Free Medical Equipment & Assistive Device Loans
Access essential mobility aids and medical equipment through our comprehensive loan program designed specifically for ALS patients and their families
Living with ALS presents unique challenges that often require specialized medical equipment and assistive devices. Our free equipment loan program removes financial barriers and ensures that every patient has access to the tools they need to maintain independence, safety, and quality of life throughout their journey.
Available Equipment Categories
Our comprehensive inventory includes a wide range of medical equipment and assistive devices carefully selected to meet the evolving needs of ALS patients. Each piece of equipment is professionally maintained, sanitized, and inspected to ensure safety and reliability.
Mobility Equipment
Maintaining mobility and independence is crucial for ALS patients. Our mobility equipment selection includes manual wheelchairs for those who retain upper body strength, power wheelchairs with customizable controls for advanced mobility needs, and transport chairs for safe movement between locations. We also provide walkers with specialized grips, rollators with seats for rest breaks, and transfer boards to facilitate safe transitions between surfaces.
Each mobility device can be customized with positioning supports, pressure-relief cushions, and adaptive controls to accommodate individual needs and progression of the disease. Our team works closely with physical therapists to ensure proper fitting and optimal functionality.
Hospital Beds & Positioning
Proper positioning and comfort are essential for preventing complications and ensuring restful sleep. Our hospital bed inventory includes fully electric adjustable beds with head and foot elevation, trendelenburg positioning for circulation support, and low-height settings for safe entry and exit. Beds come equipped with side rails for safety, therapeutic mattresses to prevent pressure sores, and overbed tables for convenient access to personal items.
We also provide specialized positioning equipment including wedge pillows for respiratory support, body pillows for side-lying comfort, and foam positioning devices to maintain proper alignment and reduce muscle strain during rest periods.
Patient Lifts & Transfer Equipment
Safe patient transfers protect both patients and caregivers from injury. Our lift equipment includes ceiling-mounted track systems for seamless room-to-room transfers, portable floor lifts with sling options for various transfer needs, and sit-to-stand lifts for patients who retain some lower body strength. Each lift comes with multiple sling sizes and styles to ensure comfort and security during transfers.
Transfer equipment also encompasses slide sheets for repositioning in bed, transfer belts with secure grips for assisted walking, and pivot discs to reduce strain during standing transfers. Our specialists provide comprehensive training on proper lift operation and transfer techniques to ensure safety for all involved.
Respiratory Support Equipment
Respiratory function is a critical concern for ALS patients, and our respiratory equipment helps maintain breathing capacity and comfort. Available devices include BiPAP machines for non-invasive ventilation support, cough assist devices to help clear secretions and prevent respiratory infections, and suction machines for airway management. We also provide pulse oximeters for monitoring oxygen levels and nebulizers for medication delivery.
All respiratory equipment comes with necessary supplies including masks in various sizes, tubing, filters, and cleaning accessories. Our respiratory specialists coordinate with your medical team to ensure proper settings and usage protocols tailored to your specific needs.
Communication Devices
Maintaining the ability to communicate is vital for quality of life and emotional well-being. Our communication device inventory includes eye-gaze systems that track eye movement to select words and phrases, speech-generating devices with customizable vocabularies, and tablet-based communication apps with adaptive switches. We provide devices with environmental controls that allow patients to operate lights, televisions, and other household items independently.
Each communication system can be personalized with family photos, frequently used phrases, and emergency alerts. Our speech-language pathologists work with patients to program devices and train family members on supporting communication needs as the disease progresses.
Program Services & Support
Our equipment loan program goes beyond simply providing devices. We offer comprehensive support services to ensure that equipment meets your needs and functions properly throughout the loan period.
Delivery & Setup Assistance
Our trained delivery team brings equipment directly to your home and handles all aspects of setup and installation. For larger items like hospital beds and ceiling lifts, we coordinate with professional installers to ensure safe and proper mounting. Delivery appointments are scheduled at your convenience, and our team takes care to minimize disruption to your household routine.
We also assess your home environment during delivery to identify any modifications that might improve equipment functionality or safety. This might include recommendations for ramp installation, doorway widening, or furniture rearrangement to optimize accessibility and ease of use.
Comprehensive Training Programs
Proper equipment use is essential for safety and effectiveness. Our specialists provide hands-on training for patients and caregivers on operating each device, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, and recognizing when professional service is needed. Training sessions are tailored to your learning pace and can be repeated as needed when new caregivers join your support team.
For complex equipment like communication devices and respiratory support systems, we offer extended training programs that include follow-up sessions to address questions and optimize settings as you become more familiar with the technology. Written instructions and video tutorials are provided for reference.
We also conduct safety training that covers emergency procedures, proper body mechanics for caregivers, and strategies for preventing equipment-related injuries. This comprehensive approach ensures that everyone involved in care feels confident and competent in equipment operation.
Ongoing Maintenance & Support
Equipment reliability is crucial for patient safety and caregiver peace of mind. Our maintenance program includes regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and prompt repair services. If equipment malfunctions, we provide immediate replacement while repairs are completed, ensuring continuity of care without interruption.
