DME Loan Closets and Medical Equipment Reuse in Colorado

Last updated: 16 April 2026

Bottom line: Colorado does not have one statewide physical durable medical equipment (DME) warehouse for seniors. The best statewide starting points are the Colorado AT Exchange and the state’s Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado line, then the local nonprofit, senior-center, and community loan closets that actually hold the equipment.

If you need gear fast, start local and call before you drive. In Colorado, the difference between getting help today and next week is often knowing which county or regional program to call first.

Emergency help now

• Call Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado at 1-844-265-2372 and ask for the fastest local loan closet or Area Agency on Aging office.
• Search the Colorado AT Exchange right now for the exact item and the nearest city where you can pick it up.
• If you are in metro Denver, try Assistance League of Denver HELP at 1-720-598-6126 or South Metro Medical Equipment Loan Closet at 1-720-443-2013.

Quick help Best statewide online option: Colorado AT Exchange. Best statewide phone option: Colorado ADRC at 1-844-265-2372. Fastest free metro Denver options: HELP and South Metro. Good low-cost backup: Good Health Will or Disabled Resource Services. Caregiver-only extra path: Ask your local Area Agency on Aging if caregiver support funds in your region can help with equipment or supplies.

What this help is in Colorado, and what it is not

This guide is about borrowed, donated, reused, and low-cost medical equipment in Colorado. It covers free loan closets, community reuse, and Colorado’s state assistive technology resources.

It is not the same as insurance coverage. A loan closet usually cannot bill Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Health First Colorado. If you need a medically necessary long-term item, start the insurance path too, while you use reuse or a loan closet to solve the short-term problem.

Important Colorado note: the state-level tool is the Colorado AT Exchange, which is an online exchange, not a statewide staffed loan closet. Most actual borrowing still happens through local Colorado programs with their own age, county, pickup, and return rules.

Quick facts

• Colorado’s statewide reuse tool is the Colorado AT Exchange, not one statewide warehouse.
• Common free-loan items in Colorado include walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches, shower chairs, commodes, and toilet risers.
• Rules vary a lot. Broomfield is for residents age 60 and older, while South Metro serves adults age 18 and older.
• Some Colorado backups are not free, but still cheaper than retail. Disabled Resource Services rents at low cost, and Good Health Will sells donated equipment to the public.
• If you are an unpaid caregiver, your local Area Agency on Aging may have access to supplemental caregiver services that can include equipment or supplies, depending on your region.

The best statewide starting points

Colorado Assistive Technology Program and Colorado AT Exchange

The Assistive Technology Act Program of Colorado, based at CU Denver’s Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering, is the closest thing Colorado has to a statewide reuse hub. Its free Colorado AT Exchange lets Coloradans find, donate, sell, or claim used assistive technology and mobility equipment across the state.

The exchange is broader than a typical loan closet. Colorado says it can include mobility equipment, communication devices, daily living aids, vision and hearing supports, and home-access items. In its 2024 annual report, the program said 145 devices valued at $115,456 were reutilized.

Use this site carefully: the AT Exchange terms say it is a user-driven classified service. The program is not part of the actual transaction and does not guarantee item quality, safety, legality, or listing accuracy. The state AT program also says reused devices should be based on a professional evaluation or recommendation when fit and safety matter.

Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado

If you do not know where to start, call Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado, also called ADRC, at 1-844-265-2372. Colorado describes ADRC as a trusted source for older adults who need help understanding local long-term supports and getting connected to the right office.

This matters because Colorado’s equipment help is local. ADRC can point you to the right Area Agency on Aging (AAA), regional aging network, or community option in your county.

Caregiver support and Medicaid coverage are separate backup paths

If you are an unpaid caregiver, ask your local Area Agency on Aging whether Colorado caregiver support services in your region can help with supplemental items. The state says these services may include home modifications, assistive technologies, emergency response systems, and equipment or supplies, but what is available varies by region and funding.

If the equipment is medically necessary and not just short-term, start the insurance route too. The state’s Health First Colorado Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) manual says covered DME must be medically necessary and prescribed, and some items may be rented or purchased.

Denver metro has a strong official navigation point

For Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and Gilpin counties, the Denver Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging is a key local starting point. DRCOG also runs an Aging and Disability Resource Center that helps older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers make care decisions and find local services.

