DME Loan Closets and Medical Equipment Reuse in Kentucky

Last updated: 16 April 2026

Bottom Line: Kentucky does not have one senior-only state loan closet with one fixed inventory. For most older adults, the best official statewide starting point is the Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network, its Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator, and Project CARAT, plus county and regional help through Kentucky’s aging, disability, and nonprofit networks.

Emergency help now

• If a senior is being discharged today and does not have safe equipment at home, ask the hospital or rehab discharge planner to check both a regular medical supplier and the KATS Network before discharge.
• If the immediate problem is getting into the house, ask about a temporary ramp through RampUp! Kentucky, which says loans are short term and limited.
• If you do not know where to call locally, contact Kentucky 211 by dialing 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211, and also ask your regional Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living for same-day county leads.

What this help is, and what it is not

What it is: In Kentucky, free or low-cost Durable Medical Equipment (DME) usually comes through an assistive technology network, a reuse program, or a local nonprofit loan closet. Durable medical equipment means reusable health equipment such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, shower chairs, commodes, bedside safety items, and sometimes ramps or lifts.

What it is not: It is not the same thing as Medicare or Kentucky Medicaid coverage. Community reuse programs usually lend or give donated equipment directly. Insurance usually pays only through enrolled suppliers and medical rules. It is also not a guarantee that a hospital bed, lift, or power chair will be available the same day.

Important Kentucky reality: The closest thing to one statewide official system is the KATS Network and the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator. But local rules still vary by site, by item, and sometimes by county.

Quick facts

• Kentucky’s strongest statewide entry point is the KATS Network, not a single senior-only loan closet.
• The Project CARAT reuse program redistributes donated assistive technology and DME at no cost.
• The KATS Lending Library is for short-term borrowing, and that page says small maintenance fees can vary by center and late fees may apply.
• KATS lists five regional Assistive Technology Resource Centers in Hazard, Louisville, Fort Mitchell, Lexington, and Owensboro.
• RampUp! Kentucky says there are 14 ramp distribution sites statewide and loans are up to six months.
• Kentucky’s AAAIL network is regional, so county rules and local referrals vary.
• The State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free Medicare counseling in all 120 counties.
• Be careful with generic internet lists. Some online “Kentucky” roundups are outdated or mix in out-of-state programs. Always confirm the address and service area before you drive.

Best statewide starting points in Kentucky

Starting point	Best for	What to expect	How to use it
Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator	Fast inventory search across participating Kentucky programs	The KATS home page says registered users can borrow devices to try, find used items for free or low cost, give away items, sell items, or place want ads.	Search by item first. If nothing shows, create an account and place a want ad.
Project CARAT	No-cost reused equipment	Project CARAT cleans, repairs when needed, and redistributes donated assistive technology and DME.	Use the request form if you need equipment or the donation form if you have equipment to give.
Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living	County-specific referrals, transportation, caregiver help	Kentucky’s aging network is regional. Staff often know the church, hospital, civic, and senior-center options that do not show up well online.	Find your region by county and ask for local equipment-loan, transportation, and caregiver resource leads.
Kentucky 211	When you do not know where to start locally	The statewide service says it is available 24/7 and can connect callers to local health, disability, aging, and household-item resources.	Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211.
RampUp! Kentucky	Short-term portable ramp needs	The application page says ramps are limited, availability varies by location, and the borrower handles pickup, return, and installation.	Use this when the main barrier is getting in or out of the home safely.
Kentucky SHIP	Medicare coverage questions	The State Health Insurance Assistance Program is free, unbiased, and statewide.	Call 1-877-293-7447 and choose option 2 if you need Medicare DME guidance.

Best practical advice: Start statewide, then narrow local. For most families, that means checking the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator, filing a Project CARAT request, and then calling the right regional or county office if the exact item is not available.

What to do first

• Search the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator for the exact item name.
• File the Project CARAT request form if you do not see the item.
• Call the KATS Network at 1-800-327-5287 and ask which Kentucky site is most likely to help.
• Call your regional AAAIL and ask for county-specific loan closets, transportation, and caregiver resources.
• If the problem is entering the home, apply for RampUp! Kentucky right away.
• If you are in rural eastern Kentucky, also ask Kentucky Homeplace whether a community health worker can help you navigate local options.

