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DME Loan Closets and Medical Equipment Reuse in California

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray
Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor
Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated: 27 May 2026

Bottom Line: California does not have one senior-only statewide durable medical equipment (DME) loan closet. The best first step is to use Ability Tools, then call your local aging office through the county service finder. Many programs can help with walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, commodes, ramps, and sometimes beds or lifts. Inventory changes often, so call before you drive.

Emergency help now

  • If discharge is soon: call Ability Tools at 1-800-390-2699 and ask for the closest reuse option, loan option, or shipment option.
  • If the senior needs local help: call 1-800-510-2020 and ask for the Area Agency on Aging that serves the county.
  • If insurance is blocking equipment: call the plan first. If the person has Medicare, HICAP can help at 1-800-434-0222. If the person has Medi-Cal managed care, call the Medi-Cal Ombudsman at 1-888-452-8609. Many health plan complaints can also go to the DMHC Help Center at 1-888-466-2219.
  • If there is danger at home: call 911 for a fall, unsafe transfer, breathing problem, or other emergency. A loan closet is not emergency medical care.

Quick help box

Quick reference table

Need Start here What to ask Reality check
Walker, wheelchair, cane, commode, or shower chair Ability Tools and local reuse programs Ask what is in stock today and whether pickup is required. Basic items are easier to find, but sizes and brakes still matter.
Hospital bed, Hoyer lift, power chair, or ramp Regional DME programs and ILCs Ask about delivery, parts, assembly, and weight limits. Large items can take longer and may require transport help.
After hospital discharge Discharge planner plus aging office Ask for DME referrals before the discharge date. Waiting until discharge day can leave the family stuck.
Long-term medically needed equipment Doctor, Medicare, Medi-Cal, or health plan Ask for a written order and supplier options. Insurance can run at the same time as a reuse search.

Contents

What this help is, and what it is not

What it is: DME loan closets and reuse programs collect used medical equipment, clean it, check it, and loan or give it out for free or low cost. California’s closest statewide reuse path is the California reuse coalition, supported by Ability Tools and local partners.

What it is not: A community closet is not the same as a Medicare or Medi-Cal supplier. Medicare DME coverage has its own rules. Medicare Part B covers medically needed DME for home use when a doctor or other health care provider orders it, but you must use enrolled suppliers and follow Medicare rules.

California reality: many good options are not labeled as senior programs. They may be run by a disability center, city office, nonprofit, or volunteer group. Seniors should not skip a program just because its name does not say “senior.” For broader benefits, see the California assistance guide.

The best statewide starting points in California

Starting point What it helps with Who may use it How to use it
Ability Tools Statewide information, reuse listings, device loans, and referrals. Californians with disability or access needs, including older adults. Call the Ability Tools line and ask for reuse, loans, or local AT advocates.
Device lending centers Short-term loans of assistive devices, often for trials or temporary needs. People who need to try equipment before buying or while waiting for another path. Use device lending and ask whether the item can ship.
Area Agencies on Aging Local referrals, transportation leads, caregiver help, and service links. Older adults, caregivers, and family helpers. Ask for DME loan closets, hospital discharge help, and ride options. See California home care if the person also needs hands-on help.
ADRC partners Warm handoffs, options counseling, short-term coordination, and transition help. Older adults and people with disabilities. Not every county uses the same setup. Check the ADRC program and ask whether your county has an ADRC.

Do not use only one search. Run a statewide search and a local search on the same day. A statewide database may show a loan item, while a local office may know about a church, hospice, rehab center, or small nonprofit that is not easy to find online.

Major regional California programs that can help

Local rules matter in California. Some programs are walk-in. Some are appointment only. Some are free only for a county. Some have a deposit, delivery fee, waiver, or service-area rule. Use this table to choose calls, not as a promise that the item is in stock.