Major regional organizations and loan closets in Colorado

The table below is not every closet in Colorado. It is a practical short list of strong starting points by region, with special attention to programs that are active and clearly describe their rules online.

Area	Best local starting points	Best for	Rule to know
Denver, Aurora, central metro	Assistance League of Denver HELP 1-720-598-6126 South Metro Medical Equipment Loan Closet 1-720-443-2013	Fast free help for common recovery items	HELP offers drop-ins or appointments. South Metro is appointment only, serves adults age 18+, and says loans are up to 3 months.
Douglas County	Aging Resources of Douglas County 1-303-814-4300	Douglas County seniors and families	Free medical and safety equipment closet for Douglas County residents.
Broomfield	Broomfield Senior Services Loan Closet 1-303-464-5535	Broomfield residents age 60+	Two-month loans, first come first served, no reservations. Broomfield says it stopped carrying shower chairs and benches on April 1, 2025.
Erie area	Erie Loan Closet Town line: 1-303-926-2700	Short-term local recovery needs	Use the request form first. A Rotary volunteer usually contacts you within 24 hours based on availability.
Northern Colorado	Disabled Resource Services 1-970-667-0816 Good Health Will Loveland: 1-970-624-6002 Greeley: 1-970-515-6935	Low-cost backup when free closets are empty	Disabled Resource Services is a rental program, not free. Good Health Will is open to the public with no referral needed.
Monument, Palmer Lake, Tri-Lakes	Tri-Lakes Cares medical loan closet 1-719-481-4864	Community-based no-cost loans	Loans are based on availability and can last as long as needed.
Telluride, Naturita, southwest mountain communities	Tri-County Health Network DME Lending Closets 1-970-708-7096	Free rural lending in the southwest corner	Closets are in Telluride and Naturita. The program says loans may be short term or long term.
Ouray County and nearby mountain towns	Woman’s Club of Ouray County Medical Loan Closet	Volunteer-run local borrowing	Uses an online contact form. The club says it tries to answer within 24 hours and often sooner.
Estes Park	Estes Park Quota Loan Closet	Free local loans, including larger items	The club says loans are free with a minimal refundable deposit.

For western Colorado counties outside one town’s closet system, Region 10 Area Agency on Aging is a strong navigation point for Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. Region 10 says counselors are available across its six-county area and that its ADRC network helps connect people to local supports.

Why Estes Park is worth noting: the Estes Park Quota Club says 454 patients used 724 pieces of equipment in 2025, which is a good sign that the closet is active and widely used.

What equipment is commonly available in Colorado

If you need…	Usually realistic in Colorado	Best backup if free closets are empty
Canes, crutches, walkers	Usually the easiest items to find at free loan closets.	Colorado AT Exchange or Good Health Will.
Wheelchair or transport chair	Often available, but call fast because inventory moves.	AT Exchange, Good Health Will, or your insurer’s DME supplier.
Shower chair, bath bench, toilet riser, commode	Often available, but not every Colorado site carries every bathroom item.	AT Exchange or Good Health Will.
Knee scooter, portable ramp, hospital bed, patient lift	Much less consistent. Some programs have them sometimes, but not reliably.	South Metro, AT Exchange, or an insurer-covered supplier.
Power chair, scooter, specialty seating	Rare in free closets. Fit and safety matter more here.	AT Exchange, Good Health Will, or a clinical evaluation and insurance route.

One good local example of variation: Broomfield says it no longer carries shower chairs and benches because of capacity limits, while South Metro specifically lists shower chairs and hospital beds among the items it may have.

How loans usually work in Colorado

• Call or submit a form first: South Metro is appointment only, and Erie uses a request form.
• Check age or county rules: Broomfield is for residents age 60 and older. Aging Resources of Douglas County limits its closet to Douglas County residents. South Metro serves adults age 18 and older.
• Expect different time limits: South Metro says up to 3 months. Broomfield says 2 months. Tri-Lakes Cares says equipment can be borrowed as long as needed, based on availability.
• Some programs are free; some are low-cost: HELP, South Metro, Tri-Lakes Cares, and Tri-County Health Network describe no-cost lending. Disabled Resource Services is a low-cost rental program, and Good Health Will is a low-cost resale store.
• Deposits happen in some towns: the Estes Park Quota Loan Closet says it uses a minimal refundable deposit.

