I would recommend very strongly to contact your local agency on aging. In our area, it's called "commission on aging", but may be called something else in your area. These are generally county-run agencies (at least in the U.S.) that offer free or low-cost services for the elderly. They receive donations all the time of used scooters and handicap supplies that may be of help to you. When my father passed away, we donated his scooter, walker, rollator, crutches and cane - they accepted all with gratitude and gave us a tax deduction receipt for our donation. They will even accept (new, unopened) incontinence briefs and supplies if you have extra and don't know what to do with them.
Medicare *might* help, but getting it approved is sometimes a struggle. My mother's old doctor wouldn't fill out the paperwork, saying he wanted her to walk as long as possible. Well, yes - of course she should do that - but she was already at the point where she couldn't walk more than 10-20' without stumbling or getting out of breath and risking a fall. This meant she could move around inside the house, but not outside. Guess what? Medicare would approve the scooter for inside the house, but not for outdoor use. Go figure. So they essentially wanted her to be a prisoner in her home, or to be pushed around in a wheelchair (Mom was approaching 300lbs when I moved in with her...). Sometimes the rules just don't make much sense.
Go to Goodwill....they have a separate area for medical assist equipment here..they might have one. Also..check with the local ReStore. (Habitat for Humanity)
You might check with Craigslist in your area for a motorized scooter. As far as the medical alert pendant, I've never heard of buying one second hand as they require a subscription in order to work. I think you have to return the items when you end the subscription.
5 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Medicare *might* help, but getting it approved is sometimes a struggle. My mother's old doctor wouldn't fill out the paperwork, saying he wanted her to walk as long as possible. Well, yes - of course she should do that - but she was already at the point where she couldn't walk more than 10-20' without stumbling or getting out of breath and risking a fall. This meant she could move around inside the house, but not outside. Guess what? Medicare would approve the scooter for inside the house, but not for outdoor use. Go figure. So they essentially wanted her to be a prisoner in her home, or to be pushed around in a wheelchair (Mom was approaching 300lbs when I moved in with her...). Sometimes the rules just don't make much sense.
I wish you the best in your search.
ADVERTISEMENT
Also..check with the local ReStore. (Habitat for Humanity)
As far as the medical alert pendant, I've never heard of buying one second hand as they require a subscription in order to work. I think you have to return the items when you end the subscription.