Region Program What stands out Practical note
Bay Area ReCARES Free medical equipment and supplies through sites in Oakland, San Francisco, and Marin. No ID or insurance is normally needed, but a liability waiver may be required.
Bay Area large items Large DME referrals Referral system for hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, electric wheelchairs, and other large items. Recipients must inspect items and handle pickup, transfer, and assembly.
Peninsula MELP Loans wheelchairs, rollators, walkers, knee scooters, and other donated equipment. MELP says items are inspected, repaired, cleaned, and inventoried.
Palo Alto / South Bay Avenidas closet Free borrowing of wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment. By appointment only. Call or email first.
Nevada, Sierra, Yuba, Sutter, Colusa FREED AT Strong rural assistive technology support and a busy lending library. Good call for northern rural counties.
Chico / Redding Disability Action Center DME and assistive technology help through Chico and Redding offices. Call the closest office because accepted items and stock can change.
Central Coast CCATC lending Free lending library funded by Ability Tools. Useful for mobility, communication, computer access, magnifiers, and more.
Stanislaus County Society loan closet Large closet with walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, and hospital beds. Free for Stanislaus County residents. Outside-county borrowers may need a cash deposit.
San Gabriel / San Fernando valleys Convalescent Aid Free DME loans, including wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds. Service-area rules apply. Ask about bed delivery fees before reserving.
Long Beach area DRC loan program Short-term assistive technology loans for temporary access. Good for testing a device or bridging a short gap.
Orange County Goodwill OC ATEC Ability Tools partner with device loans, reuse, magnifiers, mobility devices, and computer access. Contact ATEC first to check availability and appointment needs.
San Bernardino, Inyo, Mono Rolling Start Independent living help, referrals, and assistive technology support. Use the San Bernardino or Victorville office based on location.

Los Angeles city caution: the LA DME program says it is currently paused because the fiscal-year funds have been spent. The page says to check back in August 2026. Los Angeles residents should not wait on that one program. Call Ability Tools, an ILC, Convalescent Aid, DRC, 211, or a nearby county resource.

What equipment California seniors can usually find

Equipment type Usually easier or harder? What to check
Canes, crutches, walkers, rollators Easier Height, tips, brakes, wheels, and weight limit.
Manual wheelchairs and transport chairs Often possible Seat width, footrests, brakes, cushion, and car fit.
Shower chairs, transfer benches, commodes Often possible Width, weight limit, bathroom layout, and rust.
Hospital beds and mattresses Harder Delivery, setup, mattress, rails, power needs, and pickup.
Hoyer lifts and slings Harder Correct sling, safe training, ceiling clearance, and caregiver strength.
Power chairs and scooters Harder Charger, battery, controls, weight, repair status, and transport.
Magnifiers, tablets, switches, communication tools Often through AT centers Training, return date, software, charging cords, and support.

For bathroom safety or wheelchair needs, do not guess the size. Measure first. A free item can still be unsafe if it does not fit the person, the doorway, or the bathroom. If the senior also needs help paying for food, bills, or other needs, the BenefitsCal guide can help with online benefit steps.

How loans usually work in California

California has no single loan rule. One program may lend for 30 days. Another may lend until the person no longer needs the item. Another may give the item away. A few programs may ask for a deposit, proof of address, appointment, waiver, or co-signer.

  • Short-term trial loans: these help when the senior needs to test a device or cover a short gap.
  • Open-ended loans: some programs allow longer use, especially when items are donated and meant for reuse.
  • Giveaway models: some reuse partners transfer the item and do not expect a return.
  • County-limited help: some closets serve one county or service area first.
  • Pickup rules: local closets often expect the family to pick up and load the item.
  • Large-item limits: beds, lifts, and ramps may need transport, tools, and a helper.

If the need may last a long time, start the insurance route too. Medicare, Medi-Cal, Medicare Advantage, or a private plan may need a doctor order, supplier review, and prior approval. The supplier finder can help Medicare users check enrolled DME suppliers.

