LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hospice Services of Lake County recognizes the challenges of purchasing durable medical equipment, or DME, when individuals need it the most.

Long waits for insurance approval, an accident resulting in reduced mobility, backorders or other similar or other similar situations may delay access to necessary equipment to stay safe.

The Durable Medical Equipment Lending Closet provides loans of clean and sanitized recycled durable medical equipment at no cost to community members.

The most frequently requested items are wheelchairs, walkers with seats, shower chairs, hospital beds and bedside commodes. These items are needed now.

Equipment is available by appointment. Often same day requests are available. Items can be picked up from the Lending Closet in Lakeport and from the three thrift stores located in Clearlake, Lakeport and Middletown. As schedules permit, equipment may be delivered to infirm individuals by Hospice retail drivers.

The DME Lending Closet is made possible from an extraordinary joint effort of the Kelseyville Sunrise Rotary and Lakeport Rotary Clubs. Members purchased and installed the structure for storing DME, painted and created safe access to the equipment.

Project Lead Tom Dodd was the inspiration behind the lending closet after a family member receiving treatment from cancer desperately needed several items at the time he was discharged home from the hospital.

DME inventory is made available through generous donations from community members and Hospice Services is committed to maintaining inventory to meet community needs.

Hospice is actively seeking equipment for the lending closet including clean and operable manual wheelchairs, transfer chairs, walkers with seats, hospital beds, bath benches, “reachers,” quad canes and more.

Some DME is not considered safe to loan without medical oversight. Please call-in advance to learn if your donation may be accepted.

Tax-deductible donations may be made at any of the three Hospice Services thrift stores or 1862 Parallel Drive.

For more information, to borrow equipment or donate equipment call 263-6222 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hospice Services of Lake County’s mission is to support people by providing the highest quality physical, emotional and spiritual care that helps patients and their families who are navigating end-of-life’s journey.

For more information, call Hospice Services of Lake County, 707-263-6222. Find us on Facebook or visit the organization’s website at www.lakecountyhospice.org.

Janine Smith-Citron is development director for Hospice Services of Lake County.