Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Bottom Line: Arizona does have real places where older adults can borrow or receive used durable medical equipment, often called DME. But Arizona does not have one simple senior-only warehouse for free equipment. The best first steps are the AzTAP directory, 211 Arizona, and your county aging office. If the need is tied to a hospital discharge, fall risk, surgery, or unsafe home setup, call more than one route on the same day.
Emergency help now
If the senior is unsafe at home today, do not wait for a directory search to solve everything. Start with the urgent path that fits the problem.
- Possible fall, injury, or medical danger: call 911 or the doctor’s office.
- Hospital, rehab, or hospice discharge today: ask the discharge planner for a safe discharge review and same-day equipment options.
- Need a walker, wheelchair, commode, or shower chair fast: call 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-8661 and ask for a medical equipment loan closet in your ZIP code.
- Need wider senior help: ask your local aging office about DME, rides, caregiver help, and home safety referrals. The GFS Area Agencies guide can help you find the right office.
Quick help in Arizona
Use this fast order when you do not know where to start. It keeps you from calling the wrong place first.
| Need | Best first call or search | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any city or ZIP code | AzTAP directory | Search by city, ZIP code, disability type, or item. | The directory is statewide, but stock changes daily. |
| You need a person to help search | 211 Arizona | Ask for DME loan closets, reuse programs, and rides. | Live help is listed as 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. |
| Senior services and local referrals | Area Agency page | Ask for DME help, senior transportation, and caregiver support. | Each region has its own local network. |
| Broader aging or disability help | AZ Links | Ask for aging, disability, benefits, or long-term care help. | This is best when equipment is one part of a bigger need. |
| Other Arizona benefits | Arizona senior help | Check food, housing, utility, tax, and health help too. | DME help may not solve the whole problem. |
Contents
- Emergency help now
- Where to start first
- Statewide Arizona tools
- Local loan closets
- How loans work
- What to ask
- Rural and tribal help
- Insurance and backups
- Phone scripts
- If delayed or overwhelmed
- Frequently asked questions
Where to start first
Start with the item, not the agency name. A loan closet worker cannot help much if you only say, “I need help at home.” Say the exact item, the size need, and the time limit.
Best first path: search the AzTAP directory, then call 211 Arizona, then call the strongest local provider in your area. If the senior is 60 or older, or if a caregiver is involved, also call the county aging office. For disability-related support beyond equipment, the GFS Arizona disability guide may help you find related state and local programs.
Do not assume a listed program has your exact item. A page may show wheelchairs, walkers, or shower chairs, but the shelf may be empty today. Call first, then ask what proof you need to bring.
What Arizona reuse help covers
A DME loan closet or reuse program helps people borrow, receive, donate, or find used equipment. This can include walkers, canes, crutches, standard wheelchairs, transport chairs, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, commodes, and transfer benches.
Some programs may have knee scooters, wheelchair ramps, overbed tables, hospital beds, power chairs, or bariatric items. These are harder to find. Large items may need a referral, a larger vehicle, or more time.
Most Arizona reuse programs are not the same as Medicare, AHCCCS, or private insurance. A loan closet may solve a short-term problem after surgery or a fall. Insurance may be better for long-term equipment that must fit the senior’s body, diagnosis, and home setup.
| Item type | Easy, hard, or limited? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Walkers, canes, crutches | Usually easiest | Height, rubber tips, brakes, and weight limit. |
| Wheelchairs and transport chairs | Often available | Seat width, footrests, brakes, and cushions. |
| Bath safety items | Often available | Shower size, tub setup, legs, tips, and stability. |
| Hospital beds and lifts | Limited | Delivery, setup, safety, and whether the program handles them. |
| Oxygen, CPAP, feeding supplies | Often excluded | Ask the doctor, supplier, or insurer first. |
Statewide Arizona tools
AzTAP reuse search: The Arizona AT and DME Reuse Coalition says it gives a statewide online directory of medical equipment loan closets and reuse programs. It says listings are checked and updated each year, and it lists 602-776-4670 for help with the directory. Use this first when you need a local closet, a donation site, or a nearby reuse lead.
AzTAP device loans: The public loan program is for assistive technology. Arizona residents with disabilities, family members, service providers, and others can borrow devices for up to two weeks. Items may be picked up or shipped at no cost to and from the borrower. This is useful when the item is assistive technology, not just basic DME.
AT Exchange: The AT Exchange is an online place to donate, sell, or exchange used assistive technology or DME. It is mostly for Arizona residents. It is not meant for vendors selling new equipment.
Purchase loans: If a free or borrowed item will not work, AzLAT may be a fallback for buying assistive technology. This is a loan, not a grant. Use it only after checking free, insurance, and local help.
School-only warning: The ADE loan FAQs explain that the Arizona Department of Education short-term loan library is for schools. Parents and adults at home should use the regular AzTAP public program instead.
