DME Loan Closets and Medical Equipment Reuse in West Virginia
Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 16 April 2026
Bottom line: West Virginia does not appear to have one public, senior-only statewide durable medical equipment (DME) closet. The best statewide first stop is the West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS), backed by the West Virginia Aging & Disability Resource Center, West Virginia 211, and county or regional partners. For rural seniors, mail shipment through WVATS can be the fastest real option, but bigger or custom-fit items often still require pickup and a fit check.
Emergency help now
- Need equipment before a hospital or rehab discharge: Call WVATS at 1-800-841-8436 and ask staff to check the Virtual Loan Library for the exact item today.
- Need local help fast: Call the West Virginia Aging & Disability Resource Center at 1-866-981-2372, or use West Virginia 211 by dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898-211.
- Leaving a facility and need home setup help: Ask the discharge planner about Take Me Home West Virginia and same-day referrals to home health, rehab, hospice, or local reuse partners.
Quick help
- Fastest statewide path: Start with WVATS’ Virtual Loan Library and the WVATS phone line.
- Best human navigator: Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center if you are not sure who covers your county.
- Best local finder: Use West Virginia 211 for nearby senior centers, transportation, and nonprofit leads.
- If free loans fail: Ask your county’s Center for Independent Living about the Community Living Services Program, which may help buy equipment or fund home changes.
- If you live in Preston or Morgan County: Call the local senior-service closets directly at Preston County Senior Citizens or Senior Life Services of Morgan County.
What this help is in West Virginia — and what it is not
What it is: In West Virginia, a DME loan closet usually means donated or shared medical equipment that a person can borrow, use for a longer period, or sometimes receive outright through a reuse program. The state’s main front door is WVATS, which offers device loans, reuse, demonstrations, and referrals statewide.
What it is not: It is not the same thing as Medicare or Medicaid buying you a new item. It is also not a promise that every county has a walk-in closet, that delivery is included, or that heavy or custom-fit items will be ready the same day.
Why that matters in West Virginia: The state has a real assistive-technology network, but not one simple statewide senior closet directory. In practice, older adults usually do best when they start with the statewide WVATS library, then work outward to the ADRC, WV 211, and the right regional or county partner.
Quick facts
- Statewide access: WVATS says its services are free, statewide, open to all West Virginia residents, and do not require disability documentation.
- Short-term loans: WVATS says most short-term device loans run for 30 days.
- Large inventory: The latest national state-program summary for West Virginia says the WVATS library includes more than 5,000 devices from 10 partners statewide.
- Rural advantage: The current WVATS state plan says most loaned devices are shipped by mail or another delivery service.
- But not everything ships: That same state plan says oversized, fragile, or expensive items must be picked up and returned on site.
- Ownership varies: The public WVATS services page says reuse devices are free, but the current state plan says some items are reassigned while others are open-ended or long-term loans.
- Backup purchase help exists: The Community Living Services Program can sometimes help buy DME or pay for home modifications, but funding is limited and waiting lists can happen.
The best statewide starting points
| Start here | Why it matters | Fastest way to use it |
|---|---|---|
| WVATS and the Virtual Loan Library | Best statewide search tool for loans and reuse. WVATS also helps with referrals, fit questions, and funding options. | Search online, or call 1-800-841-8436 if you do not use email or want staff to search for you. |
| West Virginia Aging & Disability Resource Center | Best if you need a live person to sort out senior services, long-term supports, and county variation. | Call 1-866-981-2372. Regional offices are in White Hall/Fairmont, Cross Lanes, Petersburg, and Princeton. |
| West Virginia 211 | Best for local numbers fast, including senior centers, transportation, home care, and nonprofit referrals. | Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. |
| Centers for Independent Living and CLSP | Best when you cannot find a free loan and may need help buying DME, a ramp, a bathroom change, or another accessibility item. | Call the Center for Independent Living that covers your county and ask about the Community Living Services Program. |
Regional ADRC offices: The current ADRC contact page lists Region I in White Hall at 304-363-1595, Region II in Cross Lanes at 304-720-6861, Region III in Petersburg at 304-257-2847, and Region IV in Princeton at 304-425-2040.
