[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_phone=”Poppins Regular||||||||” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Funding all the different services, and equipment, for elderly parents can be very expensive, and impossible for some. So, here is a guide on how, and where, you can obtain free medical equipment in California, for use in the home. Some equipment will be brand new, and some of it will be used. I have put together a long list of sources for free home medical equipment, along with instructions on how to apply where necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You will see a list of contents with “quick links”, so you can just jump to the section that interests you the most.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_toggle title=”CONTENTS – Overview & Quick Links” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#005bdb” icon_color=”#005bdb” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#005bdb” body_ul_font=”||||||||” body_ul_text_color=”#59bdd6″ background_color=”rgba(190,229,247,0.47)” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#0b00ea” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Free medical equipment from Ability Tools – the California State Assistive Technology Program<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Free medical equipment from the California Assistive Technology Reuse Coalition<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How to use the Ability Tools AT Exchange – buy, sell, donate, borrow, get free, and ask for used medical equipment<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Ability Tools Device Lending and Demo Centers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Independent Reuse Programs in California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Centers for Independent Living in California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Medical equipment loan Closets in California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Free medical equipment online near me in California <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Free medical equipment on Medicaid in California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Medical equipment with Medicare<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Free medical equipment for Veterans<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Where to find out about free medical equipment in your neighborhood<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Not Free but cheaper<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”freeabilityca” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Access to used medical equipment (or used DME – durable medical equipment) and assistive technologies in California at the state level is coordinated by the California Assistive Technology Program – “ABILITY TOOLS”<\/strong> – with the assistance of a coalition of Reuse Programs at various Reuse Centers, Independent Living Centers, and\u00a0 large nonprofit organizations all across California.<\/p>\n This coalition of reuse programs is called the CATRC – The California Assistive Technology Reuse Coalition.<\/strong><\/p>\n The members of the coalition work with ABILITY TOOLS to collect and refurbish used medical equipment, and to then help to re-allocate it to those in need.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ABILITY TOOLS and the\u00a0 CATRC offer opportunities to –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n The loaned home medical equipment is given to those with the greatest need first.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”State Wide Programs” _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”ability” _builder_version=”4.16″ ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong>Ability Tools runs an Assistive Technology Exchange<\/strong> which can be accessed from their website, on which organizations can post <\/strong>used medical equipment and AT devices available for donation, exchange, loan, or sale, as well as requests for items a person needs, <\/strong>and where the public can also view what is available.<\/strong><\/p>\n The\u00a0Assistive Technology Exchange<\/strong>\u00a0website<\/strong> can be found by going here –\u00a0http:\/\/abilitytools.org\/services\/at-exchange-transition.php<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The CATRC Reuse Programs, post their available inventory on the <\/span>Assistive Technology Exchange<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>website<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n “The reuse programs accept donations of assistive technology devices and medical equipment, repair, and sanitize them, and then offer them to people with disabilities for free, or at low cost.” – Source here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ability Tools also has contracts with 12 agencies<\/strong> throughout California to run demonstration centers, and also lending libraries for AT devices<\/strong>\u00a0which do short term loans of up to 30 days. <\/strong><\/p>\n AT (Assistive Technology) devices include most DME – they are devices which help an individual to complete a task, which they otherwise cannot complete without the device.<\/strong><\/p>\n You can find the demonstration centers and lending libraries on the Ability Tools website here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”freecatrcreuseca” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The CATRC website is here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n All the used medical equipment which has been collected by the CATRC is listed on the Ability Tools online AT Exchange.<\/p>\n You can access the \u00a0AT Exchange on the Ability Tools website (the Natads Public Access database) here,<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n or<\/p>\n on the homepage of the CATRC website, where you will also find links to the AT Exchange to –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The best way to find out about available equipment, and if you are eligible, is to contact the individual member organizations in your area to find out what equipment may be available to you, using the contact info I have listed with each organization below.<\/strong><\/p>\n (There are other organizations which are part of the CATRC, but they do not deal with medical equipment, so I have not included them in the list of organizations below).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”catrcreuse” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Agoura Hills<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Chico<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Fresno<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Milpitas<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Riverside<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n San Juan Capistrano<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Santa Rosa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Anaheim<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Concord<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Grass Valley<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Oakland<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Sacramento<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n San Mateo<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Tarzana<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Bakersfield<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Downey<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Los Angeles<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Pasadena<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n San Jose<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Santa Ana<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The different CATRC Reuse Programs may prioritize members of their communities in different ways, or not.<\/p>\n Some programs will loan medical equipment, or sell it at a very low cost, or give it away for free to those in need, or all three.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”agoals” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The greater Los Angeles chapter of the ALS Association (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) maintains a “loan closet” for their registered members.<\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> Phone:<\/strong>\u00a0818 865 8067<\/p>\n Website:http:\/\/webgw.alsa.org\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n _________________________<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”dayle” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Dayle McIntosh Center’s reuse, recycle and repair program serves all residents of Orange County with disabilities.<\/p>\n The website page for their equipment loan program is here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n The list of items available is always in flux, but examples of the medical equipment include –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> Phone:<\/strong> 714 621 3300<\/p>\n Website: https:\/\/daylemc.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can either contact the program, or look on the AT Exchange to see what equipment they have available.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n _________________________<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”ilckern” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This Repair and Re-Use Program is a loan and recycle program which makes wheelchairs and other assistive equipment available to people with disabilities.<\/p>\n The equipment is loaned out for free, and indefinitely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The program loans DME such as –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> Phone:<\/strong> 661 325 1063<\/p>\n Website: https:\/\/ilcofkerncounty.org<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n _________________________<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Disability Action Centers in Chico runs a DME recycling program which serves all residents of Shasta, Modoc, Siskiyou, Lassen, Butte, Tehama, Glenn, and Plumas Counties with a disability.<\/p>\n The equipment is cleaned, refurbished, and distributed for free to people in the community who need it.<\/p>\n The inventory includes items such as –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can contact them using the information below, and you can also see what is available on the AT Exchange website.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”dac” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Address:<\/strong> Chico, CA 95926<\/p>\n Phone:<\/strong> 800 464 8527<\/p>\n\n
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Free medical equipment from Ability Tools, the State Assistive Technology Program<\/h2>\n
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The Ability Tools AT Exchange<\/h3>\n
Free medical equipment from the California Assistive Technology Reuse Coalition<\/h2>\n
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Select the nearest city to you to find your local CATRC Reuse Program –<\/h3>\n
ALS Association, Los Angeles Chapter<\/h3>\n
P.O. Box 565
Agoura Hills, CA 91376-0565<\/p>\nDAYLE MCINTOSH CENTER (DMC) Reuse, Repair and Recycle Program DAYLE MCINTOSH CENTER (DMC) (Orange County)<\/h3>\n
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501 N. Brookhurst Street, #102
Anaheim, CA 92801<\/p>\nINDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER OF KERN COUNTY (ILCKC)<\/h3>\n
Repair and Re-Use<\/h3>\n
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5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93309<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a>Disability Action Center (DAC)<\/h3>\n
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\n1161 East Avenue<\/p>\n