Introduction
Creating a home dialysis space is a significant step for those undergoing treatment. It’s not just about setting up equipment; it’s about creating a space that supports both physical and mental well-being. Let’s dive into how you can achieve a safe dialysis space at home.
1. Choosing the Right Space for Dialysis
- Finding the Best Room: Picking where to do your dialysis at home is important. If you don’t need to be in bed for it, you might want to use a room like the living room or a spare dining room. Make sure there’s enough space for the dialysis chair, especially when it’s fully extended. Also, there should be enough room for your care partner to work comfortably. Some people even use their bedroom if they do treatments overnight.
- Think About What You Like: Ask yourself what will make you feel good and relaxed. Do you like being alone or having people around? Choose a room that lets you feel the way you want during treatment. You can even decorate it to make it feel like it’s really your own special space.
2. Comfort and Accessibility
- Sitting Comfortably: Since dialysis takes a while, having a cosy chair is very important. It should support you well and make you feel relaxed. If you do treatments at night, your bed needs to be comfortable, too.
- Getting the Light Right: The lighting in your dialysis space is a big deal. It needs to be bright enough so you can see everything clearly when setting up and doing your dialysis. But it should also be soft so it doesn’t hurt your eyes or cause a glare.
- Drain Near You: You need to be able to get rid of waste fluids easily. So, having a sink, bathtub, or toilet nearby is essential. Sometimes, you may need to change your plumbing to make this work.
3. Entertainment and Engagement
- Watching and Reading: You should watch TV or read during your treatment. It can help the time go by faster and make you feel better. Some people like to read books or use an e-reader. You can also listen to music if that’s what you enjoy.
- Staying Connected: Having a phone, laptop, or tablet in your dialysis space is a good idea. It lets you talk to friends and family, look at social media, or play games. This can make your treatment time more enjoyable.
4. Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- Easy for Helpers to Get to You: It’s important that people who come to help in an emergency can reach you easily. Make sure your dialysis space isn’t hard to get to. Avoid places with lots of stairs or tight areas that could be tricky for emergency workers.
- Be Ready for Anything: Always have a phone that’s fully charged and know where your emergency numbers are. If you do dialysis when it’s dark, have a flashlight ready. Also, keep your instructions and emergency kit in the same place so you can find them fast if you need to.
5. Storage and Organization
- Storing Things Smartly: Keeping your dialysis supplies organised is super important. Use things like storage carts and plastic containers to save space. Drawers that you can roll around are also helpful. They let you move your supplies close to you when you need them.
- Keep Track of Supplies: Knowing how much stuff you have is really important. This way, you won’t have too much or too little. It helps keep your space neat and makes sure you have what you need.
6. Creating a Soothing Atmosphere
- Making It Look Nice: Adding plants, flowers, or artwork can make your dialysis space feel nicer. It can help you feel happier and more relaxed.
- Smells and Sounds: Think about using a diffuser with calming smells like lavender or vanilla. Sounds are important, too. You may like soft music or the sound of wind chimes. These things can make your space feel peaceful.
7. Planning and Ergonomics
- Setting Up the Space Right: You need to think about how your dialysis space is set up. Make sure there’s enough room for your care partner to move around easily. Keep supplies close so you don’t have to reach too far or hurt your back.
- Thinking About Trash and Recycling: Planning how to deal with waste and recycling makes your treatments easier. Break down cardboard boxes as you go. Have a bin for recycling things like plastic wrappers. Don’t forget about having a proper place to throw away medical stuff like needles.
8. Pre and Post Treatment Care
- A Place for Checking Your Health: Set up an area for checking your health before and after dialysis. You’ll need things like a scale, a blood pressure cuff, and a place to write down your information. Make sure you have everything you need for this, like extra batteries and pens.
9. Personalisation and Flexibility
- Make It Your Own: Remember, this is your space. You should feel comfortable and happy in it. Decorate it in a way that makes you feel good. It’s okay to change things around if you find something that works better for you.
10. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
- Keeping It Clean: It’s important to keep your dialysis space clean. Pick furniture and flooring that are easy to clean. This might mean using a chair with a washable cover or having a floor that you can quickly wipe down.
- Simple Maintenance: Choose equipment and furniture that are easy to take care of. You don’t want to spend a lot of time fixing things or doing complicated cleaning. The simpler, the better.
11. Temperature Control
- Staying Comfortable: Make sure you can control the temperature in your dialysis space. You might feel colder during treatment, so having a blanket or a small heater nearby can be helpful. In the summer, a fan or air conditioning can keep you cool.
- Adjustable Settings: If you can, use a thermostat or other devices that let you easily change the temperature. This way, you can make the room warmer or cooler without having to get up during treatment.
Conclusion : Safe Dialysis Space at Home
Creating a safe dialysis space at home is about making a place that’s safe, comfortable, and nice for you. By thinking about these tips, you can make your treatments better and less stressful. It’s important to remember that this is your space. Make it work for you, and don’t be afraid to change things to make it better.
