Lending closets: borrow equipment for a few weeks
Need a walker after surgery, or a shower chair while family visits? You may not need to buy one. A lending closet, also called a loan closet, lends medical equipment for a few weeks or months.
What is a lending closet?
It's a local program that lends equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs and commodes for short-term use. Towns, senior centers, health departments, churches and nonprofits run them. For example, the Town of Woodbridge, Connecticut's Medical Loan Closet lends equipment "for short term use" to its residents.
How to find one near you
- Eldercare Locator: call or text 1-800-677-1116, or search eldercare.acl.gov. It's the federal service that connects older adults and their families to local help.
- 211: dial 211 or visit 211.org to reach a local help line.
- Search: try your town or county name plus "loan closet" or "medical equipment loan closet". Your senior center, hospital or home health agency may also know of one.
Questions to ask before you borrow
- Do you have the item I need, and can you hold it for me?
- How long can I keep it, and can I renew?
- Is there a fee or a deposit?
- Do I need to live in your town or county?
- Can you deliver it, or do I pick it up?
- How should I clean and return it?
Rules are set by each closet, so call first. Then measure your tub, toilet, bed and doorways so what you borrow fits.
Need it for longer, or want to try before you buy?
Every state and territory has an assistive technology program, and many lend equipment so you can try it at home. Find your state's program.