Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Bottom line: South Dakota does not appear to have one free statewide warehouse for durable medical equipment, also called DME. Start with Dakota at Home and ask for medical equipment and assistive technology loans near your town. Then check DakotaLink, local senior centers, and medical suppliers at the same time. This is important because a free walker may be nearby, while a hospital bed, oxygen, or a fitted wheelchair may need a supplier.
Emergency help now
- If discharge is today: Call the hospital discharge planner, clinic, rehab office, or home health agency. Ask them to help you find the safest equipment before the person goes home.
- If there is a fall risk: Ask for a same-day plan for a walker, commode, shower chair, bed rail, or wheelchair. Do not wait for a free option if the home is unsafe tonight.
- If you do not know who serves your town: Call 211 through the Helpline Center for local resource help.
- If the item needs oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, or fitting: Call a medical supplier right away. A loan closet is usually not the right place for complex medical devices.
Quick help box
- Best first call: Dakota at Home at 1-833-663-9673.
- Best statewide try-before-buy path: Use the DakotaLink FAQ for short device loans and program rules.
- Best public reuse search: Search the reuse portal for items that may be available through DakotaLink.
- Strongest free community closet found: Call or visit Owen’s Outfitters in Sioux Falls.
- Best GFS starting page: Use our South Dakota benefits page for broader senior help.
| Need | Start here | Why this helps | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic walker, cane, shower chair, commode, or wheelchair | Dakota at Home and local loan closets | Staff can search by town, county, and service type. | Inventory changes fast. |
| Try a device before buying | DakotaLink | It has demos and short-term device loans. | Loans depend on what is in stock. |
| Free equipment in Sioux Falls | Owen’s Outfitters | It is a medical equipment lending library. | Call or check hours before going. |
| Oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, power chair, or hospital bed | Medical supplier | These items may need a doctor order, setup, or insurance billing. | Approval and delivery can take time. |
| Ride to pick up DME | South Dakota Medicaid, if enrolled | Some DME pickup trips may be covered. | Rules are narrow. Call first. |
Contents
- What this help is
- Best first calls
- Statewide reuse options
- Local places to try
- Supplier backup
- Pickup and transport
- Before pickup
- Start without delays
- Reality checks
- FAQ
What this help is
A DME loan closet lends or gives used medical equipment so a person can stay safer at home. In South Dakota, this often means walkers, canes, crutches, manual wheelchairs, transport chairs, shower chairs, transfer benches, bedside commodes, raised toilet seats, and other simple safety items.
A reuse program is a little different. It may clean, check, list, loan, donate, or resell used assistive technology. Assistive technology can include mobility aids, daily living tools, vision aids, communication devices, and some home safety items.
This help is not the same as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. A free closet may help fast with a basic item. But a prescribed item may need a doctor order, medical notes, fitting, delivery, training, and insurance approval. For more health coverage background, see our Medicaid guide before you apply for paid or billed equipment.
Use a free closet when the item is simple, short term, and safe to reuse. Use a supplier when the item is complex, powered, fitted, respiratory, or tied to a medical condition that needs follow-up.
Best first calls
South Dakota is very local for free equipment. The same item can be easy to find in Sioux Falls and hard to find in a rural county. That is why the best plan is to call two paths at once: the free or reuse path and the supplier path.
Dakota at Home
Dakota at Home is South Dakota’s aging and disability resource center. It can help older adults, people with disabilities, families, and caregivers look for local services. Ask staff to search both medical equipment and assistive technology equipment loan options. This is also the best way to avoid old senior-center links. For more aging network help, use our aging agencies guide after this article.
Who may use it: People seeking local aging, disability, and long-term support information in South Dakota.
Where to start: Call 1-833-663-9673 and give the town, ZIP code, item needed, and how soon it is needed.
Reality check: Dakota at Home can point you to options. It does not mean every county has a free closet with the item ready.
DakotaLink
DakotaLink is South Dakota’s assistive technology program. Its public information says people can use the program when day-to-day function is limited by disability, injury, or aging. It also says devices in stock may be borrowed for up to two weeks. The DakotaLink contacts page lists offices in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Brookings, and Aberdeen, plus the statewide number 1-800-645-0673.
Who may use it: Older adults and others with a functional need for assistive technology.
