Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program in Mercer County
A community loan closet providing free access to wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and more for local seniors.
Our Equipment Loan Program lets you borrow gently-used medical equipment at no cost, so your loved one can stay safe and comfortable at home without expensive purchase or rental fees.
Borrow the Equipment You Need, When You Need It
A community lending closet for walkers, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment
The Mercer County Council on Aging maintains a Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program—often called a “loan closet”—that makes essential items available to seniors when life changes quickly. We stock a rotating inventory of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, shower chairs, toilet risers, grab bars, grabbers, and other assistive devices that can be borrowed for as long as they are needed.
Using the program is simple: call or stop by to see if we have the item you need in stock, and our staff will sign it out to you at no charge. When you are finished with the equipment—after a surgery, illness, or recovery—you simply return it so another family can benefit. Priority is given to Mercer County residents age 60 and older, but our team will always do their best to help anyone who reaches out.
Why Buy When You Can Borrow?
Quick, affordable access to safe equipment that supports recovery and independence
By borrowing equipment instead of buying it, families save hundreds of dollars, get what they need right away, and help keep valuable medical items circulating in the local community where they do the most good.
Equipment Loan Program FAQs
Common questions about borrowing and donating equipment
Who can borrow medical equipment from MCCoA?
The Equipment Loan Program is primarily designed for Mercer County residents age 60 and older who need durable medical equipment for a short-term or ongoing health need. Family members can also borrow on behalf of a senior loved one, such as a parent returning home from the hospital. Priority is given to local seniors, but our staff will gladly talk with anyone in the area who needs help. If we cannot directly assist, we may be able to refer you to another resource.
What kinds of equipment are available to borrow?
Our inventory typically includes items such as wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, canes, crutches, shower chairs, toilet risers, bedside commodes, grab bars, reachers/grabbers, and other mobility or safety aids. Because the program relies on donations and returns, the exact selection changes over time. When you call, staff can tell you what is currently on hand and help you find the closest match to what you need. If we don’t have a specific item, we may be able to suggest alternatives or help you explore other options.
Is there a cost to borrow equipment, and how long can I keep it?
There is no rental fee to use the Equipment Loan Program—borrowing is free, though donations are always appreciated to help maintain and expand the inventory. Most items can be kept for as long as they are needed, whether that’s a few weeks during recovery or several months while you explore long-term solutions. We simply ask that you return the equipment promptly once you’re finished so another senior can benefit. If your situation changes, you can always call to discuss extending the loan.
Is the borrowed equipment clean and safe to use?
Yes—every piece of equipment is inspected and cleaned before it is loaned out again. Staff check for stability, proper function, and overall condition to ensure items are safe and reliable. If something does not meet our standards, it is repaired or removed from circulation. We understand that you are trusting us with a loved one’s safety, and we treat that responsibility with the same care we would give our own family members.
Can I donate medical equipment to the program, and what do you accept?
Donations are very welcome and help keep this community resource strong. If you have gently-used equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, bedside commodes, or similar durable items you no longer need, you can call us to confirm we can accept them and arrange a drop-off time. Once donated, the equipment is cleaned, inspected, and added to the loan closet so another senior can use it at no cost. Many families find comfort in knowing their loved one’s equipment continues to help others right here in Mercer County.
