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Last updated: 27 May 2026
Bottom line: Massachusetts has real help for seniors who need durable medical equipment, also called DME. Start with statewide reuse, then a local senior or disability office, then insurance if the item must be medically ordered. Start with REquipment because it serves people across Massachusetts, but do not stop there. Local loan closets, MassAbility device loans, MassHealth, Medicare, and regional programs can all matter. For wider state benefits, use our Massachusetts benefits guide.
Emergency help now
If a hospital, rehab center, or nursing facility discharge is near, do not wait for one program to answer. Ask the discharge planner to work on reuse and insurance at the same time.
- For a same-week discharge: ask the discharge planner to send the DME order to the right Medicare, MassHealth, or health plan supplier the same day.
- For a free reused item: search the REquipment inventory and save the request number if you submit a request.
- For local help: call MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636 during weekday business hours and ask for your local aging or disability service contact.
- For a crisis at home: use our emergency help page while you work on equipment.
Quick help for Massachusetts seniors
| Need | Start here | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Free reused DME statewide | REquipment | Inventory changes often. A match may not be available today. |
| Short-term assistive technology trial | MassAbility inventory | Device loans are often for testing or short-term use, not permanent ownership. |
| Hospital bed, lift, or larger item near Boston | Freemasons HELP | Woburn pickup is Saturday morning only. Large items need a truck or empty cargo van. |
| Town-level walker, cane, shower chair, or commode | COA directory | Each town has its own rules, stock, and hours. |
| Help finding the right office | MassOptions or an ASAP | Massachusetts has 24 Aging Services Access Points, so help is usually regional. |
| Equipment that must be prescribed | Doctor, supplier, Medicare, or MassHealth | Covered DME needs medical documentation and an approved supplier. |
Contents
- Best starting points
- How the main paths work
- Local and regional options
- What equipment to ask for
- How to start
- What to gather
- Phone scripts
- Safety and pickup
- If free equipment is unavailable
- If delayed or overwhelmed
- FAQs
Best starting points in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not run one simple public list of every medical equipment closet. One town may have a small closet. Another town may refer people to a regional lender. Some programs lend items. Others give reused equipment that you may keep.
| Program or office | Best for | Who may use it | What to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| REquipment | Statewide reused DME and assistive technology | Massachusetts residents who need available equipment | Ask if the item is in stock, how pickup or delivery works, and whether parts are included. |
| MassAbility device loans | Trying a device before buying or requesting coverage | People who need assistive technology support | Ask whether the item is available at Boston, Worcester, or a western Massachusetts partner. |
| Local Council on Aging | Small items close to home | Often older residents, but town rules vary | Ask for a medical equipment loan closet, not just “equipment help.” |
| ASAP or Area Agency | Home care, caregiver help, local referrals, and problem solving | Adults age 60 and older and caregivers | Ask for information and referral, options counseling, and nearby DME options. |
| Independent Living Center | Disability access, peer support, advocacy, and community living help | People with disabilities of many ages | Ask about equipment reuse, home access, and local disability programs. |
| Medicare or MassHealth supplier | Medically necessary equipment for home use | Members who meet coverage rules | Ask what order, prior approval, or supplier rules apply. |
For local aging help, our AAA guide can help you understand the regional system. For disability-specific help, our disability help guide may also be useful.
How the main DME paths work
REquipment reuse
REquipment is often the strongest statewide search for free reused DME in Massachusetts. It says donated devices are cleaned, sanitized, refurbished, and listed in its inventory. It can help with wheelchairs, rollators, shower chairs, sling lifts, scooters, and assistive technology when available.
Who may qualify: REquipment is for Massachusetts residents who need available equipment. A prescription is not usually the main barrier for reuse. Stock is the barrier.
Where to apply: Search the inventory or call 1-800-261-9841 or 508-713-9690. If you request an item online, write down the request number.
Reality check: REquipment is not the answer for every basic item. The state’s donation guidance says REquipment is not currently accepting beds, walkers, commodes, crutches, and canes as donations. Also call HELP, your town, or a regional program.
MassAbility device loans
MassAbility is the state disability agency. Its device loan page lists short-term and long-term assistive technology loan options. These can be useful when a senior needs to try a device, compare devices, or borrow a device while a longer-term plan is being worked out.
