Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 27 May 2026
Bottom line: Kansas does not appear to have one single statewide list for every church, hospital, or charity medical equipment closet. Start with ATK, because it runs statewide assistive technology help and connects Kansans to reuse, loans, and device funding ideas. Then call the Kansas ADRC, your Area Agency on Aging, or your Center for Independent Living if the item is not available right away.
This guide is for older adults, caregivers, discharge planners, and helpers who need a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, commode, hospital bed, lift, phone access device, or other durable medical equipment in Kansas. For broader help beyond equipment, see our Kansas senior benefits guide.
Emergency help when equipment is needed now
- If someone is being discharged today: ask the hospital social worker to call ATK, the county aging office, and the closest local loan closet before the patient leaves.
- If you need a statewide first call: contact ATK at 1-800-526-3648 and ask about the reuse inventory and short-term device loans.
- If you do not know your county office: call the Kansas ADRC at 1-855-200-2372 and ask for aging, disability, transportation, and equipment resources near you.
- If insurance may cover the item: start the Medicare or KanCare path at the same time. A loan closet can help now, but it may not replace a covered long-term item.
Quick help by situation
| Situation | Best first step | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| You need any equipment in Kansas | Call ATK at 1-800-526-3648 | Ask if the item is in reuse, short-term loan, or a local partner closet. |
| You are in Wichita or Sedgwick County | Call the Wichita Medical Loan Closet or ILRC MERN | Ask if the exact item is available today and how pickup works. |
| You are in Butler, Osage, Emporia, Iola, or Topeka area | Call RCIL | Ask which office has the item and whether it can be borrowed free of charge. |
| You are in Hutchinson, Pratt, or Dodge City area | Call Beyond Barriers | Ask about the fee, office location, and current stock. |
| You do not know who serves your county | Use the county aging and disability maps | Ask which AAA and CIL serve your ZIP code. |
Contents
- How help works
- ATK and KEE
- County offices
- Local closets
- Equipment types
- Loan rules
- Start fast
- Phone scripts
- Reality checks
- Backup options
- FAQs
How Kansas equipment help works
Medical equipment help in Kansas usually comes through three paths. Each one works in a different way.
- Reuse: donated or refurbished equipment is given to another person when it is available. This is often the best path for wheelchairs, beds, lifts, shower chairs, and other durable medical equipment.
- Short-term loan: a device is borrowed for a short test period. This can help when a senior needs to try equipment before buying or requesting coverage.
- Community loan closet: a local nonprofit, church, independent living center, or community group loans donated equipment. Rules can be different at each site.
A loan closet is not the same as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. A closet may not require a prescription. It may not check income. It may not bill insurance. But it also may not have the right size, charger, cushion, mattress, or delivery help.
If the item is medically needed for long-term use, use both paths when possible. Try reuse or a local closet for quick help. At the same time, ask the doctor, therapist, hospital, or home health agency to start the insurance request. Seniors who need larger health, disability, or home-care help can also use our Kansas disability help guide.
Start with ATK and KEE reuse
Assistive Technology for Kansans is the strongest statewide starting point. ATK says it offers demonstrations, a statewide device loan program, funding information, and Kansas Equipment Exchange reuse. That matters because many small closets do not show up well in search results.
The KEE Reuse page says eligible Kansans may get free refurbished medical equipment when items are available. The page lists examples such as manual and power wheelchairs, electric and semi-electric hospital beds, patient lifts, shower chairs, communication devices, and other medical equipment. Availability depends on donations.
Use the online inventory first, but do not stop there. Some items move fast. The best step is to write down the inventory number, item type, size, and location, then call ATK before you make plans to pick it up.
When ATK loans may help
ATK also has a short-term equipment loan system. The loan FAQ says a person with a disability or chronic health condition, a family member, a friend, an advocate, or a helper may request devices. It also says some devices need a professional consultant form. If an item is not ready, ATK may place the borrower on a waitlist or suggest similar items.
This path is most useful when you need to try a device, compare options, or fill a short gap. It may not be the best answer if the senior needs a permanent hospital bed tomorrow.
