Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Bottom line: Minnesota does not have one large statewide warehouse for free durable medical equipment (DME). The fastest path is to start with statewide help, then check local loan closets. Use the Minnesota STAR Program for assistive technology loans, ConnectAbility for donated equipment, Minnesota Aging Pathways for older-adult help, and local county or nonprofit closets for walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, and shower chairs.
Emergency help now
- Leaving a hospital or rehab soon: Ask the discharge planner to write down the exact item, size, and pickup deadline. Then call Aging Pathways at 1-800-333-2433 and ask for medical equipment loan programs near your county.
- Need a short-term device: Contact Minnesota STAR or search MN AT4ALL. STAR loans assistive technology to Minnesota residents with disabilities and older adults with functional needs.
- Need disability help: Call Disability Hub at 1-866-333-2466 if the problem is tied to disability services, benefits, home support, or housing.
- Unsafe at home today: If the person may fall, cannot transfer, or cannot use the bathroom safely, call the doctor, therapist, home care nurse, or hospital discharge team the same day. A loan closet is helpful, but it does not replace medical advice or a safe transfer plan.
Quick help box
- Fastest statewide loan: Minnesota STAR and MN AT4ALL
- Best donated DME start: ConnectAbility
- Best older-adult call: Minnesota Aging Pathways at 1-800-333-2433
- Best disability call: Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466
- Best local search: Minnesota Aging and Disability Resources directory
- Best rural move: Search nearby counties, not only the home county
Best starting points
| Need | Start here | Why it helps | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Try a device before buying | Minnesota STAR | Short-term device loans can help with mobility, hearing, vision, memory, communication, and daily living. | STAR is not a same-day delivery service. Ask about stock and return rules. |
| Find donated walkers or bathroom gear | ConnectAbility | It accepts and gives out many common mobility and bathroom safety items. | Inventory changes. Some items are not accepted or need a call first. |
| Get help for an older adult | Minnesota Aging Pathways | A specialist can search local aging, county, nonprofit, and community programs. | They help you find options. They do not control each closet’s inventory. |
| Search by county | state directory | The official directory can show local medical equipment and assistive technology programs. | Search nearby counties too, because local closets may limit service areas. |
| Need long-term coverage | Doctor or DME supplier | Insurance may cover medically needed equipment when rules are met. | Do not wait for insurance if a short-term loan can keep the person safer now. |
Contents
- Emergency help now
- Best starting points
- How reuse works
- Statewide programs
- Local loan closets
- Equipment to expect
- Insurance path
- Start without wasting time
- Pickup questions
- Delayed or overwhelmed
How medical equipment reuse works in Minnesota
Durable medical equipment is equipment that can be used again and again for a medical or safety need. Common examples include walkers, manual wheelchairs, transport chairs, shower chairs, transfer benches, toilet risers, canes, crutches, bed rails, and bedside commodes.
Minnesota equipment help comes from several places. Some programs lend items for a set time. Some give donated items to people who need them. Some programs lend assistive technology, which may include communication, hearing, vision, memory, phone, or daily living tools. A few programs charge a small fee or deposit. Others are free.
This is different from Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medical Assistance, or private insurance. A loan closet can help right away while a doctor, therapist, or supplier works on a permanent order. It can also help when a senior only needs equipment for a few weeks after surgery or rehab.
If you need a broader benefits plan beyond equipment, the Minnesota senior help guide covers food, utility, housing, tax, health, and local support programs. If the equipment need is part of a disability plan, the Minnesota disability help guide may be the better next step.
Statewide programs to try first
Minnesota STAR and MN AT4ALL
The Minnesota STAR device loan service is one of the best first stops. STAR says any Minnesota resident who wants to learn about assistive technology for themselves, for work, or for a loved one can borrow. Short-term loans are for 45 days or less. STAR also has a limited number of open-ended loans for used equipment that must be returned when it is no longer needed.
What it helps with: STAR is broader than a walker closet. It can help with daily living tools, hearing or vision devices, memory aids, communication tools, computer access, and some mobility items.
Who may qualify: The program serves Minnesota residents with disabilities and older adults with functional needs. It can also help professionals who need to learn about devices for clients.
Where to apply: Contact STAR, one of its partner programs, or browse the online lending library. STAR says there is no cost to borrow equipment, and it can ship a device to the borrower at no cost. The borrower usually handles return shipping or returns the device by appointment.
