Lakeridge Health Launches First-of-Its-Kind Home Dialysis Assistance Program (HDAP) in Partnership with The Lighthouse Retreat

Durham Region, Ontario — December 4 — Lakeridge Health has launched the first assisted home hemodialysis program in Durham Region, a groundbreaking model that brings assisted home hemodialysis directly into the homes of patients and families. In partnership with The Lighthouse Retreat, the program gives people living with chronic kidney disease more flexibility, comfort, and independence, while easing pressure on hospital-based dialysis units. 

Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys slowly lose their ability to clean the blood and keep the body healthy. Across Ontario, approximately 700,000 people live with chronic kidney disease. About 12,500 require dialysis, and most travel to a hospital-based dialysis centre three to four times per week for hemodialysis treatment. In Durham Region alone, Lakeridge Health supports more than 350 in-centre hemodialysis patients and over 160 individuals through home dialysis programs.  

“HDAP gives patients the option to receive safe hemodialysis treatment at home with support from Lakeridge Health’s nephrology team and trained nurses from The Lighthouse Retreat,” said Anna-Marie Sutherland, Director, Regional Nephrology and Diabetes, Lakeridge Health. “By supporting patients where they live, we remove barriers like frequent travel to hospital and help improve quality of life for patients and families.” 

Over 30 per cent of dialysis patients who are part of the Regional Nephrology Program at Lakeridge Health are on a home modality, and perform dialysis at home, both independently or with assistance. The new assisted home hemodialysis program will enable more people to receive dialysis in their homes.  

“Assisted home dialysis has given me a part of myself back,” said Diana Thomas, HDAP client. “With a nurse coming to my home and guiding me, I feel truly supported, in more control and more confident and empowered in my dialysis treatment. I feel human again! I’m able to meet friends and family when I wish and even go shopping with my daughter. It’s brought the joy I had lost.” 

The HDAP program is available in private homes as well as Lakeridge Gardens Long-Term Care.  

“I’m not as tired anymore, and now I can do my dialysis when it works for me,” said Gerald Joseph Savoie, Lakeridge Gardens resident. “Before, I had to be at the centre so early I’d skip breakfast. Now I can eat first and do my treatment on my own schedule.” 

“More frequent dialysis leads to better outcomes,” said Sandy Thompson, Patient Care Manager, Lakeridge Health Home Dialysis Programs. “Home dialysis gives patients the flexibility to receive treatment at times that work best for them, which significantly improves their quality of life. When patients can dialyze more often and on a schedule that suits their needs, we consistently see healthier results overall.” 

To support safe care in the community, patients, caregivers, and community partners receive comprehensive, hands-on training to build confidence and skills in managing dialysis outside the hospital setting. 

“Building on more than 20 years of independent home dialysis and assisted Peritoneal Dialysis experience, HDAP allows us to bring assisted hemodialysis into private homes and long-term care for the first time,” Sutherland added. “We began at Lakeridge Gardens Long-Term Care Home and are now expanding services to homes across Durham Region.” 

“Introducing home hemodialysis through this partnership is a game-changer for patients and families,” said Brian Pollard, Health System Executive, Clinical, Lakeridge Health. “It has elevated the patient experience by improving outcomes. By bringing dialysis directly into homes and community settings, and ensuring people are fully supported, we’re delivering on our mission of empowering people to live their best health. This is seamless, connected care that keeps people home.” 

“We are delighted to collaborate with Lakeridge Health on this innovative model of care,” said Cerita Miller, President and CEO, The Lighthouse Retreat. “Our nurses are proud to support patients in receiving life-sustaining dialysis treatments in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.” 

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About Lakeridge Health   

Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health. 

About The Lighthouse Retreat   

The Lighthouse Retreat Inc. is a community-focused organization dedicated to providing safe, supportive, and compassionate care for individuals living with complex health and social needs since 2013. Through personalized care, structured programming, and a commitment to dignity and empowerment, The Lighthouse Retreat helps individuals build stability, improve quality of life, and move toward greater independence. With a team of skilled professionals and a strong network of community partners, The Lighthouse Retreat remains committed to delivering exceptional care and meaningful outcomes for the individuals and families it serves. 

Guided by our vision to deliver safe, high-quality health-care services and improve health outcomes, The Lighthouse Retreat Inc. is supported by a dedicated team of nurses, personal support workers, administrators, and volunteers. Together, we work diligently to provide a wide range of programs and services tailored to the needs of our seniors and community. Strong community partnerships, including our collaboration with Lakeridge Health forms an essential part of our organizational foundation. Serving seniors and strengthening our community is not just our mission, but our passion. 

For more information contact:   
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