Travelling with a loved one on dialysis: a guide for families

When someone is on dialysis, the whole family adjusts. Spouses drive to sessions, children check the diet, and holidays are often the first thing to be cancelled. Yet a well-organised trip can give everyone a real break.

The invisible load of caregivers

Research consistently shows that family caregivers of haemodialysis patients feel a high burden. In a study of 178 caregivers, mostly spouses, 80.9% described their level of burden as severe, even though each caring task did not take much time (Journal of Renal Care, 2019). A qualitative study in Sri Lanka described the same mix of worry, fatigue and responsibility (BMJ Open, 2024).

What families tell us they need

• Clear information: where is the centre, what time, who to call
• Less logistics: transfers and bookings handled by someone else
• Time for themselves while the patient is in session
• Confidence that the medical side is safe

Practical tips for the companion

• Keep a copy of the medical file and the centre's address on your phone
• Save the coordinator's WhatsApp number
• Plan an activity for yourself during sessions: a walk, the beach, a museum
• Learn the basics of the diet so meals are relaxed, not stressful (see our guide to eating out abroad)
• Watch for signs that need a call to the centre: dizziness, breathlessness, fever

Choosing the right destination together

A short flight and a hotel close to the centre make everything easier. Many families choose Tunisia for its proximity, or Morocco for winter sun; see our destinations compared.

Useful resources

• National Kidney Foundation
• Kidney Care UK
• NHS – Dialysis

This article is general information and does not replace the advice of your nephrologist or renal team.