When Kansas TAP may fit better
Not every problem is a walker or shower chair problem. If the senior has trouble using a phone because of hearing, vision, speech, memory, walking, or hand limits, check Kansas TAP. ATK says the program may provide specialized phones, signalers, smartphones, and tablets to people who qualify. As of this update, the page lists Kansas residence, phone service, household income under $55,000 per year, and a disability-related phone access problem as key rules.
Use county aging and disability offices
Kansas help is very regional. A senior in Wichita may have several choices. A senior in western Kansas may need to work through an ATK access site, a Center for Independent Living, a county aging office, and a family member who can drive.
The AAA map lists Area Agencies on Aging and gives a statewide aging information number, 1-866-457-2364. Area Agencies on Aging can help older adults ask about rides, in-home services, caregiver support, meals, and local referrals. Our Kansas AAA guide explains how to use those offices by county.
For disability-specific help, use the Kansas disability service provider map. It lists Centers for Independent Living and other service regions. The CIL directory is also useful when you know the name of the center but not the local office.
These offices may not own the exact equipment you need. Their value is local knowledge. They may know a small church closet, a hospital foundation, a local DME donor, or a rural transport option that is not easy to find online.
Major local loan closets
The options below are some of the clearer Kansas medical equipment sources with public details. They are not the only choices. Call first, because inventory can change by the hour.
| Program | Area | What they list | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita closet FAQ | Wichita area | Durable medical equipment for people who need it | No prescription, no income rule, suggested donation, and no delivery. |
| ILRC MERN | Wichita and nearby users | Canes, crutches, briefs, transfer benches, shower chairs, commodes, rollators, walkers, and more | $10 refundable deposit if returned within 90 days; no pickup or delivery. |
| RCIL loan program | Butler, Osage, Emporia, Iola, Topeka, and nearby areas | Bath benches, commodes, wheelchairs, transfer benches, walkers, grab bars, canes, and more | RCIL says the loan program is free of charge. |
| Beyond Barriers | Hutchinson, Pratt, Dodge City area | Walkers, rollators, shower chairs, toilet seat risers, wheelchairs, commodes, canes, video magnifiers, and hygiene items in Hutchinson | $5 fee for most items and $25 for powered items. |
| Lawrence listing | Douglas County area | Gently used walkers, shower chairs, wheelchairs, and similar items | Call ahead before borrowing. |
Wichita: Start with the Medical Loan Closet and ILRC MERN. These are two of the clearest public options in the state. Bring a vehicle that can carry the item, because both paths tell borrowers to call first and plan pickup.
East-central Kansas: RCIL is useful if you can reach Osage City, El Dorado, Emporia, Iola, or Topeka. It may also point callers back to KEE or ATK for high-tech or out-of-area needs.
Rural Kansas: Do not rely only on a town-name search. Ask the ADRC, the AAA, and the CIL that serves your county. If the person is also dealing with rent, utility shutoff, or food needs, our Kansas emergency help page may help with the wider crisis.
What equipment is easiest to find
The easiest items to find are usually simple, sturdy, and easy to clean. The hardest items are usually large, powered, custom, or missing important parts.
| Item type | Chance of quick help | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Walkers, canes, crutches | Often better | Ask about height, rubber tips, brakes, and weight limit. |
| Shower chairs, transfer benches, commodes | Often better | Ask if all legs, backs, buckets, and rubber feet are included. |
| Manual wheelchairs | Mixed | Ask about seat width, footrests, brakes, cushion, and weight limit. |
| Hospital beds and lifts | Harder | Ask about mattress, rails, sling, controls, pickup, and setup. |
| Power chairs and scooters | Harder | Ask about battery age, charger, tires, repair history, and transport. |
| Respiratory equipment | Use caution | Ask a clinician before using masks, tubing, pressure devices, or oxygen equipment. |
Do not accept a poor fit just because it is free. A wheelchair that is too narrow, a walker that is too low, or a shower chair without safe feet can cause a fall. If falls, ramps, or home safety are part of the problem, see our Kansas housing help guide for repair and housing routes that may fit the bigger need.