What West Virginia actually offers
West Virginia’s closest thing to a statewide DME network is WVATS, the state’s assistive technology program through West Virginia University. WVATS says it offers device demonstrations, 30-day loans, reuse, and information and referral statewide. For older adults, that makes it the strongest first stop when the nearest county closet is small, has limited hours, or does not list inventory online.
The current WVATS state plan for 2024-2026 explains why it matters so much in a rural state. It says short-term loans are run by WVATS and subcontractors, most devices are shipped by mail or another delivery service, and requests that a regional partner cannot fill can be transferred back to WVATS. That is much more useful than relying only on a county-by-county web search.
The same state plan says refurbish and reassignment work runs through WVATS and regional partners including LiveAbility, the Disability Action Center, and Marshall University. Not all of these partners operate a simple public-facing closet. Some work through referrals or through the WVATS library. That is why a phone call often works better than a general web search.
A note on the WVATS “Pay It Forward” name
If you search online, you may land on the public Pay It Forward West Virginia page, which currently highlights long-term pediatric equipment loans. But the current WVATS state plan also says broader reused equipment may be posted in the AT4All system under the Pay It Forward reuse name. Do not assume WVATS is only for children. If you are helping an older adult, call and ask what adult items are available now.
Major regional organizations and local variation
| Program | Who it helps | What it publicly lists | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preston County Senior Citizens | Preston County seniors and local residents using county senior services | Free medical equipment rentals including wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and bedside toilets. It also lists medical escort and community referrals. | 304-329-0464 |
| Senior Life Services of Morgan County | Morgan County residents age 60 and older | Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, bedside toilets, and miscellaneous items. It also accepts donated equipment. | 304-258-3096 |
| Marshall University Oshel Lending Library | Families and speech-language professionals statewide, especially around Huntington | Not a classic walker closet. It collaborates with WVATS and tells users to filter the Virtual Loan Library by Marshall University Oshel Lending Library. | 304-696-3246 |
Search tip: West Virginia directories are not always in sync. Older pages may still use the name Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living, while current sources use LiveAbility. If you see mixed names, use the WVATS library or call 1-800-841-8436 rather than guessing.
Which Center for Independent Living covers your county?
| Center | Counties covered | Why this matters |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Center for Independent Living Phone: 304-965-0376 |
Boone, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Nicholas, Pleasants, Putnam, Ritchie, Roane, Webster, Wirt, and Wood | Their CLSP page says the program can help buy assistive devices, DME, ramps, bathroom changes, and vehicle modifications, subject to funding and income guidelines. |
| Mountain State Centers for Independent Living Phones: 304-525-3324 and 304-255-0122 |
Brooke, Cabell, Fayette, Hancock, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Ohio, Raleigh, Summers, Tyler, Wayne, Wetzel, and Wyoming | Strong backup path if a free closet cannot meet the need, especially for home access and equipment purchase help. |
| LiveAbility Phones: 304-296-6091 and 304-636-0143 |
Barbour, Berkeley, Gilmer, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Harrison, Jefferson, Lewis, Marion, Mineral, Monongalia, Morgan, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, and Upshur | Important for north-central West Virginia, the mountains, and the Eastern Panhandle, where county distance can be a big barrier. |
What equipment is commonly available
In West Virginia, the easiest items to find are usually the simplest items to clean, store, and fit. Local county closets like Preston County Senior Citizens and Senior Life Services of Morgan County publicly list basics such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and bedside toilets. The WVATS state plan adds broader categories, including daily-living devices, vision equipment, hearing devices, memory and learning tools, mobility aids, communication devices, and recreation items.
- Most common: walkers, canes, manual wheelchairs, and bedside commodes or toilets.
- Also possible through WVATS: vision aids, hearing devices, memory tools, communication devices, and other assistive technology.
- Harder to count on: hospital beds, lift chairs, power wheelchairs, and custom seating.
- Special fit items: the WVATS state plan says standers, gait trainers, and wheelchairs may require a physical or occupational therapist to confirm fit.
How loans usually work in West Virginia
- Search first. You can browse the Virtual Loan Library by keyword, category, or program.