Where to start: Call 1-800-645-0673 or search the public loan and reuse site.
Reality check: DakotaLink is not a free store. Some services are free, some items are for loan, and some other services may have fees.
Phone scripts
Dakota at Home script: “I am helping an older adult in [town]. We need a [item] by [date]. Please check medical equipment, assistive technology loans, nearby senior centers, and suppliers if no free item is open.”
DakotaLink script: “I need to try or borrow [item] for an older adult with [mobility, vision, hearing, or home safety problem]. Is anything in stock, and what location should I contact?”
Hospital script: “Before discharge, can you help us get the exact equipment order and a safe pickup or delivery plan? We are also checking loan closets, but we need a safe backup.”
Supplier script: “We need [item]. The doctor or therapist recommended it. Do you rent, bill insurance, or sell it, and what paperwork do you need today?”
Statewide reuse options
DakotaLink is the closest statewide reuse and short-term device loan path found for South Dakota. Its portal says device loans are usually for two weeks unless noted. It also says donated reuse items are cleaned and checked for function before posting. That is useful because used equipment must be safe, complete, and the right size.
The program can be a good fit when a senior needs to test a device before buying it, compare options, or find a hard-to-locate daily living aid. It can also help when a caregiver is not sure what type of equipment will work in a small bathroom, narrow hallway, or rural home.
DakotaLink is not limited to wheelchairs and walkers. Assistive technology can include daily living aids, mobility equipment, communication tools, magnifiers, computer access aids, and other devices. For older adults with a broader disability need, our disabled seniors guide can help you choose the next office to call.
If the senior is leaving a nursing facility or another institution, ask about Home Again. The Home Again referrals page gives a referral path and a phone number. This is not a general loan closet. It is a transition program, so it fits best when the person is trying to move back to a home or community setting.
Local places to try
Free community equipment in South Dakota depends on donations, space, volunteers, and local rules. Always call first. Ask what is in stock, whether the item can be held, and whether they need the senior to live in a certain county.
| Area | Place | May help with | What to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls and nearby counties | Owen’s Outfitters | Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, lifts, ramps, hospital beds, bathroom safety items, hygiene supplies, and other donated items. | Ask about current stock, hours, borrowing steps, and large-item pickup. |
| Belle Fourche and Butte County | Belle Silver Lining | Dakota at Home lists walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, and other equipment loaned to the community. | Ask if membership, county residence, or fees affect the item you need. |
| Hill City area | Hill City Senior Citizens | Dakota at Home lists durable medical equipment loans through this local senior group. | Ask if the item is available now and when it must be returned. |
| Aberdeen, Brookings, Rapid City, Sioux Falls | DakotaLink offices | Device demos, short loans, assistive technology guidance, and reuse information. | Ask which office is best for your town and whether the item can be reserved. |
| Statewide | Independent living centers | Referral help, disability problem-solving, and home access guidance. | Ask which local equipment or home safety contacts serve your county. |
For independent living help, eastern and many tribal areas may start with Independent Living Choices, while western counties may contact Western Resources. These groups are not general DME loan closets, but they can help a disabled senior or caregiver think through home access, referrals, and next steps.
If you are also dealing with food, rent, utility bills, or other emergency needs, our emergency help guide may be a better first stop.
Supplier backup
A supplier is often the safest backup when a senior needs an item with a prescription, fitting, delivery, setup, oxygen support, pressure settings, battery service, or insurance billing. Do not treat suppliers as a last resort if the item is urgent. Call them while you also search free options.
In South Dakota, supplier options include Sanford Health Equip, which lists durable medical equipment and health care accessories, and Monument Health, which lists home medical equipment locations in Rapid City and Spearfish. Avera HME says it offers rent or purchase options, delivery, setup, and in-home training. Performance Respiratory lists used equipment, rental equipment, mobility items, ramps, lift chairs, and respiratory services.
| Item type | Better route | Why | Ask this |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walker, cane, shower chair, commode | Loan closet first | These are often simple and reusable. | “Is it clean, complete, and the right size?” |
| Hospital bed or patient lift | Loan closet plus supplier | Free options may exist, but transport and setup are hard. | “Can someone show us safe use?” |
| Oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, ventilator | Supplier first | These need medical setup and follow-up. | “What order and insurance papers are needed?” |
| Power chair or custom seating | Supplier or specialist | Fit, batteries, controls, and coverage rules matter. | “Who does the seating evaluation?” |
| Short-term test device | DakotaLink | Trying first can prevent a poor purchase. | “Is a two-week loan available?” |
If the senior needs help paying for other health costs, our Medicare Savings guide may help with Medicare-related costs, but it is not a DME approval page.
