How to Borrow Assistive Devices Before You Buy

Where to borrow assistive devices without buying first

You can borrow assistive devices through equipment libraries, medical supply loan programs, disability organizations, and some public libraries — often at no cost or for a small deposit. Most programs let you keep a device for weeks or months, which means you can test whether it actually works for your life before spending hundreds or thousands of dollars. The fastest route depends on what device you need and where you live, but starting with your local disability services office or a 211 call usually points you to what exists nearby.

Borrowing first solves a real problem: a device that looks right on paper often doesn't fit your actual space, your body, or the way you move through your day. A wheelchair ramp that works in a store showroom might not fit your doorway. A voice-activated device might be useless in a noisy kitchen. Borrowing lets you find out before you commit money.

Key Takeaways

• Equipment libraries and medical loan closets lend devices for free or a small deposit, usually for one to three months.
• Disability organizations, aging services, and some hospitals run their own loan programs and often know what else is available locally.
• Your local 211 service or disability services office can tell you in one call which programs serve your area and what devices they have in stock.
• Borrowing a device first lets you test it in your own home and with your own routine before deciding to purchase.
• Some programs require a doctor's note or proof of disability; others lend to anyone; ask before you visit.

Equipment libraries and medical loan closets

An equipment library is a collection of assistive devices that you can borrow like books from a library. Most are run by disability organizations, aging agencies, or nonprofits, and they stock common items: walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, shower chairs, reachers, bed rails, and sometimes more specialized equipment. You typically borrow for four to twelve weeks at no cost, though some programs ask for a small deposit (usually $10 to $50) that you get back when you return the device in good condition.

A medical loan closet is similar but usually smaller and run by a single organization — often a hospital, senior center, or church. These tend to focus on items needed after surgery or during recovery, but some keep longer-term equipment too. The main difference is that equipment libraries are designed for repeated borrowing and have more inventory, while loan closets are often one-time or short-term lending tied to a specific organization's mission.

To find one near you, search "[your city or county] equipment library" or "[your city] medical loan closet," or call your local aging services office and ask. Many are not heavily advertised, so a direct phone call often works better than a web search.

Disability organizations and aging services programs

Most disability-specific organizations — groups focused on mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive disabilities, or specific conditions — run their own device lending programs or maintain lists of where to borrow locally. Organizations like the Arthritis Foundation, American Foundation for the Blind, and condition-specific groups (for example, the ALS Association or the Muscular Dystrophy Association) often lend equipment or connect you to local programs that do.

Aging services departments in your county or city also run equipment programs, even if you are not yet retirement age. These programs exist because older adults borrow equipment frequently, so the infrastructure is there — and most programs do not restrict by age. Call your local Area Agency on Aging (find it through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116) and ask what they lend or know about.

The advantage of going through an organization focused on your specific disability or condition is that staff understand what you are trying to do and can often suggest alternatives or workarounds you might not have considered.

Public libraries and community centers

Some public library systems have started lending assistive devices alongside books and movies. This is still uncommon, but it is growing. Call your local library and ask whether they have a device lending collection or know of one nearby. If they do not, ask whether they can refer you to a program they know about — librarians often have good local connections.

Community centers, senior centers, and recreation departments sometimes lend equipment too, particularly items used for fitness or mobility. These are worth a phone call if you are looking for something specific and the more obvious routes have not worked.

Hospital discharge programs and rehabilitation centers

If you are leaving a hospital or rehabilitation facility, ask the discharge planner or social worker about borrowing equipment before you buy. Many hospitals have equipment they lend to recent patients, and some partner with local equipment libraries to extend lending beyond their own stock. This is especially common for items needed during recovery — walkers, canes, shower chairs, and grab bars.

Even if the hospital does not lend directly, the discharge planner usually knows what programs exist in your area and can make a referral. This is one of the few times you have a staff person whose job is to connect you to resources, so use that conversation.

What to bring and what to expect

Most equipment programs ask for an ID and proof of address. Some require a doctor's note or a statement that you have a disability; others lend to anyone. Call ahead and ask what you need to bring — this saves a wasted trip.

When you arrive, be specific about what you need and how long you think you will use it. Staff can often suggest alternatives if the device you want is checked out, and they can tell you whether borrowing makes sense or whether you should buy instead. Many programs also ask you to sign a form saying you will return the device in the condition you received it and that you understand any damage charges.

Ask about return policies before you leave: Can you return early if the device does not work for you? What happens if you need it longer than the standard loan period? Some programs have waiting lists and need devices back on time; others are flexible. Knowing this upfront prevents frustration later.

When borrowing does not work and you need to buy

If you cannot find what you need to borrow, or if you need a device for longer than any program lends, you have other options before buying new. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp often have used assistive devices at a fraction of the new price. Some disability organizations run resale programs or can connect you to people selling used equipment.

If you do decide to buy, ask whether the device is covered by insurance — many are, at least partially, if you have a prescription from a doctor. Your state's vocational rehabilitation program may also help pay for devices if the device helps you work or prepare for work. Neither of these is automatic, but both are worth asking about before you pay out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's note to borrow equipment?

It depends on the program. Some require a prescription or letter from a doctor; others do not. Call before you visit and ask what documentation they need. If you do not have a doctor, some programs will lend without one, or they can suggest how to get a letter if you need it.

What if I damage the device while I am borrowing it?

Most programs expect normal wear and tear and do not charge for it. If you break something, ask the program what they charge — many have small damage fees ($10 to $25) or will waive them if you report the damage right away. Read the loan agreement before you leave so you know what you are responsible for.

Can I borrow a device for more than a few months?

Some programs allow longer loans if you ask, especially if the device is not in high demand. Others have strict return dates because they need to cycle equipment to other people. Ask when you borrow whether an extension is possible, and give notice if you need one — waiting until the due date makes it harder for staff to say yes.

What if there is no equipment library near me?

Call 211 or your local disability services office and ask what programs exist in your area — they may know of smaller programs that are not easy to find online. If nothing exists locally, ask about mail-order lending programs or whether any organizations will ship equipment to you.

How do I know if borrowing is better than buying?

Borrow if you are unsure whether the device will work for you, if you need it for a short time (like recovery from surgery), or if you want to test it before spending money. Buy if you know you need the device long-term, if nothing is available to borrow, or if you have found something used that is cheaper than a loan would be over time.