How to Deal With Someone Going on Diaylsis

Being involved, whether as a friend or family member, with someone going through a medical crisis or issue requires that you step up your level of interaction and modify your behavior in some ways. If you know someone who is starting dialysis, especially someone who faces a lifetime of such treatment for survival, you should work on ways to make the person feel that you care and are concerned for their his being. Dealing with others who are sick requires you to be cognizant of their needs and condition.

Things You'll Need

• Flowers
• Card or stationery
• Books and magazines

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask the person about his medical condition. This works best if you are close to him and have a more intimate relationship. You should ask about his overall health and well being. Listen to what he says and offer encouraging words to show him that you will support him throughout the process and longevity of treatment.

• 2

  Offer to drive him to and from dialysis appointments as your own schedule allows. You can volunteer to stay and sit with him while he is receiving dialysis from time to time if he wishes to have your company while receiving the multi-hour treatment. You should understand that some patients receive dialysis multiple times per week, for four to eight hours per treatment. Make sure you are aware of the time commitment involved with being physically present to support someone.

• 3

  Make lunch for him to take along to dialysis. Deliver the packed lunches on the morning of dialysis or deliver the meal directly to the dialysis treatment center or hospital where dialysis is taking place.

• 4

  Offer to make dinner once per week for him on the day after receiving dialysis. The extensive and lengthy process of dialysis may make some patients tired. Because of this, offering to make dinner the evening following treatment will provide an extra hand when needed.

• 5

  Clean his house, watch small children, water gardens, walk pets or shop for groceries to further help the person on dialysis. You can get a schedule organized by enlisting the help of others who also wish to help out and be supportive.