Pickup and transport
In South Dakota, the hardest part may be the ride, not the referral. A free hospital bed is not useful if the family cannot move it. A wheelchair from a city program may still be out of reach for a rural senior with no truck.
If the senior has South Dakota Medicaid, read the Medicaid ride rules before driving. The state says transportation may be covered in some cases to pick up durable medical equipment when the medical service is covered and medically necessary, the provider is enrolled, the trip is to the closest provider, the trip is for a first fill, fitting, or adjustment, and delivery or mailing is not an option. These rules are detailed, so call before you make the trip.
For general ride ideas, our senior transportation guide can help you think through local transit, volunteer rides, medical rides, and reimbursement questions.
- Ask about delivery: Some suppliers deliver. Many small closets do not.
- Ask about a hold: Do not drive two hours unless the item is set aside.
- Ask about loading: A bed, lift, or ramp may need two people and a truck.
- Ask about return: Some programs need the item back when the senior no longer needs it.
Before pickup
Used equipment can save money, but it must be safe. Do not take home an item that is broken, missing parts, or wrong for the person’s size. A poor fit can raise the risk of falls.
| Question | Why it matters | What to do if unsure |
|---|---|---|
| Has it been cleaned? | Used equipment may touch skin, wounds, bathrooms, or bedding. | Ask how it was cleaned and decide if you are comfortable. |
| Are all parts included? | Footrests, brakes, chargers, rails, slings, knobs, and screws matter. | Ask staff to check the parts before you leave. |
| Is it the right size? | A walker or chair that is too high, low, narrow, or weak can be unsafe. | Bring height, weight, and doorway measurements. |
| Is there a weight limit? | Seats, commodes, lifts, and beds can fail if overloaded. | Do not guess. Ask for the rated limit. |
| Can someone show use? | Transfers, lifts, bed rails, and scooters need safe handling. | Ask for a short demo or call the therapist. |
| What if it breaks? | You need a contact person and a backup plan. | Get the phone number before leaving. |
How to start without wasting time
- Name the exact item: Say “two-wheel walker,” “bedside commode,” or “transfer bench,” not just “medical equipment.”
- Ask for the safe size: Get the senior’s height, weight, and any therapist notes.
- Call Dakota at Home: Ask for nearby loan closets and assistive technology loans.
- Search DakotaLink: Check loan and reuse inventory if the item is not urgent today.
- Call the local lead: For Sioux Falls, Owen’s Outfitters is a strong first call.
- Call a supplier too: Do this right away if the item is prescribed, large, powered, respiratory, or needed for discharge.
- Plan pickup: Confirm hours, loading help, return rules, and whether a truck is needed.
If the missing item is part of a larger home safety problem, our home repair guide may help with ramps, bathroom changes, or urgent repair paths.
What to gather first
- The exact equipment name.
- Why it is needed, such as fall risk, surgery, stroke, weakness, or discharge.
- How soon it is needed.
- How long it may be needed.
- The senior’s town, ZIP code, county, height, and weight.
- Doorway, bathroom, bed, or vehicle measurements for large items.
- Doctor order, discharge note, therapy note, or insurance card, if you have one.
- Medicaid card, if transportation or supplier billing may be involved.
- Name and phone number of the person who can pick up the item.
- A backup plan if the free item is gone.
Caregivers who are helping often should also review our family caregiver guide for state-specific care support paths.
Reality checks
- There may be no free item today. Donation closets depend on what people gave back.
- Hospital beds are harder than walkers. They need space, transport, setup, and sometimes training.
- Respiratory equipment is different. Oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilators should go through a prescriber and supplier.
- Rural families may need a wider search. Ask Dakota at Home to search nearby counties and regional hubs.
- Free does not always mean cheaper. Long drives, missed work, truck rental, or unsafe setup can cost more than a rental.
