Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 14 September 2026
If an older Delawarean needs a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, commode, hospital bed, or another assistive device, buying new equipment is not the only route. Delaware has short-term loans, reuse help, state funding, insurance routes, and community referrals. The path depends on urgency and fit.
Bottom Line
Start with the Delaware ADRC at 1-800-223-9074 and the DATI loan program at 1-800-870-3284 or 302-831-0354. ADRC can route older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to statewide help. DATI lets Delaware residents test or borrow many assistive-technology devices for short periods. If the need is tied to a same-day hospital discharge, keep the discharge team involved until a safe equipment plan is arranged.
Need Equipment for a Safe Discharge?
If discharge is today or tomorrow, tell the hospital, rehabilitation center, or home-health team exactly what is missing. Ask whether they can arrange the ordered DME, a rental, or supplier delivery before the person goes home. A community loan is a useful backup, but it should not replace a medically necessary discharge plan.
Start Here
- Name the exact item. Say “rollator,” “transport chair,” “tub transfer bench,” or another specific device, not just “medical equipment.”
- Call ADRC and DATI. Ask ADRC to search statewide and ask DATI whether the item, or a safe alternative, is available for a short loan.
- Use a coverage or reuse backup. If no loan works, check Medicare or Medicaid rules, Delaware’s assistive-device program, independent-living services, and current reuse programs.
If you need broader help with benefits beyond equipment, use the GFS Delaware senior benefits guide.
Quick Reference: Best First Route
| Situation | Start with | Main question |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day discharge or fall risk | Discharge team, then ADRC | Can the ordered item be arranged before the person goes home? |
| Need to test or borrow a device | DATI | Is this device, or a similar one, available for a short loan? |
| Need local nonprofit leads | Delaware 211 | Can you search my ZIP Code and nearby counties for current DME or disability resources? |
| No other payer will cover it | ADRC and DSAAPD | Could the state assistive-device program help with this disability-related need? |
| Medicare or Medicaid member | Plan, supplier, DMAB, or Medicaid | What order, authorization, supplier, and cost rules apply? |
| Pickup is the barrier | Program, caregiver, DART | Can the item be held, delivered, or picked up by another person? |
What Has Changed
- DATI’s online inventory route is uncertain right now. The current DATI loan page says the AT Exchange search link is disabled while server maintenance is underway. The separate exchange page still describes the program, so call DATI before relying on an online listing.
- Delaware’s state device program has limits. The current DSAAPD page says per-purchase and lifetime limits apply, but it does not publish the dollar amounts. Ask ADRC to confirm the current limits before planning around this funding.
- Delaware 211 hours are inconsistent across current pages. Because its own pages show different phone and chat schedules, this update no longer gives a fixed 211 service window. Use the live 211 site for current availability.
Main Delaware Medical Equipment Paths
Delaware Aging & Disability Resource Center
The Delaware Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is the best general starting point when a family does not know which office handles the problem. ADRC describes itself as the statewide access point for information, assistance, and referrals for older Delawareans, adults with disabilities, and caregivers. Its telephone and email help are available around the clock, and its website has an ADRC resource search that includes assistive technology and disability services.
Ask about: equipment loan leads, assistive technology, home-safety supports, transportation, caregiver help, and whether a state program may pay for a needed device. If the equipment is only one part of a larger disability problem, the GFS Delaware disability guide can help you map the next steps.
Reality check: ADRC is mainly a navigation and referral service. It may connect you to the right program without owning the actual equipment.
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) is the strongest statewide path for trying assistive technology before buying it. DATI says its services are available to Delaware residents of all ages and disability types, with most services provided at no cost. Its equipment demonstration and loan program lets residents test devices and borrow many items for temporary use. The current DATI eligibility page says there are no eligibility limits beyond Delaware residency for DATI services.
Call ahead rather than driving to a site. DATI’s current pages are not fully consistent about resource-center locations, so use the DATI central contact to confirm where the device is available.
Best for: a short recovery, trying a device before purchase, comparing options, or getting help identifying assistive technology that fits the person’s needs.
DSAAPD Assistive-Device Help
The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) says it has funds for adults with disabilities to buy or rent new or used assistive devices. The device must support independent action or communication, and the program says its money is used only when no other funds are available. The official assistive-device page also says an assessed need is required and that per-purchase and lifetime limits apply.
