Home Dialysis Program

The home dialysis program works with patients who are able to safely manage their own dialysis treatments while at home.  This service is available to people in any region of Saskatchewan.  Referral can be done by other kidney health staff or self-referral by the patient.

Patients are trained by a registered nurse to do one of the following dialysis treatments:  Peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis.  Both types of dialysis are excellent ways for patients to receive their treatments while being able to stay in their own community in the comfort of their own home.

Peritoneal Dialysis 

This kind of dialysis must be done every day, but means less travel to dialysis centers for treatments and the ability to be independent.  It can be done using a small machine at night while asleep, or manually during the day. The peritoneal dialysis registered nurses are available by phone call seven days a week for support as needed.

We provide our patients with individual teaching and support to manage their care at home.  We also deliver education and support to healthcare workers, family doctors, and nurse practitioners who require more information about peritoneal dialysis in the care of their patients.

Home Hemodialysis 

Home hemodialysis is the same kind of blood dialysis done in a hospital or community based unit, but it is done in your own home. The machine is a bit smaller and more user-friendly. It can be done for seven to eight hours while you sleep at night or during the day for three to four hours, five days per week.

Home hemodialysis is for just about any dialysis patient who wants to:

• Have more control over their care
• Have better blood pressure control
• Follow a more flexible dialysis schedule
• Have more energy to work or do other activities they enjoy 
• Have less restrictions on their diet and fluid intake 
• Spend more time at home with their family and friends
• Not worry about travelling to treatments

Patients most suitable for home hemodialysis:

• Must be able to see and hear the machine, and to move fingers easily (i.e., button clothing) or have a loved one who can consistently help
• Have a well-functioning vascular access (e.g., fistula, graft or catheter).
• Water in the home must be safe to drink, and in good supply.
• Have a clean space in the home for the equipment and to store supplies.
• Those who do not own their home, but you rent, will need a landlord agreement to do necessary plumbing and electrical changes.
• Able to attend about 6 weeks of training with a patient educator in Saskatoon or Regina 

What is the cost of the machines and supplies?

The cost of all machines and the dialysis supplies you need are covered by Saskatchewan Health Authority; there is no cost to you.  SHA also covers up to $5,000.00 to help cover cost of plumbing and electrical renovations.

For more information, contact us.

The home dialysis program is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.  

After hours phone support is available from 0800-2300 - 7 days a week (Accessible through the local hospital switch board).