Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Kathi Shackles stands among the various medical equipment available at the Senior Center.

•January 18, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

If you or a loved one is scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery, the hospital has probably told you that you need to arrive with a walker.

You may also need an elevated toilet seat and shower seat. Many of these items are not covered by medical insurance, but you may get all of them on loan at the Senior Center.

“We take all kinds of walkers, canes, wheelchairs for loan to others. We also have a large supply of Depends and some oxygen supplies such as tubing,” executive director  Kathi Shackles said. “The center will also take almost any kind of medical supplies as long as they haven’t been opened.”

Many times when a loved one dies, the family has many of these items and is not aware that the senior center will take them. Clean bed pads are also accepted. Several styles and makes of walkers and canes are available so you may select the one that best suits your needs.

Shackles advises calling in advance to reserve the equipment as supplies are limited. The items are available only to senior citizens and are signed out. The center just asks that all items be returned as soon as possible because some are on a waiting list, such as wheelchairs. Donated items may be dropped off at the senior center during regular business hours. Unfortunately, the center cannot  pick up donated items.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.