How to start without wasting time

  1. Name the exact item. Say “folding walker with wheels and seat” instead of “walking help.”
  2. Measure before calling. Have height, weight, doorway width, bathroom space, and step count ready.
  3. Run two searches. Use NATADS for statewide help and call the county aging office for local leads.
  4. Call before driving. Ask about stock, hours, pickup rules, paperwork, and whether the item is clean and complete.
  5. Ask about parts. For wheelchairs, ask about footrests. For beds, ask about mattress and rails. For power chairs, ask about charger and battery.
  6. Plan transport. A bed, lift, or ramp may need a truck, second helper, or delivery fee.
  7. Keep insurance moving. If the doctor says the item is medically needed, ask the office to start the coverage paperwork.

For hands-on care needs, the paid caregiver guide may help family members understand caregiver pay paths. It will not replace DME, but equipment and care often go together.

Phone scripts that make calls easier

Script for Ability Tools: “I am helping an older adult in [county and ZIP]. We need [exact item] by [date]. Is there a loan, reuse center, or shipment option? If not, can you give me the nearest AT advocate or reuse partner?”

Script for the aging office: “I need the Area Agency on Aging for [county]. A senior needs [exact item] after discharge or for home safety. Do you know any DME loan closets, ADRC partners, ride help, or local nonprofits that can help this week?”

Script for a loan closet: “Do you have [exact item] in stock today? What size or weight limit is it? Is it a loan or giveaway? How long can it be kept? What papers, appointment, deposit, or pickup plan do we need?”

Script for insurance: “The doctor says this equipment is medically needed for home use. What order, diagnosis note, prior approval, supplier, and timeline are required? If denied, how do I get the denial in writing and file an urgent appeal?”

What to gather or know before calling

  • ☐ County, city, ZIP code, and discharge date if there is one.
  • ☐ Exact item needed, including size, side, power option, or bariatric need.
  • ☐ Height and weight of the person who will use it.
  • ☐ Doorway width, bathroom layout, and steps into the home.
  • ☐ Whether the person can transfer alone or needs caregiver help.
  • ☐ Car, van, truck, or delivery plan.
  • ☐ For beds or lifts, whether a mattress, sling, rails, charger, or setup help is needed.
  • ☐ Doctor order, insurance card, plan name, and supplier name if insurance is also involved.
  • ☐ If other bills are also urgent, check California emergency help for food, rent, utilities, and crisis contacts.

Transportation, delivery, and rural California issues

Rural seniors should not stop at the county line. A program in Chico, Redding, Grass Valley, San Luis Obispo, Long Beach, Santa Ana, or San Bernardino may serve a larger region than its city name suggests. Ask each program about its service area.

  • Ask about shipping: Ability Tools device lending is one of the strongest statewide routes for mailed items.
  • Ask about delivery: some local programs deliver only large items, some charge a fee, and some do not deliver at all.
  • Ask about setup: do not assume anyone will assemble a bed, ramp, or lift.
  • Ask about rides: the aging office may know local senior transportation or assisted rides.
  • Plan for outages: if the senior uses powered equipment in wildfire or outage areas, ask an ILC about batteries, charging plans, and emergency planning.

Equipment can also affect housing safety. If the home needs ramps, bathroom changes, or safer access, the California housing guide can help you look for housing and home-safety resources.

Sanitation and safety checks

Many programs clean and inspect donated equipment, but families should still check the item before taking it home. Reuse is helpful, but it is not the same as buying new equipment from a medical supplier.

  • Look for damage: rust, cracks, loose wheels, missing tips, weak brakes, frayed straps, bent frames, or exposed wires.
  • Check soft parts: cushions, mattresses, slings, and pads may be handled differently from hard equipment.
  • Test moving parts: brakes, latches, footrests, bed controls, and chargers should work before pickup.
  • Ask about cleaning: ask how the item was cleaned and whether it was repaired.
  • Check fit: a safe item must fit the person and the home.