What to gather or know first

• ☐ The senior’s county and ZIP code
• ☐ The exact item needed and whether it is temporary or long term
• ☐ Height, weight, and any size needs such as seat width or doorway width
• ☐ Whether the home has steps, narrow doors, or a tub wall
• ☐ Whether someone can pick up, load, unload, and later return the item
• ☐ Whether a doctor, therapist, or discharge planner recommended a specific model
• ☐ Medicare or Medicaid information if you are also checking insurance coverage
• ☐ A phone number and email for the caregiver if the senior does not handle calls

How Kentucky actually handles reused medical equipment

Start with KATS and the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator

The KATS Network is Kentucky’s official statewide assistive technology program. It is not just for children or for working-age adults. The KATS services page says its programs are available to Kentuckians of all ages and disabilities, plus family members, support people, and professionals. That makes it a strong starting point for older adults, adult children, and caregivers.

The most useful tool is the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator. This is the closest Kentucky has to a real statewide equipment search tool. It can show short-term loan items, reused items, and participating programs. This matters in a rural state, because one local closet may be empty while another region has the exact walker, rollator, or commode you need.

Use Project CARAT for no-cost reuse

Project CARAT is Kentucky’s main statewide equipment reuse route. CARAT says it takes donated equipment, cleans it, repairs it if needed, and redistributes it at no cost. If you need help and do not see the item online, use the request form. If you have a parent’s unused equipment after recovery or after a death in the family, the donation form is the best official place to start.

KATS also keeps a Project CARAT location list with sites in Louisville, Lexington, Hazard, and Thelma. That does not mean those are the only Kentucky places that can help. It means those are core CARAT reuse points. Families should still search the statewide locator and call KATS, because other regional partners also list items and offer related services.

Know the difference between short-term loans and permanent reuse

This is one of the biggest points people miss. The KATS Lending Library is for short-term borrowing. KATS says these loans are first come, first served, may have a nominal maintenance fee that varies by center, and may require the borrower to pick up and return the item or pay shipping costs. Training or orientation may also be required.

By contrast, Project CARAT is the better route when you need donated equipment that may be transferred at no cost. If you only read generic “free medical equipment” lists online, this difference is often missing. In real life, it changes what you ask for and how fast you may get it.

Use local aging and disability systems for county variation

Kentucky is divided into 15 Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living regions. These offices are often the best place to find smaller county programs that do not keep a polished website. Ask specifically for local medical equipment loan closets, transportation help, senior-center connections, caregiver support, and any church or civic group that accepts or loans durable equipment.

For disability-focused local navigation, Kentucky’s Centers for Independent Living can also help point you to regional resources. In practice, many seniors do better when they call both the aging network and the disability network, because one may know about options the other misses.

Use Kentucky Homeplace and 211 if you are rural

If you live in rural eastern Kentucky, Kentucky Homeplace is worth knowing. The program says its community health workers help rural Kentuckians connect with medical, social, and environmental services. That makes it a strong backup when an older adult cannot manage multiple calls alone.

Also use Kentucky 211. The statewide 211 site says specialists are available 24/7 and can help connect callers to transportation, disability, aging, and household resources. This is especially useful when you are helping a parent from another town and need local leads fast.

Major regional organizations in Kentucky

Region	Organization	What it helps with	Contact
Statewide	KATS Network and Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator	Searchable inventory, short-term loans, reuse, referrals, want ads, and statewide navigation	1-800-327-5287
Eastern Kentucky	Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT)	Assistive technology demos, short-term loan locker, refurbishing, and Project CARAT work in Hazard	1-606-439-3557
Lexington / Bluegrass	HDI Center for Assistive Technology Services (CATS)	Lending library, device demonstrations, and Bluegrass-region support	1-859-218-7979
Louisville, Murray, Bowling Green	CALtech at the Center for Accessible Living	Demos, short-term loans, reuse items, and some local equipment loans; the CALtech page notes some Murray-funded items cannot leave Calloway County	Louisville 1-502-589-6620 ext. 142; Murray 1-270-753-7676 ext. 202
Northern Kentucky	Easterseals Redwood Assistive Technology Resource Center	Loan library, demonstrations, reuse, and portable ramp loans through RampUp!	1-859-331-0880
Western Kentucky	Wendell Foster Assistive Technology & Resource Center	Lending library, reuse through Project CARAT, demos, and portable ramps	1-270-683-4517
Northern Kentucky local backup	St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky Medical Equipment Loan Closet	No-cost home-recovery items such as shower chairs, transfer benches, walkers, commodes, canes, toilet seat risers, and wheelchairs	1-859-341-3219