Important: the official page does not state the current dollar limits. Do not assume there is no cap. Ask ADRC what limits, paperwork, financial rules, or funding availability apply on the date you call.
For a larger home-safety need, such as a ramp, stair glide, or other access change, also review the GFS Delaware home repair guide.
Independent-Living Services
Delaware’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation says its independent-living network may provide assistive technology and home, work, or vehicle modifications after an assessment. The current Independent Living page points residents to centers for independent living across the state.
Independent Resources referrals can also help people with disabilities locate adaptive equipment, accessible housing, transportation, and support services. This helps when equipment is part of a broader independence problem.
Reality check: assessment, program rules, and funding can affect what is available. These routes are not emergency discharge solutions.
DATI Loan Rules to Know
DATI’s current short-term loan policy gives several clear rules. These matter because a family can lose time if it expects a permanent loan or plans to take a borrowed device out of state.
- The borrower must be a Delaware resident.
- The standard loan period is two weeks.
- An extension may be allowed if there is no waiting list or reservation conflict.
- The maximum loan period is four weeks.
- A borrower may have up to four devices at one time, subject to the policy’s treatment of related components.
- Borrowed equipment must remain in Delaware.
Helpful tip: ask for the return date while you are still on the phone. Also ask whether a caregiver may pick up and return the item for the Delaware resident.
Reuse and Donation Options
Reuse can be a fast low-cost route when the device is safe, fits, and is available. Stock changes quickly, so always call before driving.
Donate Delaware: the nonprofit says it recycles and distributes DME to individuals and families in need. Its current equipment request form lets people request equipment or supplies. The organization’s current program page says its Newport resource center is operating and describes recent distribution of walkers, crutches, manual and power wheelchairs, and other DME.
Easterseals: the Delaware and Maryland Eastern Shore affiliate offers assistive-technology information, seating guidance, demonstrations, and a financing program for some larger technology needs. Its assistive technology program lists case-manager contacts and explains that its demonstration center does not sell products.
Delaware 211: use the 211 resource search to look for medical care, transportation, disability, senior, and other community services by ZIP Code. You can also dial 211 or text your ZIP Code to 898-211. Current 211 pages show different service-hour details, so check the site for live availability.
If you want more national ideas for loan closets and reuse programs, see the GFS DME loan closet guide.
Medicare, Medicaid, and Equipment Coverage
Insurance can be the right route for medically necessary equipment, especially when a device must be prescribed or supported over time.
Medicare: Medicare Part B can cover medically necessary durable medical equipment prescribed for use in the home when Medicare rules are met. Medicare’s DME coverage page says the equipment must meet its DME definition and that doctors and suppliers must meet Medicare requirements. After the Part B deductible, the usual cost is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount when the supplier accepts assignment.
Do not buy or rent an expensive item first and assume Medicare will reimburse it. Ask whether the prescriber and supplier are enrolled, whether the supplier accepts assignment, and whether the item is rented or purchased. For free help with Medicare questions, the Delaware Medicare bureau provides counseling at 1-800-336-9500 or 302-674-7364.
Medicaid: Delaware Medicaid coverage depends on the member’s program, managed-care plan, medical need, authorization rules, and provider requirements. Use the current DMMA contact directory or the number on the member card for a case-specific coverage question. If Medicare costs are part of the problem, the GFS Delaware Medicare Savings guide explains programs that may reduce some Medicare expenses for qualifying people.
What to Check Before Accepting Equipment
| Equipment | Check first | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walker or rollator | Height range, brakes, tips, folding | Poor fit or weak brakes can make walking less safe. |
| Manual wheelchair | Seat width, footrests, brakes, weight limit | The chair must fit the person and the home. |
| Shower chair or bench | Feet, rust, width, tub fit, weight limit | Bathroom equipment must sit securely on the actual surface. |
| Bedside commode | Height, bucket, frame, cleaning | Missing parts can make the item unusable. |
| Hospital bed | Delivery, setup, mattress, rails, power | Large equipment may require professional setup and space planning. |
| Power chair or scooter | Battery, charger, controls, service history | A low-cost device can become expensive if batteries or electronics fail. |
For fitted mobility or seating equipment, ask a clinician, therapist, or qualified equipment professional to confirm the fit when needed. A donated device is not automatically the right device for the person’s medical or mobility needs.