What to ask before pickup

• Is the item in stock right now?
• What exact model and size is it? Ask about seat width, walker type, and weight capacity.
• Has it been cleaned and checked? Ask whether anything is missing.
• Can someone else pick it up for the senior? This matters for adult children helping from out of town.
• How long can I keep it? Ask whether the loan renews automatically or needs a return date.
• Do I need a vehicle, helper, deposit, or ID?
• If it is a bed or power device, does it come apart, and does it include the charger or remote?

Transportation and delivery issues

Pickup is the default in Colorado. Many programs expect you, a caregiver, or a friend to do the pickup. That is easy for a cane. It is much harder for a hospital bed or heavy wheelchair.

• Good Health Will says its insurance does not allow staff or volunteers to load or unload equipment into your vehicle, though it does offer delivery for a modest fee and free pickup of some large donated items.
• South Metro requires appointments for loans, returns, and donations.
• HELP allows drop-ins or appointments, which can be useful when timing is tight.

If the senior cannot drive, ask whether a family member, neighbor, church volunteer, home-health aide, or discharge planner can do the pickup. When you call your local Area Agency on Aging, also ask whether they know of volunteer transportation or local helper networks in your county.

Sanitation, condition, and safety questions

Reuse can save a lot of money, but fit matters. This is especially true for transfer equipment, ramps, beds, and power mobility.

If you are using the Colorado AT Exchange, remember that the site is user-driven. The terms say the program does not guarantee item quality or safety, and the state AT program page recommends professional evaluation when proper usage and fit matter.

• Check brakes, rubber tips, seat fabric, bolts, and footrests.
• Make sure every accessory is there before you leave.
• Test battery-powered items before accepting them.
• If the item looks damaged or poorly repaired, pass on it.

What to do first

• Step 1: Write down the exact item you need, the senior’s size, and whether this is for days, weeks, or months.
• Step 2: Check the Colorado AT Exchange for nearby listings.
• Step 3: Call Colorado ADRC at 1-844-265-2372 and ask for the best local loan closet or Area Agency on Aging office.
• Step 4: Call the nearest Colorado programs in the table above and ask about stock, pickup, and return rules.
• Step 5: If the equipment is medically necessary and may be needed long term, also start the Health First Colorado DMEPOS or Medicare supplier route.
• Step 6: If free options are empty, pivot fast to Good Health Will or Disabled Resource Services instead of waiting.

What to gather or know first

• ☐ The senior’s ZIP code and the farthest town you can realistically reach
• ☐ Exact item needed, plus size or seat width if relevant
• ☐ Whether the need is short term or long term
• ☐ Whether someone can pick up and load the item
• ☐ Whether a doctor, therapist, or discharge planner recommended a certain style
• ☐ Insurance details if you are also trying the covered-DME route
• ☐ A backup plan if the first closet is out of stock

Local fallback categories if statewide tools are limited

If the statewide tools do not solve it, Colorado families usually find success by moving through these local categories in order:

• Municipal senior services: examples include Broomfield and Erie.
• Nonprofit aging organizations: examples include Aging Resources of Douglas County, Tri-Lakes Cares, and Tri-County Health Network.
• Disability and independent-living organizations: examples include Disabled Resource Services.
• Community and volunteer groups: examples include the Woman’s Club of Ouray County and the Estes Park Quota Loan Closet.
• Low-cost reuse stores: the clearest example is Good Health Will.

What to do if a rural senior cannot find help nearby

Rural Colorado families often need a wider search plan. Start with the state ADRC line, then call the regional aging network that covers your county.

For example, Region 10 Area Agency on Aging serves Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. In the southwest mountain area, Tri-County Health Network has lending closets in Telluride and Naturita. In Ouray County, the Woman’s Club Medical Loan Closet is another direct local option.

If nothing is close enough, widen your search radius on the Colorado AT Exchange, ask your hospital social worker or clinic care coordinator to call around for you, and use the national Assistive Technology Act directory linked from the Colorado Assistive Technology Program page if you live near a state border and can travel.

