Aging can lead to challenges that we never would have expected just a few years ago. It can happen overnight, or slowly over a long period of time, then you find yourself in need of assistive devices to help you with your daily activities. Those devices may make a difference in your mobility, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Perhaps other items are needed, such as grab bars or a shower bench to guard against slip and fall injuries. Like everything else, this equipment can be expensive.
Did you know that CareWell Services has a durable medical equipment (DME) closet? We do, and every piece of equipment within it is at no cost to you! That’s due to our generous community who donate their items when they’re no longer needed. We inspect them, make sure they’re in good working order, and pass them along to the next person that needs them, whether that’s for a few weeks after an injury or surgery, or for long term.
If you need items that aren’t available in our DME closet, you may get them from Medicare, but it’s important to know the rules. Medicare and Medicare Advantage policies cover 80% of the cost of DME, but you must follow their rules for the claim to be paid. First, your primary care physician must be the one to provide you with a prescription for the piece of equipment. If it’s from anyone else, even if they promise to file the claim for you, it will be denied and you’ll be responsible for the cost. Second, you must use a Medicare authorized supplier. A SHIP counselor at CareWell Services can look up authorized dealers for you, or you can also look them up, here.
If you find yourself in need of DME, you may also need home modifications such as wider doorways to accommodate the use of a walker or wheelchair or a ramp. CareWell Services is here to help. We can connect you with the agencies that can help make those modifications. We also know a local agency who performs tub conversions to make it easier to climb in and out of your bath. While not free, it is at a far lower cost than what’s commonly advertised on TV.
So, if you find that you need a little help, give us a call! CareWell Services is your local Area Agency on Aging. We’re located in the Kool Family Community Center, second floor, 200 W. Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek, or you can reach us at (269) 966-2450. We look forward to serving you.