Anyone in need of durable medical equipment – a wheelchair, walker, or shower seat, for instance – has the right to access this equipment easily and without cost. At CareWell Services Southwest, we’re making sure older adults and adults with disabilities in our community are equipped with the items necessary for their everyday healthcare. This is made possible through our Durable Medical Equipment Closet.
A Durable Medical Equipment (DME) closet is a collection of items ordered by a healthcare provider for use every day or over an extended period of time. This collection is maintained in a warehousing room at CareWell Services, only accessible by staff.
Call to request durable medical equipment that your insurance does not cover. The DME Closet staff will screen you for your needs and check what is in stock. If we do not have the item in stock, we will contact other DME providers and refer you to a location that currently stocks the desired equipment.
Once equipment availability is confirmed, an appointment is set up for you to come to CareWell Services to pick up their equipment. The DME Closet can be used by clients residing in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. You must pick up the equipment at CareWell Services’ office in Battle Creek (200 W. Michigan Ave. on the second floor).
The single equipment restriction is that only one of each type of equipment will be loaned out at a time to an individual over a two-year period. This does not apply if the equipment is faulty or one-time use.
CareWell Services is not a physical or occupational therapy office. We do not offer fitting or confirm suitability or medical safety. A liability waiver is signed upon receiving the equipment. You should then verify suitability with your physician. A receipt is also provided.
Durable medical equipment is for short-term use. You may return the item by appointment in the event that it is not suitable for their needs. You can also keep it indefinitely. When you’re finished with the equipment, it can be returned by appointment as long as it is still clean and in usable condition.
We accept equipment donations as long as they are clean, in working order, and meet our screening criteria. Call to confirm we’re accepting your specific item and make an appointment for drop off. We can refer to other programs if we don’t accept specific items.
Whether you’re in need of durable medical equipment yourself, looking for DME for the person you care for, or would like to donate equipment, you can make an appointment by calling (269) 966-2450 and asking to be referred to the DME Closet.