Who may qualify: Eligibility depends on the loan program. Some programs are for people with disabilities. Some are focused on assistive technology rather than basic DME.
Where to apply: Start with the MassAbility inventory page or contact the regional center named on the item page.
Reality check: A device may not be at the center closest to you. Staff may need to help you find a different item or another partner.
Local town loan closets
Many Massachusetts senior centers and Councils on Aging have small loan closets. They often carry walkers, canes, shower chairs, transfer benches, commodes, bed rails, and wheelchairs. Some lend only to residents. Some help nearby towns. Some have only a few items because storage and cleaning space is limited.
Who may qualify: Often older adults in that town. Rules may depend on age, residency, and supply.
Where to apply: Call your town’s Council on Aging or senior center. If your town has nothing, ask whether a nearby town or regional partner accepts outside callers.
Reality check: Do not show up with a donation or pickup request without calling. Many town closets have limited hours and cannot take large items.
Local and regional DME options
Local examples show how different Massachusetts can be from town to town. Use this table as a starting point, not a promise that an item is in stock today.
| Area | Program | Common help | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts | Freemasons HELP | Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, commodes, beds, lifts, rollators, and other home-use items | The Woburn site says it is open Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon, cannot deliver, and large items need the right vehicle. |
| Brookline and nearby towns | Brookline ELF | Smaller DME, including canes, walkers, shower chairs, commodes, bed rails, and some supplies | Space is limited, so call before donating or requesting an item. |
| Quincy and South Shore | Quincy Helping Hand | Walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, commodes, tub benches, and similar items | The program serves seniors, veterans, and disabled residents in Quincy and the South Shore. |
| MetroWest and central towns | Sudbury closet, Sterling closet, and West Boylston closet | Walkers, canes, wheelchairs, shower chairs, transfer chairs, and personal care items when available | These are town programs. Rules, hours, and stock are different in each place. |
| South Coast | Fairhaven services | Free loan of gently used durable medical equipment through the senior center | Availability depends on donations and local supply. |
| Western Massachusetts | Stavros DME | Power wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, bath chairs, lifts, grab bars, and other items when available | Stavros says equipment is loaned free for a set period and should be returned in the same condition. |
| Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties | UCP reuse | Refurbished DME and assistive technology for adults, children, and seniors | UCP is a REquipment partner and also supports assistive technology services in western Massachusetts. |
If you are not sure which region serves you, use the official ASAP directory and ask for information and referral. You can also use the state list of Independent Living Centers if the need is tied to disability access or living safely at home.
What equipment to ask for
Use the exact item name when you call. “Medical equipment” is too broad. Staff may know whether they have a walker, but not if you ask for general help.
| Equipment type | Ask for these details | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walker or rollator | Height range, brakes, seat, wheels, and weight limit | A poor fit can raise fall risk. |
| Manual wheelchair | Seat width, weight limit, footrests, armrests, and brakes | Missing parts can make the chair unsafe or hard to use. |
| Transport chair | Who will push it, seat size, brakes, and folding size | A transport chair is not the same as a self-propelled wheelchair. |
| Shower chair or bench | Width, weight limit, backrest, arms, and tub fit | Bathroom equipment must match the tub or shower layout. |
| Commode | Bucket, splash guard, arms, height, and cleaning condition | Missing parts can make it unusable. |
| Hospital bed | Electric controls, mattress, rails, pickup rules, and room space | Beds are hard to move and may need special pickup plans. |
| Patient lift | Sling size, battery or manual type, weight limit, and training | A lift can be dangerous if it does not fit the person and caregiver. |
| Assistive technology | Device type, trial period, setup help, and return rules | Some devices need training before they are useful. |
For bathroom safety, ramps, stair lifts, and doorway changes, the issue may be home access rather than movable DME. Our housing help guide explains more Massachusetts housing and home-access paths.
How to start without wasting time
- Write one clear request. Example: “I need a 20-inch manual wheelchair with footrests for a 180-pound adult by Friday.”
- Search statewide first. Check REquipment because it has statewide reach and may have refurbished equipment already listed.
- Call your local route. Contact your town Council on Aging and ask for the loan closet or the person who handles DME donations and loans.
- Call the regional route. If the town cannot help, contact your ASAP, Independent Living Center, HELP, Stavros, UCP, or another local program.
