Are you in need of durable medical equipment? Anyone who has a disability or is connected to our community in any way likely understands the struggle that is obtaining durable medical equipment. The Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL) offers the Recycled Equipment Donated for Independence (REDI) program to help address this problem.
Named with its purpose in mind, REDI is a program through which ACIL gives donated gently used durable medical equipment to those in need in hopes of helping people become more independent and able to live life to the fullest in the community of their choice. Keeping that in mind, ACIL accepts various types of medical equipment donations, including but not limited to wheelchairs, shower chairs, and toilet seats from different types of resources including private citizens, nursing homes, independent living facilities, and rehabilitation facilities. In addition to durable medical equipment REDI offers incontinence supplies such as diapers and chuck pads to consumers and their families. All donations are tax deductible. Donation receipts are available on request.
Jeff Allen, REDI Program Manager, detailed some things that consumers should be aware of before requesting equipment through REDI. “Anyone who is unable or struggling to afford durable medical equipment and cannot obtain it through Medicare or Medicaid can request equipment through REDI, but people should be aware of the fact that there is an equipment waiting list and we fulfill requests in the order in which they were received,” he explained.
Consumers placed on the REDI waiting list will also be contacted by an ACIL independent Living Specialist who will review their eligibility for new equipment or more appropriate equipment from alternative resources in the community. The IL Specialist will also discuss other services available to the consumer to ensure that their life in the community is as fulfilling as possible.
Jeff went on to say that consumers should also keep in mind the fact that while ACIL does not have the manpower to repair equipment an attempt is made to ensure that equipment is working properly when it is donated. Moreover, consumers should know that because equipment is previously owned and given as donations rather than purchases, ACIL does not and cannot give any sort of warranty, expressed or implied, on any equipment accepted by consumers.
When asked what types of equipment is requested through REDI most often Jeff said, “Rollator walkers, lift chairs, and hospital beds are the equipment request that ACIL most often gets but we have all kinds of equipment available to help consumers especially now that we have expanded the program in our new location.”
REDI is housed at ACIL’s new location at 165 East Helena Street in Dayton. An automatic door specifically for the durable medical equipment donation program was recently added to make it easier for consumers to pick up and drop off donations. ACIL does not currently have the capacity to offer donation delivery but may offer the service in the future.
Funding is needed to sustain REDI in addition to ACIL’s other programs. While compensation is never expected for a donation from REDI, any support given is greatly appreciated and will go directly to funding REDI.
Whether you need medical equipment or have something to donate, you can make an appointment with REDI Monday through Thursday from 8:30a.m. to 4p.m. Make an appointment by calling 937-341-5202 and asking for Jeff.
I am looking for a hospital bed table on wheels, and was told by my Medicaid rep, from Buckeye Ins., that they wouldn’t cover it. Have you started delivery yet?
Hi Vicki,
Thank you for reading this post and supporting the Access Center. Please email me at [email protected] and I will do my best to answer your questions.