- Use the phone if needed. The WVATS loan library guide says you can search without an account and should call if you do not have a valid email address.
- Complete the loan request. The current state plan says borrowers complete a loan agreement acknowledging their responsibilities.
- Expect 30 days for short-term loans. That is the standard WVATS short-term loan period listed on the WVATS services page.
- Ask if the item ships. The state plan says most items ship, but oversized, fragile, or expensive items must be picked up.
- Ask whether it is a loan or reassigned item. Some items are returned. Some are open-ended loans. Some are given to the user through reuse.
- Return it clean and on time if required. Local county closets often depend on returns so the next person can use the item.
What to ask before pickup
- Is this a short-term loan, an open-ended loan, or a keep-it item?
- What exact size, weight limit, and seat width does it have?
- Can it be mailed, or do I need to pick it up?
- Will someone help load it into the car?
- Has it been cleaned and checked for working brakes, wheels, tips, and missing parts?
- Does this item need a therapist, nurse, or rehab professional to approve the fit?
- If the user improves, moves, or dies, how and where is the item returned?
Transportation, delivery, and rural pickup problems
Rural reality: In West Virginia, the first question should often be, “Can this item be mailed?” The WVATS state plan says most short-term loan items are shipped by mail or another delivery service. That can save a long drive for many seniors in mountain counties. But the same source says oversized, fragile, or expensive items must be picked up and returned on site. Local closets may be even more pickup-based. If the senior cannot drive, ask the ADRC, WV 211, or your local senior center about volunteer drivers, family pickup, or escort help. For example, Preston County Senior Citizens lists door-to-door medical escort for people with hearing, vision, mobility, and functional difficulties.
Sanitation and condition questions
The WVATS state plan says donated equipment is sanitized when received, checked again when returned, and sanitized again before it goes back out. It also says subcontractors get guidance on sanitization. That is a strong sign, but always ask your own questions anyway. Ask how the item was cleaned, whether it has been repaired, whether any parts are missing, and whether the item has instructions, charger, cushion, basket, footrests, or armrests if those parts matter.
What to do first
- Step 1: Write down the exact item needed and whether the need is short-term or likely long-term.
- Step 2: Check WVATS’ Virtual Loan Library or call 1-800-841-8436.
- Step 3: Call the ADRC if you need county-specific guidance.
- Step 4: Use WV 211 for local nonprofits, transport, and senior-center leads.
- Step 5: If the item must fit the body, ask the doctor, therapist, or discharge planner to confirm what size or model is safe.
- Step 6: If free loan options fail, call the county’s Center for Independent Living and ask about CLSP.
What to gather or know first
- ☐ The exact equipment name
- ☐ The user’s height, weight, and seat or walker size if relevant
- ☐ Whether the need is after surgery, after a fall, or permanent
- ☐ The discharge date, if a hospital or rehab stay is involved
- ☐ Whether someone can pick up the item, and what type of vehicle is available
- ☐ Whether a therapist or nurse has recommended a specific fit
- ☐ A backup plan if the free option is not available
Reality checks
-
Inventory changes fast: West Virginia loan closets are often donation-based. What was available last week may be gone today.
-
County lines matter: Morgan County publicly limits its closet to county residents age 60 and older. Other programs may be broader or narrower.
-
Basic items are easier: Walkers and commodes are usually much easier to find than power chairs, hospital beds, or custom seating.
-
One call is rarely enough: The best results usually come from using WVATS, a local navigator, and one backup purchase path at the same time.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the day of discharge to start calling
- Asking only for “a wheelchair” without seat width or fit details
- Assuming “free” means delivered, assembled, and adjusted
- Not asking whether the item must be returned
- Skipping WVATS and calling only one county closet
- Driving a long distance before confirming the item is still in stock
- Donating equipment without calling first to make sure it is accepted
What to do if the first path does not work
- Ask WVATS to widen the search: The state plan says requests a regional partner cannot fill can be transferred back to WVATS.
- Call the ADRC and WV 211: They can often uncover county programs, transport, or home-care supports that are easy to miss online.
