Improving kidney care for residents in nursing facilities: a national model

The RRC Staff Assisted Home Hemodialysis Program started in September 2013 with the target of improving care for the frail elderly residents in skilled facilities by offering hemodialysis in their home setting. Residents all receive short time, frequent dialysis. The residents no longer need to be transported to a local dialysis center three times per week in all types of weather and subject to long waits by the transport company. In addition, Medicare/Medicaid save significant dollars on transportation expenses. Residents needing rehabilitation services can receive their therapy while their dialysis schedule is adjusted around the resident's therapy. Residents no longer miss meals and medications or family visits. Collaboration between RRC and the skilled facility is patient centric whereby the care of each patient is consistent and individualized. The most meaningful measure of the success of this program is the residents themselves. They have self-reported how much better they feel with more energy. The residents can increase their socialization activities within the skilled facility. The dietitians report that the residents are eating better because there are fewer restrictions on foods and fluids.