Local loan closets and reuse programs
Arizona’s local system is a mix of nonprofit groups, aging agencies, and community programs. Keep this table as a starting point, not as a promise that the item is in stock.
| Area | Provider | What it may help with | Key rule to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Valley / Avondale | Southwest Lending Closet | Wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, shower chairs, elevated toilet seats, and bath transfer benches. | 211 lists loans up to 90 days, no fee, and a valid state photo ID or driver’s license. |
| East Valley / Mesa | Aster Aging listing | Equipment loan closet plus help finding services and benefits. | 211 lists adults age 55 and older and says to call to confirm documents. |
| Tucson / Pima County | PMHDC page | Donated surplus medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and toilet seat raisers. | Large items and current supply can change. Call before going. |
| Tucson / Southern Arizona | JFCS DME page | Full or partial purchase of new home-use DME for people with financial need. | JFCS says it does not loan equipment and does not keep equipment on-site. |
| Yavapai County | Catholic Charities closet | Crutches, walkers, raised toilet seats, commodes, knee scooters, and wheelchairs. | Open to everyone. Items are by appointment and first come, first served. |
| Sun City West area | Helping Hands catalog | Short-term loans of clean equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs. | Limited to covered communities. Call 623-975-5499 before pickup. |
| Santa Cruz / Cochise area | Family Health listing | DME loans and adult incontinence supplies. | 211 lists loans up to six months and says to call for an appointment. |
How loans work
Most DME loan closets work by phone first. You ask if the item is available. The program tells you whether it is free, a loan, a giveaway, or a deposit item. Then you pick it up if you qualify and if the item is still there.
Some programs serve a small area. Some serve older adults only. Some serve anyone. Some ask for proof of address. Some ask for a referral when the item is large or costly. A few may help with purchase instead of lending used equipment.
Free does not always mean easy: You may still need a ride, a helper, a truck, proof of address, a signed waiver, or a way to return the item. If you need help with a sudden safety problem, the GFS emergency help guide can point to other Arizona crisis options.
What to ask before pickup
Ask these questions before anyone drives across town. They can save a wasted trip.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Do you have the exact item today? | Listings do not prove current stock. |
| What size is it? | Wheelchair width, walker height, and weight limits matter. |
| Is it a loan or giveaway? | You need to know return rules. |
| Is there a deposit? | Some closets ask for a small deposit or donation. |
| What should I bring? | Ask about ID, proof of address, referral, or prescription. |
| Can someone help load it? | Many places expect you to bring the right vehicle and helper. |
| Has it been cleaned? | Ask if it was checked, cleaned, and tested before pickup. |
Rural and tribal help
Distance is one of the biggest problems in Arizona. A closet may have the right item, but it may be two counties away. This is why rural readers should use the statewide directory, 211 Arizona, and the regional aging office at the same time.
Arizona DES lists regional Area Agencies on Aging by county. For example, it lists NACOG for Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties; WACOG for Mohave, La Paz, and Yuma counties; Central Arizona Aging for Pinal and Gila counties; and SEAGO for Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties. DES also lists the Navajo Nation aging office and the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona. The GFS Arizona benefits portals guide may help when equipment is tied to broader benefits.
If you live far from a closet, ask 211 and the aging office these exact words: “Can you search beyond my city, and can you also check senior transportation or volunteer ride options?”
Insurance and backups
Loan closets are best for standard, short-term items. Insurance may be better for long-term needs. The Medicare DME page explains that Medicare Part B covers some medically necessary DME when rules are met and the doctor and supplier handle the order correctly.
If the senior has AHCCCS, a Medicare Advantage plan, or private insurance, call the plan before buying a high-cost item. Ask whether the item needs prior approval, a prescription, a therapist note, or a specific supplier.
Family caregiver help may matter when the real need is care at home, not just equipment. Arizona families who help an older adult can also ask the aging office about respite, in-home help, and local caregiver support.
Arizona housing help may matter when the home itself is unsafe. A ramp, grab bars, wider doorway, or safer bathroom may matter more than a borrowed item.
How to start without wasting time
- Write the exact item name: walker, rollator, wheelchair, commode, shower chair, or transfer bench.
- Write the senior’s height, weight, and ZIP code.
- Take a photo of the doorway, shower, tub, or bed area if size may matter.
- Search the statewide directory by ZIP code.
- Call 211 Arizona and ask for at least two local options.
- Call the county aging office if the senior is older, disabled, isolated, or needs rides.
- Call before going. Ask if the item can be held, if holds are allowed at all, and what proof is needed.
- If no closet has the item, ask the doctor or plan about insurance coverage the same day.
Documents and details to gather
Not every program asks for these. Still, having them ready can speed up calls.
- Photo ID for the borrower or caregiver
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease
- ZIP code and county
- Doctor’s note, prescription, or discharge paper if available
- Senior’s height, weight, and main diagnosis or injury
- Insurance cards, including Medicare, AHCCCS, or Medicare Advantage
- Proof of income if applying for a needs-based purchase program
- Vehicle size and whether someone can lift the item
- Return date, deposit receipt, and program phone number
If Medicare costs are the problem, the GFS Medicare Savings Programs guide can help you check one related way to lower Medicare costs.