Reality check: STAR is best for trying a device or bridging a short wait. It may not have every DME item, and open-ended items are limited.
ConnectAbility of MN
ConnectAbility is a strong donated equipment path for common mobility and bathroom safety items. Its current donation page lists Waite Park, Duluth, and Rochester locations. It accepts many items, including walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, shower chairs, toilet risers, tub rails, canes, grab bars, transfer boards, bed rails, and some power chairs or scooters.
What it helps with: ConnectAbility is most useful for standard equipment that can be cleaned and reused. It can be a good first call for a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, toilet riser, or transfer board.
Who may qualify: The program is built for people who need donated assistive technology or DME. Ask the location what information they need before you drive there.
Where to apply: Call the location first. ConnectAbility posts location phone numbers and equipment rules on its donated equipment page.
Reality check: ConnectAbility says items go through a cleaning process before being donated back out, but it does not provide warranties. It also says stained or broken items, one-time-use items, crutches, braces, and CPAP machines and supplies are not accepted. Hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, and specialized items need a call first.
Minnesota Aging Pathways and Disability Hub MN
Minnesota Aging Pathways is the older-adult doorway. It is a free statewide service from the Minnesota Board on Aging and Minnesota’s area agencies on aging. Call 1-800-333-2433 if the person is an older adult, caregiver, spouse, neighbor, or family member who needs help finding local equipment options.
Disability Hub MN is the all-ages disability doorway. It is useful when equipment is only one part of a bigger problem, such as home care, benefits, employment, housing, home support, or long-term services.
What they help with: These services help you find the right office or local program. They can also help you think through Medicare, Medical Assistance, long-term care, and community support questions.
Who may qualify: Aging Pathways focuses on older Minnesotans and caregivers. Disability Hub serves people with disabilities and people who support them.
Reality check: These are navigation services. They may find a closet, but they cannot force a local program to have the exact wheelchair size or shower bench in stock.
If you want aging contacts by region, use our Area Agencies guide. If the need is urgent and includes rent, food, utilities, safety, or shelter, see the emergency help guide.
Local Minnesota loan closets worth checking
Local loan closets still matter. They often have the exact items seniors need after surgery or rehab. The problem is that they are local, small, and inventory can change fast. Always call first. Ask whether the program serves your county, whether a caregiver can pick up, and whether there is a deposit or fee.
| Program | Area | Common items | Rule to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEOA | St. Louis County | Wheelchairs, shower chairs, commodes, walkers, crutches, canes, high-rise toilet seats | One-time rental fee varies by item. |
| Lighthouse Center | Duluth and Northeast | Assistive technology devices through the STAR partner network | Ask what can be borrowed now and how pickup works. |
| Normandale Center | Twin Cities west/southwest area | Wheelchairs, canes, walkers, shower chairs, knee scooters, bathroom safety equipment | Loans are up to three months as supply allows. |
| Options IRCIL | Northwest Minnesota | Wheelchairs, walkers, power chairs, canes, reachers, transfer benches, raised toilet seats | First come, first served; power devices may need a medical provider statement. |
| Nicollet County | Nicollet County | Wheelchairs, knee scooters, walkers, transfer benches, shower chairs, toilet risers, dressing aids | Deposits are required; most items are up to six months, but wheelchairs and knee scooters are up to three months. |
| Koochiching Aging Options | Koochiching County | Walkers, bath seats, canes, crutches, and other non-disposable items | Ask what is available and whether a donation is suggested. |
| Barnesville Area Helpers | Clay County area | Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, toilet risers, commodes, shower chairs, benches | The official state directory lists this as a medical equipment loan option. |
| ALS loan program | Minnesota residents with ALS | Canes, walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, commodes, shower chairs, lifts, slings, ramps | Only applies when the person has ALS. |
Do not stop with this table. Use the state directory and search your home county plus every nearby county. Some small closets are run by churches, city offices, county public health, senior centers, community action agencies, or independent living centers. For broader local nonprofit help, use the Minnesota charity guide.