What equipment is commonly available

Most common: Walkers, canes, rollators, manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, transfer benches, bedside commodes, raised toilet seats, and other bathroom safety items are the easiest Kentucky items to find through reuse programs and local closets.

Sometimes available: Portable ramps, transport chairs, power chairs, scooters, Hoyer lifts, visual aids, communication devices, and specialty assistive technology show up less often but do appear in the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator.

Harder to find: Hospital beds, patient lifts, and larger powered equipment are harder to match quickly. When a senior needs one of those items urgently, use both tracks at the same time: check the reuse system and also ask about a covered supplier through Medicare or Kentucky Medicaid.

How loans usually work in Kentucky

In Kentucky, loan rules depend on the program. The KATS Lending Library says short-term loans are first come, first served. Borrowers may need to sign an agreement, complete orientation, and handle pickup and return. Some centers charge a small maintenance fee, and late fees can apply. That makes KATS excellent for trying equipment, bridging a repair wait, or handling a short-term need.

Local nonprofit closets can be simpler, but they are often smaller and less predictable. For example, St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky focuses on temporary home-recovery items. CALtech offers short-term loans and reuse items, but the site makes clear that not all listed items are guaranteed to be available.

What to ask before pickup

• Is this a loan or a permanent transfer?
• Is there any maintenance fee, deposit, or late fee?
• What is the return date?
• What are the exact measurements and weight limits?
• Are all parts included? Ask about footrests, chargers, cushions, and hardware.
• Was it cleaned, checked, or repaired?
• Who loads it? Do not assume staff can lift a heavy item into your car.
• Can someone show us how to use it safely? This matters for lifts, ramps, and powered devices.

Transportation and delivery issues

Transportation is a real Kentucky issue, especially in rural counties. The KATS Lending Library says borrowers usually pick up and return items themselves or cover shipping. The RampUp! Kentucky application says the borrower is responsible for pickup, return, and installation. Before you commit, ask if the item folds, how much it weighs, whether your vehicle can handle it, and whether there is any volunteer delivery option through the local agency, church, or senior service.

Sanitation and condition questions

Sanitation matters. Project CARAT says donated equipment is cleaned and repaired if needed before redistribution. The ACAT program in Hazard says students are trained to clean and refurbish durable medical equipment. Even so, ask when the item was last checked and whether the padded or moving parts are in safe condition. For hospital beds, lifts, transfer devices, and power chairs, ask a clinician or therapist to confirm fit and safe use before relying on the item at home.

What to do if you live in rural Kentucky and cannot find help nearby

• Broaden your search in the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator. Do not stop at your county line.
• Use the Project CARAT request form even if nothing is currently listed.
• Call the KATS Network and ask which regional site should be your next call.
• Ask your AAAIL for transportation and local closet leads.
• If you are in eastern Kentucky, contact Kentucky Homeplace for navigation help.
• Use Kentucky 211 for local nonprofit, church, and household-support referrals.
• If you are temporarily staying across a state line, use the AT3 Center to find the assistive technology program in that state.
• If free reuse fails and the item is medically necessary, ask about a covered supplier through Medicare’s equipment and supplier tools or Kentucky Medicaid.

Reality checks

• Inventory changes fast: The Project CARAT page says inventory changes daily. A chair you see this morning may be gone this afternoon.

• Basic items move quickest: Shower chairs, wheelchairs, and walkers are in high demand. Call quickly if you find a match.

• Pickup is often your job: In Kentucky, many programs are not delivery services. Transportation planning is part of the process.

