help you set up for successful home dialysis care.