Pickup, Delivery, and Transportation
Pickup is often the hidden problem. Before accepting an item, ask whether it can be held, whether another person may pick it up, whether it folds, and whether it will fit in the available vehicle. For a hospital bed or other large device, ask who delivers, who assembles it, and who removes it later.
If the senior already uses paratransit, DART may help with transportation to an appointment or pickup location, but it is not a same-day equipment delivery service. DART’s current paratransit page lists reservations at 1-800-553-3278 and explains that eligibility is required. A new paratransit application should not be treated as an emergency discharge solution.
If a broken step, narrow bathroom, or unsafe entrance is making the equipment unusable, equipment alone may not solve the problem. Ask ADRC about home-safety supports and use the Delaware home-repair guide linked above for broader modification options.
How to Start Without Wasting Time
- Write down the exact need. Include the device type, size, and when it is needed.
- Measure the person and space. For chairs, know approximate height, weight, hip width, doorway width, and vehicle space. For bathroom equipment, measure the tub or shower area.
- Call ADRC and DATI first. ADRC can search the statewide network. DATI can check loan and demonstration options.
- Ask about insurance early. If a doctor or therapist says the device is medically necessary, ask the plan or supplier what order and authorization rules apply before paying cash.
- Use reuse programs as a parallel path. Contact Donate Delaware and search 211 while the insurance or state-funding route is moving.
- Keep a backup plan. If the item is unavailable, ask whether a similar device is safe, when to call back, and which two other programs to try.
If equipment is only one part of a larger crisis involving food, rent, utilities, or immediate household safety, the GFS Delaware emergency help guide can help you find other urgent routes.
What to Gather Before You Call
- Exact equipment name and the reason it is needed
- Date of surgery, discharge, or return home
- Approximate height, weight, and key measurements
- Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or other insurance information
- Doctor’s order, therapy note, or discharge paperwork if available
- Whether the item is needed for days, weeks, or long-term use
- Whether a caregiver can pick it up
- Stairs, narrow doors, elevator limits, or other delivery barriers
- Names, dates, and answers from programs already contacted
Phone Scripts You Can Use
ADRC script
“I am helping an older adult in [county]. They need [exact item] by [date] because of [discharge, fall risk, surgery, or disability need]. Can you help me find a loan, reuse, funding, or supplier option? Pickup is [possible/not possible].”
DATI script
“The person lives in Delaware and needs [exact item] for [short recovery/testing]. Is the item or a similar device available for a short loan? Which location should we use, what is the return date, and can a caregiver pick it up?”
Reuse program script
“I need [exact item] for an older adult in [ZIP Code]. The person is [height/weight if relevant], and we need it by [date]. Do you have one available, what condition is it in, and is pickup or delivery required?”
Discharge-team script
“Before discharge, we need a safe plan for [item]. Can you arrange the order, supplier, rental, or delivery before the patient goes home? Please tell us what will be in place and who to call if it does not arrive.”
Loan, Coverage, or Funding?
| Route | Best for | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| DATI loan | Short use or try-before-buy | Availability and four-week maximum |
| Community reuse | Basic items needed quickly | Inventory, fit, condition, pickup |
| Medicare | Medically necessary home DME | Order, supplier, coverage, patient cost |
| Medicaid | Covered needs for eligible members | Plan, authorization, provider rules |
| DSAAPD device funds | Disability-related last-resort funding | Assessment, other-payer test, purchase/lifetime limits |
| Independent living | Broader disability access needs | Assessment, scope, available funding |
Reality Checks
- Inventory changes quickly. Call before traveling, even if a website listed an item recently.
- Free may still require pickup. Transportation can be the main barrier.
- Large equipment takes planning. Beds and powered mobility devices may need delivery, setup, charging, or repair support.
- Insurance is not automatic. A doctor recommending a device does not by itself guarantee coverage.
- State funding has limits. DSAAPD’s current page confirms purchase and lifetime limits but does not publish the dollar amounts.