Reality checks

• Colorado is local first. One town may have a strong closet, while the next county has only a reuse store or an online exchange.

• Common basics move fastest. Walkers and bath items are easier than hospital beds, lifts, ramps, or power chairs.

• Free does not always mean immediate. Volunteer-run closets may need time to answer, clean, or coordinate pickup.

• Fit beats speed. The wrong wheelchair or transfer aid can create a safety problem at home.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Driving across town without calling first
• Assuming all Colorado closets serve every age group or county
• Waiting until discharge day to start calling
• Forgetting to ask about pickup, loading, or return terms
• Mixing up community reuse with insurance coverage
• Accepting a large item without checking whether it fits the home or vehicle

What to do if the first path does not work

• Try the Colorado AT Exchange again with a wider city radius.
• Call ADRC and ask for other closets, senior centers, or aging offices in nearby counties.
• Switch quickly to a low-cost backup such as Good Health Will or Disabled Resource Services.
• Ask the hospital, rehab team, or therapist whether a covered DME supplier can get the item faster.
• If you are a caregiver, ask your Area Agency on Aging about supplemental caregiver services.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one statewide free medical equipment loan closet in Colorado?

No. Colorado’s state-level option is the Colorado AT Exchange, which is an online reuse site, not a physical warehouse. For human help, call Colorado ADRC at 1-844-265-2372, then move to local loan closets and Area Agencies on Aging.

What should I do if my parent is leaving the hospital today?

Get the exact item name, size, and discharge timing from the hospital. Then call ADRC, check the Colorado AT Exchange, and if you are in metro Denver try HELP and South Metro right away.

What items are easiest to find free in Colorado?

Walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, shower chairs, toilet risers, and commodes are usually the most realistic. Hospital beds, lifts, ramps, scooters, and power chairs are much less predictable and often require a wider search or a low-cost backup.

What if I live in rural Colorado?

Start with ADRC and your regional aging network. In western Colorado, Region 10 is a key starting point, while the southwest corner has Tri-County Health Network and Ouray County has the Woman’s Club loan closet. Also widen your search on the AT Exchange.

Can Health First Colorado help pay for equipment instead of borrowing it?

Yes, sometimes. The state’s DMEPOS manual says Health First Colorado can cover medically necessary prescribed DME, and some items may be rented or purchased. That is separate from reuse, so it is smart to try both paths at once.

Are free closets and reuse sites safe?

They can be, but you still need to ask questions. The AT Exchange terms say the site does not guarantee item quality or safety, and the Colorado AT program says proper fit may require professional evaluation.

Where can I donate used medical equipment in Colorado?

Start with the Colorado AT Exchange if you want statewide visibility. Local options that clearly accept donations include South Metro, Erie, Good Health Will, and HELP; always call first, because some programs, such as Broomfield, say they are not accepting donations due to capacity limits.

Resumen en español

En Colorado no existe un solo programa estatal con un gran almacén físico de equipo médico duradero. La mejor puerta de entrada estatal es el Colorado AT Exchange, junto con la línea de Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado al 1-844-265-2372, que puede dirigirle a la oficina correcta en su región.

En el área de Denver, muchas familias empiezan con Assistance League of Denver HELP o con South Metro Medical Equipment Loan Closet. En Douglas County, Aging Resources of Douglas County tiene un clóset gratuito para residentes. En el norte de Colorado, Good Health Will y Disabled Resource Services son buenas opciones de bajo costo cuando los artículos gratis no están disponibles.

Si vive en una zona rural, amplíe la búsqueda en el Colorado AT Exchange y llame a su red regional, como Region 10 Area Agency on Aging, Tri-County Health Network o el Medical Loan Closet del Woman’s Club of Ouray County. Antes de recoger cualquier artículo, pregunte si está limpio, si tiene todas sus piezas y si el tamaño correcto para la persona que lo va a usar.

About This Guide

This guide uses official federal, state, 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, office, utility, facility, or program guidance. Individual outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Verification: Last verified April 16, 2026, next review August 2026.

Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only, not legal, financial, medical, or government-agency advice. Office procedures, program rules, local policies, inventory, return terms, and coverage decisions can change. Confirm current details directly with the official office, nonprofit, or provider before acting.