Phone scripts
Calling 211 Arizona
“Hello, I am helping an older adult in ZIP code _____. We need a _____ because of _____. Can you search for medical equipment loan closets, DME reuse programs, and transportation help near us? Please give me two or three options if possible.”
Calling a loan closet
“Do you have a _____ available today? The person is _____ feet tall and weighs about _____ pounds. Is it a loan, donation, or deposit item? What ID or proof should we bring? Can we pick it up today?”
Calling a hospital discharge planner
“My family member cannot safely go home without a _____. Can you do a safe discharge review and help us find the right DME before discharge? Please tell us if a prescription or supplier order is needed.”
Calling an insurance plan
“The doctor says I may need a _____. Is this covered as durable medical equipment? Do I need prior authorization, a prescription, or a specific supplier? What will I pay out of pocket?”
Reality checks
- Inventory moves fast: a program may exist but not have your item today.
- Large items take longer: hospital beds, lifts, ramps, and power chairs often need more screening.
- Fit matters: a wrong-size wheelchair or walker can cause pain or falls.
- Pickup can be hard: many closets do not deliver.
- Some items are not reused: oxygen, feeding supplies, custom seating, and fabric-heavy items may be refused.
- Rules vary by place: age, address, referral, deposit, and loan length can change by provider.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Driving to a closet without calling first
- Asking for “equipment” instead of naming the exact item
- Forgetting to ask about size and weight limit
- Assuming the same rule applies statewide
- Ignoring proof-of-residency or age rules
- Taking a chair, walker, or bench without testing brakes, legs, tips, and wheels
- Waiting too long to call the doctor or insurer for expensive long-term equipment
If delayed or overwhelmed
If the first place cannot help, ask for the next lead before you hang up. Say, “Who else should I call today?” Then try the statewide directory, 211 Arizona, and the aging office again using nearby cities or counties.
If you are stuck because the item is expensive, ask whether the program knows a purchase-help option. In Tucson, for example, PMHDC and JFCS solve different problems. One focuses on reused equipment. The other may pay for new home-use DME for people with financial need.
If the senior is going home from a hospital or rehab, do not accept a vague answer like “buy it online” when the item is needed for safe discharge. Ask the case manager to document the need and help with a supplier, loan closet, or insurance route.
Backup options
- Doctor or therapist: ask what exact item is safe and what size is needed.
- Insurance supplier: ask for an in-network durable medical equipment supplier.
- County aging office: ask about rides, caregiver support, and local nonprofits.
- Charities and churches: some local groups can help with small costs or pickup help. GFS has an Arizona charities guide for related local support.
- Used equipment exchange: check the item carefully and avoid anything unsafe, broken, dirty, or missing parts.
Resumen en español
Si vive en Arizona y necesita equipo médico prestado o usado, empiece con el directorio estatal de AzTAP, luego llame al 2-1-1, y después llame a la oficina local de envejecimiento de su condado. Pida ayuda para “equipo médico duradero,” como andador, silla de ruedas, silla para la ducha, inodoro portátil o banco de transferencia.
Las reglas cambian según el programa. Algunos lugares prestan equipo gratis. Otros piden depósito pequeño, prueba de domicilio, cita o referencia. Llame antes de manejar. Pregunte si tienen el artículo hoy, qué tamaño es, cuánto tiempo puede usarlo, y qué documentos debe llevar.
Si el adulto mayor sale del hospital o centro de rehabilitación, pida una revisión de alta segura. Si el equipo es caro o será necesario por mucho tiempo, también llame al médico, Medicare, AHCCCS o su plan de seguro.
Frequently asked questions
Does Arizona have one statewide free medical equipment program for seniors?
No. Arizona has a statewide search and referral system, not one single senior-only warehouse. Start with AzTAP, 211 Arizona, AZ Links, your county aging office, and local loan closets.
What is the fastest place to start for a walker or wheelchair?
Use two paths at once. Search the AzTAP directory and call 211 Arizona on the same day. Then call the closest provider that handles the item you need.
Do I need a prescription or referral?
Often no for basic used items, but sometimes yes. Some programs require proof of residency, a referral, or a prescription for certain items. Large items may have more rules.
Can I get a hospital bed or power wheelchair?
Sometimes, but do not count on fast help. Hospital beds, lifts, ramps, and power chairs are harder to find and may require insurance, a referral, or a special provider.
Do Arizona loan closets deliver?
Usually not. Most community closets expect pickup. AzTAP’s assistive technology loan program is different because many eligible items can be shipped at no cost.
Where can I donate used medical equipment in Arizona?
Start with the AzTAP reuse directory or AT Exchange. You can also call local providers before donating. Many programs refuse oxygen, custom supplies, broken items, or large equipment they cannot store.
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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