- Try the Center for Independent Living for your county: CLSP is not a loan closet, but it can be the difference between “no free item available” and “we found a way to buy or build what is needed.”
- If the senior is leaving a facility: Ask about Take Me Home West Virginia.
- If you must buy: Ask about the West Virginia Technology-Related Assistance Revolving Loan Fund through the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
- Use national backup tools: Try the Eldercare Locator and the AT Act state program directory. If you live near a border, ask nearby out-of-state banks or closets whether they serve your ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Does West Virginia have one statewide free medical equipment closet?
No. West Virginia does not appear to have one single public senior DME closet. The closest statewide front door is WVATS, which offers loans, reuse, and referrals across the state. Local county closets still matter, but they vary a lot by county, age rules, and inventory.
Do I need proof of disability or low income to use WVATS?
WVATS says no disability documentation is required and its services are available to all West Virginia residents. But local programs can have stricter rules. For example, Morgan County’s closet says it is for Morgan County residents age 60 and older, and CLSP uses funding and income guidelines.
Can a rural senior get equipment mailed in West Virginia?
Often, yes. The current WVATS state plan says most short-term loan items are shipped by mail or another delivery service. But large, fragile, or expensive items still need pickup and return. Always ask that question before making plans.
How long is a WVATS loan, and do I have to return the item?
The WVATS services page lists 30-day short-term device loans. But not every item works the same way. The current state plan says some reused devices are reassigned, while others are open-ended or long-term loans. Ask before pickup.
What equipment is easiest to find in West Virginia?
The easiest items to find are usually the basics: walkers, canes, manual wheelchairs, and bedside commodes or toilets. That matches the public listings from Preston County Senior Citizens and Senior Life Services of Morgan County. WVATS can also offer many nontraditional assistive devices, such as vision, hearing, memory, and communication tools.
What if I need a hospital bed, lift chair, or power wheelchair?
Ask WVATS anyway, but do not rely on a free closet alone. Heavy and custom-fit items are harder to store, ship, and match safely. If the free route fails, ask the county Center for Independent Living about CLSP, ask the doctor or supplier about insurance coverage, and review the Division of Rehabilitation Services loan fund.
Can I donate used equipment in West Virginia?
Usually, yes, but call first. WVATS says it accepts gently used equipment, although storage limits mean it cannot accept every item. Senior Life Services of Morgan County also says it accepts donated durable medical equipment. Ask what condition they require before you load the car.
What if my county has no public loan closet?
Do not stop with a county search. Start statewide with WVATS, then call the ADRC, use WV 211, and contact the county’s Center for Independent Living. If the senior is leaving a nursing home or hospital, add Take Me Home West Virginia to the list right away.
Resumen en español
En West Virginia, no existe un solo clóset estatal para equipo médico usado de personas mayores. El mejor primer paso es llamar a WVATS, que ofrece préstamos cortos, reutilización de equipo y una biblioteca virtual en todo el estado. También puede llamar al West Virginia Aging & Disability Resource Center al 1-866-981-2372 o usar West Virginia 211 marcando 211 o enviando su código postal al 898-211. Si vive en una zona rural, pregunte primero si el artículo se puede enviar por correo.
Los artículos más comunes suelen ser andadores, bastones, sillas de ruedas manuales y cómodos de cama. Si no encuentra un artículo gratis, comuníquese con el Center for Independent Living que cubre su condado y pregunte por el Community Living Services Program. En algunos lugares, como Preston County Senior Citizens y Senior Life Services of Morgan County, también hay ayuda local. Si un adulto mayor está saliendo de un hospital o centro de enfermería, pregunte además por Take Me Home West Virginia. Siempre confirme disponibilidad, limpieza, piezas incluidas, peso máximo y si el equipo debe devolverse.
About This Guide
This guide uses official federal, state, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article, including the West Virginia Assistive Technology System, the West Virginia Aging & Disability Resource Center, West Virginia 211, the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, Preston County Senior Citizens, and Senior Life Services of Morgan County.
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 informational only. It is not legal, financial, medical, or government-agency advice. Office procedures, utility policies, complaint routes, and program rules can change. Confirm current details directly with the official office or provider before acting.
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