- Keep insurance moving. If the item is medically necessary, ask the doctor or discharge planner to start Medicare, MassHealth, or health plan paperwork.
- Ask about delivery before saying yes. A free hospital bed is not helpful if you cannot safely move it.
- Save names and times. Write down who you spoke with, the date, the answer, and the next step.
If you are trying to handle several benefit or health systems at the same time, our benefit portals guide can help you keep the online paths straight.
What to gather before you call
- Exact item needed
- Height and weight of the person who will use it
- Town, ZIP code, and phone number
- How urgent the need is
- Hospital or rehab discharge date, if any
- Whether you can pick up the item
- Vehicle type, especially for beds and lifts
- Insurance type, if coverage may be needed
- Doctor, therapist, or discharge planner contact
- For donations, item age, condition, photos, and missing parts
For equipment that will be paid through insurance, also ask the doctor for the exact diagnosis, medical need, and written order. For MassHealth and Medicare, the paperwork matters as much as the equipment request.
Phone scripts that work
Short scripts help because many callers are tired and many offices are busy. Use the words that fit your situation.
Script for a Council on Aging
“Hello, I’m calling for an older adult in [town]. Do you have a medical equipment loan closet? We need [item] by [date]. The person is [height] and [weight]. If your town cannot help, do you know the nearest program that might?”
Script for REquipment or a regional lender
“I found an item that may work, or I’m looking for [item]. Can you tell me if it is still available, whether it is a loan or reuse item, what parts are included, and whether pickup or delivery is possible?”
Script for a discharge planner
“Before discharge, can you start the insurance order and also help us look for reused equipment? We cannot bring the person home safely without [item]. Please tell me what supplier, order, and delivery steps are still missing.”
Script for MassOptions
“I need help finding medical equipment for a senior in [town]. We have tried [programs]. Can you connect me with the right ASAP, Council on Aging, or disability resource for this location?”
If a family caregiver is missing work or providing daily hands-on help, our caregiver pay guide may be worth reading after the equipment problem is stable.
Pickup, delivery, sanitation, and safety checks
Free equipment still needs a safety check. A walker with worn tips, a wheelchair with weak brakes, or a lift without the right sling can create a new hazard.
- Ask how it was cleaned. Larger reuse programs may sanitize and refurbish equipment. Small closets may have lighter cleaning rules.
- Check brakes and moving parts. Do this before the item leaves the building or pickup site.
- Confirm missing parts. Ask about chargers, footrests, buckets, slings, rails, mattresses, and armrests.
- Measure doorways and rooms. Beds, lifts, and wider chairs may not fit through tight spaces.
- Do not guess on lifts. Ask a nurse, therapist, or trained caregiver to check fit and safe use.
- Plan the vehicle. HELP says beds and lifts need a truck or empty cargo van, not a car or SUV.
In rural areas, widen the search early. Western Massachusetts seniors should try Stavros, UCP, REquipment, MassOptions, and the local ASAP on the same day. Cape and island residents should call the local Council on Aging and ASAP before making a long trip for pickup.
If free equipment is not available
Free reused equipment is helpful, but it is not guaranteed. If the item is medically necessary, switch to coverage while you keep searching for reuse.
Medicare
Medicare DME coverage may help pay for medically necessary durable medical equipment for home use when the rules are met. The doctor or treating provider must document the need, and the supplier must meet Medicare rules.
Reality check: Medicare is not a same-day loan closet. It may still be the right path for oxygen equipment, hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, and other covered items when reuse is not enough. If Medicare costs are the problem, our Medicare help guide may help you check other Massachusetts cost supports.
MassHealth
MassHealth equipment rules may cover medical equipment and supplies for qualifying members. Some items need prior approval. Some require medical records, prescriptions, or supplier paperwork.
Reality check: If a MassHealth item is delayed, denied, or confusing, ask for the reason in writing. You can also ask My Ombudsman at 1-855-781-9898 for help understanding member rights and next steps.
Small assistive technology devices
The device loan program from Easterseals Massachusetts may help with reusable assistive technology devices under $500 for financially eligible Massachusetts residents with disabilities. The program says funding is limited and applications are reviewed monthly.
Reality check: This is not for every DME item. It is better for smaller assistive technology needs, such as alerting devices, grab bars, portable ramps, or communication supports when the program rules are met.