What equipment is easier or harder to find
| Equipment type | How hard it is | Best first move | Safety note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canes, crutches, walkers | Usually easier | Call a local closet or ConnectAbility. | Check height, rubber tips, brakes, and cracks. |
| Manual wheelchairs | Often available, but sizes vary | Ask for seat width, weight limit, footrests, and brakes. | Do not accept a chair that is too narrow, too wide, or missing key parts. |
| Bathroom safety items | Often available | Ask for shower chairs, tub benches, toilet risers, and commodes. | Confirm the item fits the bathroom before pickup. |
| Knee scooters | Sometimes available | Call local closets before surgery or discharge. | Ask about brakes, handle height, and return date. |
| Hospital beds and lifts | Harder | Call ahead and ask about transport, setup, and caregiver training. | Do not guess on lift slings or bed setup. |
| Power chairs and scooters | Harder | Try STAR, ConnectAbility, Options, or a condition-specific program. | Ask about charger, battery, training, and repair support. |
| CPAP and oxygen items | Usually not a loan-closet item | Use the doctor, supplier, Medicare, or health plan route. | Do not use respiratory equipment without proper medical guidance. |
Phone access is its own category. The MN ACT program can provide adaptive phone devices for people who have trouble using a phone due to hearing loss, deafblindness, or a physical or speech disability. If the problem is hearing a phone, speaking on a phone, or using phone controls, this may be better than a standard DME closet.
Keep community loans separate from insurance
A community loan closet helps with reused equipment. Insurance coverage is a separate path. If the person needs the item long term, ask the doctor, therapist, or discharge planner to start the insurance order right away.
The MHCP manual says Minnesota Health Care Programs require an order from a treating practitioner for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. It also says some items need face-to-face documentation or other medical records.
Medicare has its own rules. The official Medicare DME page explains that covered equipment must meet Medicare rules and usually must be ordered by a doctor or other treating provider.
Simple rule: Use a loan closet for a bridge. Use insurance for equipment that is medically needed and ongoing. Do both at the same time when discharge is close.
If equipment cost is part of a bigger Medicare cost problem, the Medicare Savings guide may help. If the person needs help at home after getting equipment, the family caregiver guide explains Minnesota caregiver payment paths.
How to start without wasting time
- Name the exact item. Do not ask for “anything for safety.” Ask for a two-wheel walker, rollator, transport chair, bedside commode, tub transfer bench, toilet riser, or manual wheelchair.
- Get the fit details. For wheelchairs, ask for seat width and weight limit. For walkers, ask for handle height. For bathroom items, measure the tub, toilet, and doorway.
- Call statewide first. Use STAR for assistive technology or rural access. Use Aging Pathways or Disability Hub when you need a person to help search.
- Call local closets next. Start with the home county. Then call neighboring counties.
- Ask about pickup. Many programs do not deliver. Ask whether an adult child, caregiver, neighbor, or church volunteer can pick up.
- Start insurance at the same time. For long-term equipment, ask the doctor for an order and ask the health plan which DME supplier to use.
If the equipment need is tied to where the person can safely live, the housing help guide and assisted living guide may help with the next decision.
What to gather before you call
- The person’s county, ZIP code, and nearest larger town
- The exact item needed and why it is needed
- Height, weight, wheelchair seat width, and any weight limit concern
- Whether the need is temporary, long term, or permanent
- Discharge date or surgery date, if there is one
- Whether someone can pick up the item
- Vehicle type, especially for wheelchairs, beds, lifts, or scooters
- Doctor, therapist, or nurse recommendations
- Insurance type and whether an order is already pending
Phone scripts that work
For Minnesota Aging Pathways: “I am helping an older adult in [county]. We need a [item] by [date]. Can you search medical equipment loan closets, donated equipment programs, and nearby county options?”
For a local closet: “Do you have a [item] available today or this week? What size or weight limit is it? Who can pick it up? Is there a fee, deposit, return date, or county rule?”
For a hospital discharge planner: “Before discharge, can you write the exact equipment name, size, and safety notes? Can you also send the order to the correct DME supplier?”
For insurance or a health plan: “My doctor is ordering [item]. Which DME suppliers are in network? Does this item need prior authorization, a face-to-face visit, or special paperwork?”
What to ask before pickup
- Fit: Is it the right height, width, style, and weight rating?
- Parts: Does it include brakes, footrests, leg rests, bucket, charger, sling, or hand controls?