- Used items still need review. Brakes, feet, rails, batteries, chargers, slings, and labels should be checked.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until discharge day to start calling.
- Asking for “anything” instead of naming the exact item.
- Driving to a closet without asking if the item is in stock.
- Taking a wheelchair, walker, or commode without checking the size and weight limit.
- Using a community closet for oxygen or other respiratory devices.
- Forgetting to ask about pickup, delivery, stairs, and setup.
- Assuming every town has the same help.
- Using old senior-center pages instead of current aging and disability resource contacts.
If delayed or overwhelmed
If the first path fails, do not start over from zero. Tell the next person what you already tried. Ask for a named referral, not just a general idea.
- Call Dakota at Home again: Ask them to widen the search to nearby counties.
- Call the nearest DakotaLink office: Ask if another office has the item.
- Ask the hospital: Request a safer discharge plan if equipment is not ready.
- Call suppliers: Ask about rentals while insurance approval is pending.
- Use 211: Ask the Helpline Center for church, volunteer, or local nonprofit leads.
- Use a national backup: The Eldercare Locator can point families to aging services when local searching stalls.
If you need to apply for several programs at once, our benefits portals guide may help you avoid using the wrong state website.
Resumen en espanol
En Dakota del Sur, no parece haber un solo programa estatal que preste gratis todo el equipo medico duradero. Para empezar, llame a Dakota at Home al 1-833-663-9673 y pida ayuda para buscar equipo medico y prestamos de tecnologia de asistencia cerca de su ciudad.
Tambien revise DakotaLink si necesita probar un aparato por poco tiempo o buscar equipo reutilizado. Para ayuda comunitaria en Sioux Falls, Owen’s Outfitters es una opcion importante. En zonas rurales, pida que busquen tambien en condados cercanos. Si necesita oxigeno, CPAP, BiPAP, una silla electrica, o equipo que requiere receta, llame a un proveedor medico y no espere solo por un prestamo gratis.
Antes de recoger equipo usado, pregunte si fue limpiado, si todas las piezas estan incluidas, si tiene limite de peso, y si es del tamano correcto. Si la persona tiene Medicaid, pregunte antes de viajar si las reglas de transporte pueden ayudar con el viaje para recoger equipo.
FAQ
Is there one statewide free DME loan closet in South Dakota?
No. As of 27 May 2026, South Dakota does not appear to have one stand-alone free statewide DME warehouse for all seniors. The best statewide starting points are Dakota at Home for local searches and DakotaLink for assistive technology loans and reuse.
Where should a rural senior start?
Start with Dakota at Home at 1-833-663-9673. Ask staff to search your town, nearby towns, and nearby counties. Then call DakotaLink and a medical supplier at the same time if the item is urgent or prescribed.
What equipment is easiest to borrow?
Basic items are usually easiest. This can include walkers, canes, crutches, manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, transfer benches, raised toilet seats, and bedside commodes. Availability changes often.
What equipment should usually go through a supplier?
Oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, ventilators, complex power chairs, custom seating, wound equipment, and fitted braces usually need a prescriber, supplier, setup, and sometimes insurance approval.
Can South Dakota Medicaid help with pickup rides?
Sometimes. South Dakota Medicaid says some transportation can be covered to pick up durable medical equipment when program rules are met. The item must be medically necessary, the provider must be enrolled, the trip must meet state rules, and delivery or mailing must not be an option.
Do loan closets need a prescription?
Often, no. Many community loan closets lend basic items without a prescription. But suppliers usually need a doctor order for items that are billed to insurance, fitted, powered, respiratory, or medically complex.
Where can I donate used equipment?
Owen’s Outfitters accepts many types of gently used equipment and new supplies. DakotaLink’s reuse portal also lets people list assistive technology items for sale, trade, donation, or free giveaway. Local senior centers may accept some items, but always call first.
How do I know used equipment is safe?
Ask whether it was cleaned, checked, and matched to the user’s size and weight. Make sure brakes, rails, chargers, footrests, slings, and hardware are present. Do not use equipment that feels unstable or incomplete.
About This Guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
Editorial note: This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Verification: Last verified 27 May 2026, next review 27 August 2026.
Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Next review: 27 August 2026
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