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Did you know that Harpswell has a large supply of durable medical equipment that is free for the asking?
What is durable medical equipment? Durable medical equipment refers to medical devices designed for long-term use in home healthcare — for example, wheelchairs and walkers. Many everyday tasks can be performed more safely using durable medical equipment. It is intended to improve the quality of life for those who are sick, recovering from an injury, or in need of a little help with the activities of daily living.
Harpswell Aging at Home is now partnering with the town of Harpswell to administer a durable medical equipment program, offering a wide variety of gently used, donated items to residents at no charge.
The program has been in place for several years. Until recently, it was ably administered by Tina Deschaine and the late Mike Drake at the Town Office. In the past, it was run like a lending library, but going forward, when you select and pick up one or more items, they will be yours to keep. The task of matching people with equipment will now be undertaken by HAH volunteers.
Available equipment includes the following:
Bathroom safety devices, such as tub or shower benches; lifted toilet seats, both with and without armrests; and commode chairs.
Mobility aids, such as reacher tools, canes, walkers, rollators, knee scooters and lightweight transport wheelchairs.
The durable medical equipment program does not provide oxygen supplies or mechanized equipment, such as lift chairs, hospital beds or motorized wheelchairs.
Because of the generosity of many neighbors over the years, the durable medical equipment program does not need more donations of equipment at present, but we are happy to provide information about other local programs that may be able to accept donations.
The durable medical equipment program can also connect residents to Harpswell Aging at Home’s Home Repairs program. Home Repairs volunteers can install helpful safety equipment, such as grab bars, handrails or additional lighting.
Requests for durable medical equipment can be submitted to volunteer Peggy Rousseau at 207-837-8789 or hahdme@hah.community. Equipment is available for pickup at George J. Mitchell Field by appointment only during weekday business hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. To pick up your equipment, drive past the Harpswell Community Garden to the large brick building on the right, known as the generator building, and park in front of the large garage door.