A dedicated support hotline is available during business hours for technical assistance, and emergency support is provided for critical equipment like respiratory devices. Our technical team can often resolve issues remotely, but field service is dispatched quickly when on-site intervention is necessary.
Equipment Exchange & Upgrades
As ALS progresses, equipment needs change. Our flexible exchange program allows you to swap equipment as your requirements evolve without additional paperwork or waiting periods. When you need different features or capabilities, simply contact our equipment coordinator to arrange an exchange.
We proactively monitor disease progression in consultation with your medical team and can recommend equipment upgrades before needs become urgent. This forward-thinking approach helps prevent gaps in care and ensures that you always have access to the most appropriate assistive technology for your current functional level.
Application Process & Eligibility
We have streamlined our application process to minimize paperwork and expedite access to needed equipment. Our goal is to remove barriers and ensure that financial constraints never prevent patients from receiving essential assistive devices.
Eligibility Requirements
- • Confirmed diagnosis of ALS from a qualified neurologist or ALS specialist
- • Medical documentation supporting the need for requested equipment
- • Residence within our service area or willingness to arrange equipment pickup
- • Agreement to return equipment when no longer needed or upon request
- • Commitment to proper equipment care and maintenance
Simple Application Steps
Complete Application Form
Fill out our brief application form online, by phone, or with assistance from our staff. The form collects basic contact information, diagnosis details, and equipment needs. Applications can be submitted by patients, family members, or healthcare providers on behalf of patients.
Submit Medical Documentation
Provide a letter from your neurologist confirming ALS diagnosis and equipment recommendations. We can coordinate directly with your medical team to obtain necessary documentation if preferred. For urgent needs, verbal confirmation from your physician allows us to proceed while paperwork is finalized.
Equipment Assessment
Our equipment specialist reviews your application and may contact you to discuss specific needs, home environment, and caregiver capabilities. This consultation ensures we provide the most appropriate equipment for your situation and helps identify any additional items that might be beneficial.
Delivery Scheduling
Once approved, we schedule delivery at your convenience. Most applications are processed within 48 hours, and delivery typically occurs within one week. For urgent needs, expedited processing and same-day delivery may be available depending on equipment availability and location.
No income verification or financial documentation is required. Our program is available to all ALS patients regardless of insurance coverage or financial status. Equipment loans are completely free with no deposits, rental fees, or hidden charges.
Equipment Care & Return Process
Proper equipment care ensures safety and extends the life of devices so they can serve future patients. We provide clear guidelines for maintenance and make the return process as simple as possible during difficult times.
Daily Care Guidelines
Regular cleaning and inspection help maintain equipment function and hygiene. We recommend wiping down surfaces daily with mild disinfectant, checking for loose parts or unusual sounds, and keeping equipment away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Specific care instructions are provided for each device, and cleaning supplies are included with equipment delivery.
For powered equipment, ensure batteries are charged according to manufacturer specifications, and report any changes in performance immediately. Fabric components like slings and cushions should be laundered regularly following provided care labels. Never attempt repairs yourself—contact our technical support team for any issues.
Compassionate Return Process
We understand that equipment return often occurs during emotionally difficult times. Our team handles the process with sensitivity and respect, working around your schedule and needs. Simply contact us when equipment is no longer needed, and we will arrange pickup at your convenience.
Family members or estate representatives can initiate returns, and we do not require immediate pickup. We allow reasonable time for families to manage other priorities before equipment collection. Our staff handles all aspects of removal, including disassembly of installed items like ceiling lifts.
Returned equipment undergoes thorough cleaning, inspection, and refurbishment before being made available to other patients. This recycling process allows us to serve more families while maintaining high quality standards. Your contribution to this cycle of care helps support the broader ALS community.
Ready to Access Equipment?
Don't let equipment costs create barriers to comfort and independence. Our loan program is here to support you with the assistive devices you need, when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep borrowed equipment?
Equipment can be kept for as long as medically necessary. There are no time limits or renewal requirements. We only ask that equipment be returned when it is no longer needed so it can serve other patients. If your needs change, you can exchange equipment at any time.
What if equipment breaks or malfunctions?
Contact our technical support team immediately if equipment malfunctions. We will troubleshoot the issue and arrange repair or replacement as needed. For critical equipment like respiratory devices, we provide emergency replacement to ensure continuity of care. Normal wear and tear is expected and covered at no cost to you.
Can I request multiple pieces of equipment?
Yes, you can borrow as many items as medically necessary. Many patients use multiple devices simultaneously, such as a wheelchair, hospital bed, and communication device. Our equipment specialists will work with you to identify all needed items and coordinate delivery of everything at once when possible.
Do you provide equipment outside your local service area?
While we primarily serve our local region, we can arrange equipment loans for patients outside our immediate area. Shipping costs may apply for distant locations, though we work to minimize expenses. We also maintain partnerships with similar organizations nationwide and can facilitate referrals to programs in your area.
What happens if I damage equipment?
We understand that accidents happen, especially when managing complex medical equipment. Normal wear and accidental damage are covered by our program at no cost to you. We only ask that you report damage promptly so we can arrange repair or replacement. Our goal is to support you, not create additional stress during an already challenging time.