- Condition: Has it been cleaned or checked? Are there cracks, loose parts, weak brakes, or worn tips?
- Rules: Is this a loan, a donation to keep, or a rental?
- Money: Is there a deposit, fee, late charge, or cash-only rule?
- Return: What date is it due, and what happens if rehab takes longer?
- Pickup: Can a caregiver pick it up? What ID or contact details are needed?
- Transport: Does it fold or come apart? Will it fit in the vehicle?
Reality checks
- Inventory is limited: The most common items can still be gone when you call.
- County lines matter: Some closets serve only one county or city. Others may help nearby residents if stock allows.
- Free does not mean delivered: Most local programs expect pickup.
- Used does not mean fitted: A used wheelchair or walker still must fit the person.
- Specialty items take longer: Hospital beds, lifts, power chairs, scooters, bariatric items, CPAP, and oxygen usually need more calls.
- Deposits can be lost: Return clean equipment on time when the program has deposit rules.
For online benefit applications and official portals, use the Minnesota portals guide so you do not waste time on the wrong website.
What to do if delayed or overwhelmed
If the first program says no, ask why. The reason tells you the next move.
- No stock: Ask when to call back and which nearby programs may have the item.
- Wrong county: Ask whether they know a county, city, church, or senior program closer to the person.
- Wrong item: Ask the therapist whether a safe substitute could work for a few days.
- Need permanent equipment: Push the insurance order forward while still searching for a short-term loan.
- No pickup help: Ask the discharge planner, home care agency, faith group, neighbor, or family caregiver if someone can transport the item.
- Unsafe at home: Tell the doctor or discharge team the person cannot safely transfer, bathe, toilet, or walk without the device.
When the equipment need is only one part of a larger crisis, combine this search with broader local help. Emergency rent, food, utilities, transportation, and home safety help may be available through aging offices, counties, charities, and community agencies.
Resumen en español
Resumen rápido: Minnesota no tiene un solo almacén estatal de equipo médico gratis. Para empezar, llame a Minnesota Aging Pathways al 1-800-333-2433 si ayuda a una persona mayor. Si la necesidad está relacionada con discapacidad, beneficios, vivienda o apoyo en el hogar, llame a Disability Hub MN al 1-866-333-2466.
Para préstamos de tecnología de apoyo, use Minnesota STAR y MN AT4ALL. Para equipo donado como andadores, sillas de ruedas, sillas de baño, elevadores de inodoro o cómodos, llame primero a ConnectAbility u otros programas locales. Pregunte siempre si hay depósito, si otra persona puede recoger el equipo, cuánto dura el préstamo y si el artículo fue revisado. Si el equipo será permanente, pida al médico que empiece el proceso con el seguro el mismo día.
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota have one statewide free medical equipment warehouse?
No. Minnesota uses a mix of state programs, donated equipment programs, county offices, nonprofits, churches, and local loan closets. The best first stops are Minnesota STAR, ConnectAbility, Minnesota Aging Pathways, Disability Hub MN, and the official state directory.
What is the best first call for an older adult?
Call Minnesota Aging Pathways at 1-800-333-2433. Ask the specialist to search for medical equipment loan closets, donated equipment programs, and nearby county options.
What is the difference between STAR and a local closet?
STAR is a statewide assistive technology loan program. It is best for trying devices, short-term loans, and some rural needs. A local closet usually focuses on common DME such as walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, and shower chairs.
Can a caregiver pick up equipment?
Sometimes. Many programs allow another person to pick up equipment, but rules vary. Ask what name, phone number, address, release form, deposit, or ID is needed.
Do I need a prescription to borrow from a loan closet?
Usually not for a community loan closet. You may need one for insurance-covered equipment, power mobility, or a program that wants medical fit information.
Are hospital beds, power chairs, CPAP, or oxygen easy to find?
No. Beds, lifts, power chairs, scooters, bariatric equipment, CPAP, and oxygen-related items are much harder to find than walkers or shower chairs. Use a doctor, supplier, or health plan for respiratory and long-term medical equipment.
Where can I donate used medical equipment?
Call first. ConnectAbility, AEOA, Koochiching Aging Options, Options IRCIL, and other local programs may accept clean, working items. Some programs do not accept broken items, one-time-use supplies, CPAP equipment, braces, or items that are hard to sanitize.
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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