The pros and cons of home vs. in-center dialysis in the elderly

Abstract

As life expectancy has increased, so has the number of the elderly population that have developed end stage renal disease. Ultimately, thet may face the choice of whether to dialyze or not. This chapter will look at the challenges this elderly group faces and the benefits that home hemodialysis may offers. It is proposed that this mode of dialysis offers a viable option to the current in-center therapies for the high comorbidity population. As dialysis system become more user friendly and the benefits of home hemodialysis become more apparent, it is important to introduce information about treatment options early in the patient’s disease process. Early education and encouragement for both patient and their support system become the keys to both acceptance and success.