Two weeks out from the first dialysis session you can: tour the clinic together, set up the recliner + warm blanket setup at home, organize meals around the renal diet, learn fistula or catheter care basics, build a session-day kit (snacks, headphones, blanket, charger), and start the FMLA paperwork. The first month is rough emotionally — your job is to be steady, not cheerful. Below: the 12-item before-dialysis caregiver checklist.
Tour the clinic together if they’ll let you
Most outpatient dialysis centers allow a family member at the first visit. Go. Meet the social worker. See the chair, the access machines, the waiting area. Knowing what the room looks like makes the first session less terrifying for them — and you understand the timing/logistics for pickup.
The home recliner setup
After dialysis many patients are tired, light-headed, or cold. They’ll come home and want to sit upright (not flat) for 1-2 hours before bed. Set up:
- A recliner with a soft warm blanket nearby
- Side table with water, a snack, phone charger
- Heated blanket if winter
- A bin for the protected access arm — they may need to keep it elevated
Renal diet basics — what’s about to change
Dialysis comes with low-potassium, low-phosphorus, low-sodium dietary restrictions. The dietitian will give specific lists; in the meantime understand:
- Bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes — usually limited
- Dairy and dark colas — limited
- Salty/processed foods — out
- Fluid intake — restricted (often 1.5-2L/day total)
Stock the pantry beforehand with renal-friendly options: white rice, white bread, apples, berries, chicken, fish, low-sodium broth.
Fistula or catheter — know which they have
Most patients start dialysis via a tunneled catheter (CVC) and transition to an arteriovenous (AV) fistula. Your role for each:
If catheter: dressing must stay dry; no swimming; watch for redness, drainage, fever (call team).
If fistula: no blood pressure cuffs or IVs on that arm; no lifting heavy bags with that hand; teach them to feel for the “thrill” (vibration); watch for swelling or arm pain.
The session-day kit
Pack a small bag together. Sessions are 3-5 hours, 3x weekly. Standard kit:
- Headphones + downloaded shows / podcasts / audiobooks
- Phone charger (long cable)
- Soft blanket (clinics are cold)
- Light snack approved by dietitian
- Slip-on shoes (easy for the chair)
- Loose front-zip top with easy port/access exposure
- Lip balm + lotion (dehydration)
Conversations to have BEFORE the first session
The first month emotional landscape
The first 4 weeks of dialysis are emotionally raw. They may grieve their pre-dialysis life. They may snap at you. They may not want to talk about it. Your job:
- Don’t perform cheerfulness. Match their tone.
- Don’t push positivity (“at least you’re getting treatment!” — don’t).
- Be present without commentary.
- Don’t compare to other patients you’ve heard about.
FMLA + insurance paperwork — start now
If you (or they) need to take time off work for sessions or recovery, FMLA applies for serious health conditions. Get the paperwork from HR before you need it. Same for short-term disability, supplemental insurance claims, and any travel/medical FSA accounts.
The 12-item before-dialysis caregiver checklist
- Tour the clinic with them
- Set up the recliner / warm blanket at home
- Stock pantry with renal-diet basics
- Learn fistula or catheter care basics
- Pack the session-day kit
- Confirm transport for first 5-7 sessions
- Start your own FMLA paperwork if relevant
- Volunteer to be the family communicator
- Coordinate meal-train if friends offered
- Ask about access-protective clothing (front-zip, loose sleeve)
- Talk about how they want to be supported emotionally
- Schedule a check-in with the social worker around week 4
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Inspired Comforts collection.
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Sources
- National Kidney Foundation — kidney.org
- American Kidney Fund — kidneyfund.org