Reality checks

  • Inventory can change daily. A website list may not match what is on the shelf today.
  • Large items are harder. Beds, lifts, ramps, power chairs, and scooters depend on donations, space, parts, and transport.
  • Delivery is not standard. Many programs help you find equipment but do not move it into the home.
  • Rural searches need a wider net. Call the nearest regional hub, not just the nearest town.
  • Insurance takes paperwork. A loan closet may solve today’s problem, while insurance works on long-term need.
  • Approval is not guaranteed. Each program may have service-area, stock, income, disability, or appointment rules.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Waiting until discharge day to start calling.
  • Asking for a vague item instead of the exact size and type.
  • Driving to a closet without checking hours and stock.
  • Forgetting to ask about weight limits, missing parts, and cleaning.
  • Assuming a free item includes delivery or setup.
  • Confusing a community reuse closet with Medicare or Medi-Cal coverage.
  • Taking a large item without a safe way to move it into the home.
  • Keeping unused equipment too long instead of returning it.

What to do if help is denied, delayed, or overwhelming

If the first call fails, keep the search moving. Do not spend a whole week waiting for one program to call back.

  • Post a want ad: use the statewide NATADS system if the item is not listed.
  • Call the next region: ask whether a nearby county or hub city serves your area.
  • Ask an ILC: local disability centers often know unlisted reuse closets, repair programs, and donation networks.
  • Ask the doctor: if the item is medically needed, ask for a written order and supplier referral.
  • Use HICAP: Medicare users can contact HICAP counseling for free Medicare counseling.
  • Use Medi-Cal help: managed care members can contact the Medi-Cal Ombudsman for plan problems.
  • Use DMHC: many health plan problems can go to the DMHC complaint page after the plan process or when timing rules apply.
  • Try national backup: the Eldercare Locator can help older adults find local aging services if California routes stall.

If the problem is really about Medicare premiums, deductibles, or other health costs, our Medicare Savings guide may help you check California help with Medicare costs.

Resumen en español

California no tiene un solo programa estatal para adultos mayores que preste equipo médico duradero. El mejor comienzo es Ability Tools, el buscador estatal NATADS, la oficina local de envejecimiento y el centro de vida independiente más cercano.

Las reglas cambian por región. Algunos programas prestan sillas de ruedas, andadores, sillas de baño y cómodos. Las camas de hospital, sillas eléctricas, elevadores y rampas son más difíciles. Siempre llame primero para confirmar inventario, horario, tamaño, depósito, entrega y documentos.

Si el equipo debe ser cubierto por Medicare, Medi-Cal o un plan de salud, hable también con el médico y el plan. Un programa comunitario puede ayudar mientras espera, pero no reemplaza el proceso formal de seguro.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one statewide California DME loan closet just for seniors?

No. California does not have one senior-only statewide DME closet. The best statewide route is Ability Tools, then the county aging office, the local ADRC if available, an Independent Living Center, and regional nonprofits.

What is the fastest place to start?

Start with NATADS Public Access and the Ability Tools phone line at 1-800-390-2699. Then call the county aging office. That gives you one statewide search and one local search on the same day.

Can a caregiver pick up equipment?

Usually yes, but each program sets its own rules. Ask whether the borrower must sign a form, whether a helper can pick up, and whether ID, proof of address, appointment, waiver, deposit, or co-signer is needed.

Will programs deliver to rural areas?

Sometimes. Some statewide device loans may ship. Local DME closets often require pickup. For large items, ask about delivery fees, setup, who loads the item, and who is responsible for safe assembly at home.

What equipment is hardest to find?

Hospital beds, Hoyer lifts, powered mobility devices, scooters, specialty chairs, and long ramps are usually harder than walkers, canes, commodes, shower chairs, and manual wheelchairs.

Is reused equipment the same as Medicare or Medi-Cal coverage?

No. Reuse programs are community programs with changing inventory. Medicare and Medi-Cal follow separate medical-need, plan, supplier, order, and approval rules. Many families use both paths at the same time.

What if the health plan denies the equipment?

Ask for the denial in writing. Ask the doctor for medical-need notes. Use the plan appeal or grievance process. Medicare users can call HICAP. Medi-Cal managed care members can call the Medi-Cal Ombudsman. Many managed health plan complaints can go to DMHC.

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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About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray
Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor
Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.