How loans, fees, and pickup rules work
Kansas equipment programs do not all use the same rules. One program may call the item a free reassignment. Another may call it a loan. Another may ask for a small fee, deposit, or suggested donation.
- ATK and KEE: Ask whether the item is reuse, a short-term loan, or a demonstration device. Ask if the item can be shipped or must be picked up.
- Wichita Medical Loan Closet: Its FAQ says borrowers pay a one-time suggested donation and may keep equipment as long as needed.
- ILRC MERN: ILRC says it requests a $10 refundable deposit, refunded if the item is returned within 90 days, and borrowers should call ahead.
- RCIL: RCIL says equipment is available for loan free of charge in its listed program areas and offices.
- Beyond Barriers: Its page lists a $5 application fee for most items and $25 for powered items.
Practical reality check: no delivery is common. Many closets do not pick up or deliver. A free hospital bed is not useful if no one can move it. Ask about transport before you reserve a large item. For ride options, also see our senior transportation help guide.
How to start without wasting time
- Step 1: Write down the exact item, the size, the date needed, and whether it is for short-term recovery or long-term use.
- Step 2: Search the KEE inventory and call ATK. Do not drive until someone confirms the item.
- Step 3: Call the ADRC if you do not know your county aging or disability office.
- Step 4: Call the closest local program from the table above.
- Step 5: If the item may be covered, call the doctor or discharge planner and ask for the prescription or order to start now.
- Step 6: Confirm pickup time, vehicle size, fees, deposit, cleaning status, parts, and return rules.
If a family caregiver is doing the calls, write down the names of the people spoken to and the time of each call. That helps if another office needs to follow up. If caregiving is becoming a bigger time or money issue, our Kansas caregiver pay guide may help you check other support paths.
Phone scripts you can use
Use these scripts. Change the words to match your situation.
Script for ATK
Hello, I am helping a Kansas senior in [county]. We need a [specific item] by [date]. Is this item available through KEE reuse, the ATK loan system, or a partner closet? The person is [height and weight] and needs [size or feature]. What should I do next?
Script for a local loan closet
Hello, do you have a [specific item] available today? What size is it? Does it include [charger, footrests, cushion, bucket, mattress, sling, or rails]? Is there a fee, deposit, or suggested donation? Do we need an appointment?
Script for the hospital discharge planner
My family member cannot go home safely without [item]. Can you help us contact ATK, the county aging office, and a local loan closet today? Also, can the doctor start the Medicare, KanCare, or insurance order if this item is needed long term?
Script for the ADRC or AAA
I am calling for an older adult in [county]. We need help finding [item] and may also need transportation or home support. Which Area Agency on Aging, Center for Independent Living, or local program should we call first?
What to gather first
- Kansas ZIP code and county
- Exact equipment name
- Date needed
- Height, weight, and seat-width needs
- Door width, stairs, bathroom size, and floor type
- Doctor, therapist, or discharge planner contact
- Whether a substitute item would work for a few days
- Vehicle size and who can lift the item
- Ability to pay a deposit, fee, or donation
- Whether the person has Medicare, KanCare, VA care, or private insurance
When Medicare, KanCare, or VA help may matter
Loan closets are often faster than insurance, but insurance may matter for long-term needs. Use the official Medicare supplier search if the person has Medicare and needs a covered supplier. For Kansas Medicaid questions, use the official KanCare site or call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884.
Senior veterans may have another path through VA care, prosthetics, home safety changes, or a county veteran service officer. If the person is a veteran, surviving spouse, or older veteran household member, check our Kansas veteran help guide while you also work on the urgent equipment need.
Do not wait for insurance if the person needs a safe discharge now. But do not give up on insurance just because a loan closet helped for the first week. A borrowed item may be a bridge, not a full plan.
Reality checks
- Inventory is the real bottleneck: many programs want to help, but no one can loan what they do not have.
- Rural distance matters: a closet may serve your county but still be far away.
- Large items are harder: hospital beds, lifts, scooters, and power chairs need more space, parts, cleaning, and transport.
