---
title: "Dialysis 101: What Nursing Home Staff Need to Know"
description: This article provides a clear, practical explanation of dialysis, including the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. It outlines what nursing home staff need to know about scheduling, side effects, and the day-to-day impact on residents. This is essential knowledge for any staff member involved in resident care planning or coordination.
---

[Qsource Blog ](https://www.qsource.org/blog)

# [Dialysis 101: What Nursing Home Staff Need to Know](https://www.qsource.org/blog/dialysis-101-what-nursing-home-staff-need-to-know)

 Written by [Qsource](https://www.qsource.org/blog/author/qsource) | Jul 2, 2025 1:07:06 PM

As the number of nursing home residents requiring dialysis increases, it's essential for long-term care staff to have a foundational understanding of dialysis treatments. This knowledge ensures better coordination with dialysis providers and enhances resident care.

## **Understanding Dialysis**

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), where the kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. There are two primary types of dialysis:

#### **Hemodialysis (HD)**

- **Process**: Blood is drawn from the body, filtered through a dialyzer (artificial kidney), and returned.
- **Setting**: Typically performed in outpatient dialysis centers three times a week, each session lasting about four hours.
- **Access**: Requires a vascular access point, such as a fistula, graft, or catheter.

#### **Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)**

- **Process**: A cleansing fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity, where the peritoneal membrane acts as a filter. After a dwell time, the fluid, now containing waste products, is drained.
- **Setting**: Often conducted at home, either manually throughout the day (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis - CAPD) or automatically at night using a machine (Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis - CCPD).
- **Access**: Involves a catheter surgically placed into the abdomen.

 

## **Key Considerations for Nursing Home Staff**

#### ** Scheduling and Transportation**

Residents undergoing hemodialysis will have fixed treatment schedules. Coordinating transportation to and from dialysis centers is crucial to prevent missed sessions, which can lead to serious health complications.

#### ** Monitoring for Complications**

Be vigilant for signs of potential complications:

- **Infection**: Redness, swelling, or discharge at access sites.
- **Hypotension**: Dizziness or fainting, especially post-dialysis.
- **Fluid Overload**: Swelling in limbs, shortness of breath.

Promptly report any concerns to the resident's healthcare provider.

#### ** Dietary Management**

Residents on dialysis often have specific dietary restrictions, including limits on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake. Collaborate with dietitians to ensure meal plans align with these requirements.

#### ** Medication Administration**

Some medications are administered during dialysis sessions, while others may need dosage adjustments due to reduced kidney function. Maintain clear communication with the dialysis team to ensure accurate medication management.

 

## **In-House Dialysis: An Emerging Option**

Some nursing homes are exploring the feasibility of providing dialysis on-site. This approach can reduce the physical strain of transportation for residents and allow for more flexible scheduling. Implementing in-house dialysis requires collaboration with certified dialysis providers and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

 

[View full post](https://www.qsource.org/blog/dialysis-101-what-nursing-home-staff-need-to-know)

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