• Senior-only help is rare: Some of the best Kentucky equipment programs serve all ages. Do not skip them just because the website talks about disability or assistive technology.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the day of discharge to start calling
• Assuming “loan” means you can keep the item
• Assuming “free” means there is no pickup or return work
• Not checking measurements for doors, bathrooms, or car trunks
• Confusing community reuse with Medicare or Medicaid billing
• Driving to a place without confirming the item is still there
• Using a ramp, lift, or transfer device without safety instruction

What to do if the first path does not work

• Try a different keyword in the statewide locator. For example, search both “rollator” and “walker.”
• Call a different regional KATS partner from the statewide locations list.
• Ask your AAAIL for nearby church, hospital, hospice, and civic-group closets.
• Use Kentucky 211 to find county-based help.
• Check whether a regular supplier can rent or deliver the item while you wait.
• If cost is the barrier after free options fail, look at Kentucky’s assistive technology financing options, including the Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation.

Community reuse is not the same as insurance coverage

Community reuse: Loan closets, Project CARAT, and many nonprofits lend or give away donated items. They usually do not bill insurance.

Insurance coverage: Kentucky Medicaid’s DME rules say medically necessary equipment is covered through enrolled providers, often called Provider Type 90. Medicare covers durable medical equipment only through enrolled suppliers and has its own medical-necessity and supplier rules. If you need help sorting out a Medicare issue, call Kentucky SHIP at 1-877-293-7447, option 2.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one official statewide free medical equipment program in Kentucky?

No single senior-only program appears to cover the whole state in one simple list. Kentucky’s best official statewide route is the KATS Network, the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator, and Project CARAT. Then you add county help through your AAAIL, 211, and local nonprofits.

How fast can I get a walker or wheelchair in Kentucky?

Sometimes the same day, but do not count on it. The fastest route is usually the statewide locator, followed by the Project CARAT request form and a phone call to KATS. If you are in Northern Kentucky, St. Vincent de Paul NKY may also be a quick basic-item option.

Are KATS loans always free?

Not always. The KATS Lending Library says short-term loans can include a nominal maintenance fee that varies by center, and late fees may apply. That is different from Project CARAT, which focuses on no-cost reused equipment.

Can I borrow a ramp in Kentucky?

Yes, maybe. RampUp! Kentucky says portable aluminum ramps may be available for up to six months through 14 distribution sites statewide. But inventory is limited, sizes are fixed, and the borrower is responsible for pickup, return, and installation. Apply early if the home entrance is the main barrier.

What if I live in rural eastern Kentucky?

Use more than one path. Check the Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator, contact ACAT in Hazard, and ask Kentucky Homeplace for navigation help. Also call your regional AAAIL and Kentucky 211 for local transport and nonprofit leads.

Will Medicare or Kentucky Medicaid reimburse me for reused equipment from a loan closet?

Usually no, because reuse programs generally do not bill insurance. If you want coverage through Medicare or Kentucky Medicaid, the item usually needs to come from an enrolled supplier and meet medical rules. That is why many families check both reuse and insurance at the same time.

Where can I donate equipment in Kentucky?

The best official statewide donation route is the Project CARAT donation form. Regional partners such as Wendell Foster, Easterseals Redwood, and CALtech also accept many items. In Northern Kentucky, St. Vincent de Paul NKY accepts gently used equipment for its closet.

Resumen en español

En Kentucky, no existe un solo programa estatal para personas mayores con una lista fija de equipo médico gratis. El mejor punto de inicio es la Kentucky Assistive Technology Services Network y el Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator, donde puede buscar andadores, sillas de ruedas, sillas para ducha y otros equipos. Si no encuentra el artículo, use el formulario de Project CARAT para pedir ayuda.

También puede llamar a su Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living para recursos locales del condado. Si vive en una zona rural, Kentucky Homeplace y Kentucky 211 pueden ayudarle a encontrar opciones cercanas. Si necesita ayuda con cobertura de Medicare para equipo médico, llame al programa SHIP de Kentucky al 1-877-293-7447, opción 2. Para rampas temporales, revise RampUp! Kentucky.

About This Guide

This guide uses official federal, state, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article, including the KATS Network, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Medicare, and regional Kentucky nonprofit providers.

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 16 April 2026, next review 16 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 for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, or government-agency advice. Office procedures, provider policies, loan-closet rules, transportation options, and program availability can change. Always confirm current details directly with the official office, supplier, nonprofit, or provider before you act or rely on a specific item for safety.