- Rules are local: one closet may have no income rule. Another may have a fee or deposit.
- Condition matters: brakes, batteries, chargers, cushions, rails, and slings should be checked before use.
- Respiratory equipment needs care: do not use breathing or oxygen-related devices without medical guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Driving to a closet without calling first.
- Asking for a wheelchair without knowing seat width.
- Forgetting to ask about footrests, cushions, chargers, or slings.
- Assuming a closet can deliver.
- Waiting until discharge day to ask for help.
- Taking a powered item without checking the battery and charger.
- Using a loan closet instead of starting a needed insurance request.
- Skipping the county aging and disability offices.
What to do if help is delayed or overwhelming
- Ask for a substitute: a transport chair, standard walker, bedside commode, or transfer bench may work for a short time.
- Ask to be waitlisted: if a program offers a waitlist, ask how often to call back.
- Ask the care team to help: hospital social workers, home health nurses, hospice staff, and therapists often know local equipment paths.
- Call the county offices: the ADRC, AAA, or CIL may know smaller local closets.
- Use both tracks: keep looking for a loaner while the doctor starts the long-term insurance order.
Backup options
National tools should be a backup, not the first step in Kansas. They can still help if your county has limited results or you are helping a parent from out of state.
- Aging services by ZIP code: use Eldercare Locator if you need a national office finder.
- County services: call the Kansas ADRC or your Area Agency on Aging for local options.
- Insurance suppliers: use Medicare or KanCare when a doctor says the item is medically needed.
- Home safety needs: ask about ramps, bathroom changes, grab bars, and repair help if equipment alone will not make the home safe.
- General equipment help: our free equipment guide explains national reuse and loan-closet options.
Resumen en español
Kansas no tiene un solo directorio estatal para todos los closets de equipo médico. El mejor primer paso es llamar a Assistive Technology for Kansans al 1-800-526-3648 y preguntar por equipo reutilizado, prestamos cortos y ayuda regional. Si no sabe que oficina sirve su condado, llame al Kansas ADRC al 1-855-200-2372.
Antes de manejar a recoger equipo, pregunte si el articulo esta disponible hoy, si hay deposito o cuota, cuanto tiempo puede conservarlo, si incluye todas las piezas, y si alguien puede ayudar con transporte. En Wichita, muchas familias empiezan con Medical Loan Closet o ILRC MERN. En otras zonas, use la oficina de envejecimiento del condado o el Centro de Vida Independiente que sirve su area.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one statewide loan closet list in Kansas?
No. Kansas does not appear to have one all-purpose list for every medical equipment closet. The best first stop is ATK and KEE reuse. If that does not work, call the Kansas ADRC, the local Area Agency on Aging, and the Center for Independent Living that serves your county.
Can a Kansas senior get a wheelchair for free?
Sometimes. KEE Reuse says eligible Kansans may get free refurbished equipment when available. RCIL also says its listed DME loan program is free of charge. But availability depends on donations, size, location, and current stock.
How long can I keep borrowed equipment?
It depends on the program. Some community closets allow use as long as needed. ILRC MERN uses a 90-day deposit refund window and says a longer term can be requested. ATK short-term loans follow the loan system rules for that device.
Do I need a prescription?
Often no for community loan closets. For example, the Wichita closet says no prescription is needed. Insurance, Medicare, KanCare, or some specialized ATK devices may require a doctor order, professional form, or other review.
Does anyone deliver equipment in Kansas?
Sometimes, but do not assume delivery. Wichita Medical Loan Closet says it does not deliver. ILRC MERN says it cannot pick up or deliver. ATK loan items may involve shipping or pickup rules depending on the device.
What if I live in western Kansas?
Start with ATK and the county service maps. Then call the CIL and Area Agency on Aging that serve your county. Rural residents may need to plan pickup with family, a church, a neighbor, or a local service office.
Can I donate equipment?
Yes, many programs accept donations, but call first. Ask whether they can accept the exact item, whether it must be clean and working, whether they accept soft goods, and whether pickup is possible.
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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