Home access changes
If the real need is a ramp, stair lift, bathroom change, wider doorway, or other home modification, equipment reuse may not solve the problem. Massachusetts has a home modification loan program for eligible home access work.
Reality check: This is a loan program, not a free equipment closet. It can still be important when a senior cannot safely enter the home or use the bathroom.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for one perfect statewide list of loan closets.
- Calling only one program and stopping there.
- Asking for “equipment” instead of the exact item.
- Forgetting to ask if the item is a loan or yours to keep.
- Taking a wheelchair without checking width, brakes, and footrests.
- Taking a lift without the right sling or training.
- Assuming a free item can be delivered.
- Showing up with donations before the program approves them.
- Letting insurance paperwork wait until every free option fails.
- Using an old senior center page without checking current hours.
What to do if delayed, denied, or overwhelmed
If you are stuck, separate the problem into three parts: the item, the payer, and the pickup plan. Then ask for help with the part that is blocked.
- If the item is unavailable: ask the program what similar item might work, such as a transport chair instead of a wheelchair, or a transfer bench instead of a shower chair.
- If the item is unsafe: do not take it. Ask for another option or speak with a therapist about fit.
- If Medicare or MassHealth is delayed: ask what document, prior approval, supplier step, or medical note is missing.
- If the town cannot help: call the ASAP, MassOptions, and the nearest Independent Living Center.
- If several needs are happening at once: ask for options counseling through MassOptions. This can help when equipment, home care, meals, rides, and caregiver support are all mixed together.
Backup options when the usual paths fail
- Ask the therapist: A physical or occupational therapist may know safer substitute items and local sources.
- Ask the supplier: Some suppliers can explain rental, purchase, and insurance timing.
- Ask nearby towns: Some town closets help nearby residents when stock allows.
- Use a national locator: The Eldercare Locator can connect older adults and caregivers with local aging services.
- Check charities carefully: Churches, clubs, and civic groups may help, but confirm safety, cleaning, pickup, and return rules.
Resumen en español
En Massachusetts, no hay un solo directorio oficial para todos los clósets de préstamo de equipo médico. Para empezar, busque equipo reutilizado con REquipment, llame a MassOptions al 1-800-243-4636, y pregunte a su Council on Aging si su ciudad tiene un clóset de préstamo.
Si necesita probar un aparato por poco tiempo, revise los préstamos de MassAbility. Si vive en el oeste de Massachusetts, Stavros y UCP of Western Massachusetts pueden ser buenos puntos de partida. Si el equipo debe ser ordenado por un médico, pregunte por cobertura de Medicare o MassHealth. Si el problema es una rampa, elevador de escalera, baño, o puerta angosta, revise el programa estatal de modificaciones del hogar.
Antes de aceptar equipo, pregunte si es prestado o suyo para quedarse, si fue limpiado, qué piezas incluye, si tiene límite de peso, y cómo debe recogerlo o devolverlo.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one official statewide DME loan closet list in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts has statewide programs, regional partners, town senior centers, disability offices, and insurance routes. Start with REquipment, MassAbility device loans, MassOptions, your local Council on Aging, and your regional ASAP.
Is REquipment a loan closet?
REquipment is mainly a reuse program. Many items are refurbished and reassigned instead of being borrowed for a short time. Still, you should ask the program what the return or reuse rule is for the specific item.
Where can I look for a hospital bed or patient lift?
Try HELP in Woburn, Stavros in western Massachusetts, REquipment, and your local Council on Aging. Beds and lifts are harder because they need space, cleaning, parts, and safe transport.
Do I need a prescription for free reused equipment?
Usually not for a community loan closet or reuse program. You may need medical documentation if the item is going through Medicare, MassHealth, or another health plan.
Can MassHealth or Medicare pay if no free item is available?
Yes, if the item is covered, medically necessary, and ordered through the right process. Ask the doctor, discharge planner, or supplier what paperwork is missing.
Can I donate used equipment in Massachusetts?
Often yes, but rules vary. Call before donating. Some programs cannot accept large items, broken items, fabric-covered items, opened supplies, or equipment they already have too much of.
What should I do if I live in rural Massachusetts?
Use statewide and regional paths at the same time. Call REquipment, MassOptions, your ASAP, your Council on Aging, and any nearby disability or reuse program. Ask about delivery, shipping, and pickup before you commit.
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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