A family systems approach to home dialysis

Dramatic increases in the cost of the end stage renal disease program are producing an emphasis on home dialysis with the patient and his family carrying the responsibility for this treatment. This requires an adjustment of the family's emotional system and role assignment to sustain members through the continued stress of chronic catastrophic illness. We are suggesting a model of intervention in which family members are encouraged to recognize stress caused by one member's illness and to make necessary changes in the family functioning.