Meet Your At-Home HD Care Team
Helping you live your healthiest and fullest life is the goal of your at-home hemodialysis care team. Whether you want to travel, work or spend more quality time with family and friends, your team is committed to helping you get the best treatment possible so you can feel great and live your life. After all, that’s why you’ve chosen at-home hemodialysis—and your team will be there to support you every step of the way.
Your nephrologist (kidney doctor)
Your nephrologist is the head of your care team and the leader of your care plan. He or she will prescribe the right hemodialysis (HD) training, equipment and routine for you to get the most out of your treatment. Your nephrologist will also prescribe medications to be taken during at-home HD—and may even prescribe medicines for other health conditions. Each month, you’ll meet with your nephrologist so that he or she can carefully monitor and assess your treatment progress and make any necessary changes to your care plan.
Your at-home hemodialysis nurse
Your HD nurse will be a big partner in your at-home dialysis training and care. He or she will teach you and your care partner everything you need to know about at-home HD—including how to take the best care of yourself, your equipment and your treatment space. Count on your HD nurse to continually work with you, your nephrologist and other team members to make sure your treatment plan is going well. Your HD nurse is also an excellent resource for answers and solutions to any questions you may have throughout your treatment.
Your social worker
Your social worker is an expert in helping people adjust to all the changes—emotional, physical and financial—that come with starting dialysis. He or she understands all the ins and outs of HD treatment and will be able to offer information and support for successfully integrating at-home hemodialysis into your life.
Especially as you first get started with treatment, your social worker will guide you to resources and support groups that can help you find your way if you feel overwhelmed. He or she will also able to assist you with understanding insurance, working while on dialysis and resources for medication.
Your dietitian
Your renal dietitian will work with you to create a customized, kidney-friendly diet that provides the nutrients you need—and incorporates some of the foods you love! Think a renal diet sounds boring? You’re in for a happy surprise! Check out delicious recipes and meal ideas.
Fresenius Kidney Care customer service team
You—yes, you!
You are absolutely the most important person on your care team. Only you can make the decisions and commitment to perform full treatments on schedule with your care partner and follow your care plan—which will have a huge impact on the success of your treatment. By putting yourself and your health first, you’ll be more able to live life to its fullest—and thrive.
10 tips for getting the most out of at-home hemodialysis:
- Complete all of your training sessions on schedule with your care partner.
- Stick to your prescribed treatment schedule—and finish each full HD session.
- Ask questions, get informed and share the information with your care partner, family and friends.
- Take care of your treatment area and your hemodialysis access site.
- Take all of your medicines exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep your appointments and participate in every home check-in.
- Follow your customized meal plan from your dietitian.
- Exercise as recommended by your doctor.
- Prioritize yourself and your health.
- Let your care team know if you have any health changes.
Last but not least, be sure to tell your care team exactly how you’re doing.
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