- Borrowed equipment has a return date. DATI’s ordinary loan is short term, not a permanent replacement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Driving to a program before confirming stock and pickup instructions
- Asking only for “a wheelchair” without size, weight, or use details
- Buying expensive equipment before checking Medicare or plan supplier rules
- Assuming a free item will be delivered
- Taking bathroom equipment without checking stability and fit
- Missing the DATI return date or taking borrowed equipment outside Delaware
- Assuming an old online listing proves an item is still available
- Waiting until discharge day to start a routine insurance or funding process
Denied, Delayed, or Overwhelmed
If a program says no, ask for the reason. “No” may mean no inventory, wrong device size, no delivery, missing medical documentation, a plan authorization problem, or a funding rule. The next step depends on the reason.
- No inventory: ask when to call again and request two backup referrals.
- Coverage problem: ask the plan or supplier what exact rule was not met and whether a different enrolled supplier can be used.
- Funding problem: ask ADRC whether DSAAPD or independent-living services fit the need.
- Caregiver overload: ask ADRC about caregiver supports and review the GFS Delaware caregiver programs guide for related care options.
Backup Options
If the first route fails, widen the search before paying full retail. Ask ADRC to search statewide, ask 211 to include nearby counties, and ask DATI whether a different device could safely meet the same short-term need.
Ask Easterseals about demonstrations or financing for more expensive assistive technology. Ask Donate Delaware about reuse stock. For Medicare or Medicaid, confirm coverage and supplier rules before a large purchase.
For a Delaware veteran or surviving spouse, equipment may also connect with VA health or home-safety support. Use the GFS Delaware veteran benefits guide when veteran status is relevant.
Resumen en Español
Si una persona mayor en Delaware necesita una silla de ruedas, andador, silla para la ducha, inodoro portátil u otro equipo, empiece con ADRC al 1-800-223-9074 y con DATI al 1-800-870-3284. ADRC ayuda a encontrar servicios y referencias. DATI ofrece préstamos de corto plazo para residentes de Delaware cuando el equipo está disponible.
El préstamo normal de DATI es por dos semanas y puede extenderse, si no hay lista de espera o conflicto de reserva, hasta un máximo de cuatro semanas. Si no hay equipo gratis, pregunte por el programa estatal de dispositivos de asistencia, Medicare, Medicaid, programas de vida independiente y Donate Delaware. Si el alta del hospital es hoy, pida al equipo de alta que arregle el equipo necesario antes de regresar a casa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware have one statewide DME loan-closet directory?
We could not verify one official Delaware directory devoted only to DME loan closets. Start with the Delaware ADRC resource search, DATI, and Delaware 211. Ask them to search statewide because equipment and pickup options change quickly.
Can a Delaware senior borrow a walker or wheelchair at no cost?
Sometimes. DATI provides no-cost short-term equipment loans for Delaware residents, but the exact device must be available. Community reuse programs may also have walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, or other items. Call first.
How long can DATI equipment be borrowed?
DATI’s current loan policy says the standard loan is two weeks. An extension may be allowed when there is no waiting list or reservation conflict, with a maximum loan period of four weeks. Borrowed equipment must stay in Delaware.
What is the fastest route when discharge is today?
Keep the hospital, rehabilitation facility, or home-health discharge team involved. Ask them to arrange the ordered equipment, rental, or supplier delivery before the person goes home. Community loan programs are useful backups, but same-day inventory is not guaranteed.
Does Medicare cover durable medical equipment?
Medicare Part B can cover medically necessary DME prescribed for use in the home when Medicare’s coverage and supplier rules are met. After the Part B deductible, Medicare says the usual cost is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount when the supplier accepts assignment.
What if no free equipment is available?
Ask ADRC about Delaware’s assistive-device program, ask the health plan whether the item is covered, and ask independent-living programs about disability-related equipment or modifications. You can also request reused equipment from Donate Delaware or ask Easterseals about assistive-technology guidance and financing options.
About This Guide
Sources: This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources linked in the article.
Editorial note: This guide is produced under the GFS Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources. GFS is not affiliated with a government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections: Despite careful verification, errors may occur. Readers may email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
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, funding, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the responsible official program before acting.
Last updated: 14 September 2026 · Next review: 14 January 2027
About the Authors