ALS United Greater Chicago Equipment Lending Program

Peggy O’Connor, RN, BSN, Director of Care Services, ALS United Greater Chicago

One of the most active and often-accessed programs offered by ALS United Greater Chicago is the Equipment Lending Program. This program is intended to help offset some of the cost of living with ALS by providing items that are not covered by an individual’s insurance. This can include instances where there is no coverage whatsoever for a piece of equipment, or the copay for a high-cost item makes obtaining equipment prohibitive. The program is supported by the generous financial donations of our supporters, and through the donation of gently used mobility, respiratory, and communication equipment. There is no charge to the recipient for any equipment provided.

Some of the most commonly used items from the lending closet are adaptive mobility items such as canes, walking poles, or walkers. These items are important for a patient to walk safely around their environment but are not usually covered by insurance. The care services team works closely with a patient’s treating physical therapist (PT) to determine the most appropriate item for the individual. If there is a suitable item in stock in the lending closet, it will be provided. If the item is not available in the current supply, ALS United Greater Chicago can purchase a new item and have it delivered to the patient.

Transport wheelchairs are another commonly used item from the lending closet. These folding wheelchairs are lighter than standard wheelchairs and are ideal for use when energy conservation is important. Often, people with ALS are still able to walk independently but not able to do so for long distances. Keeping a transport chair in the car means it is available for times when there is more walking than the patient is able to comfortably handle – such as getting from the car across a large parking lot to a store or doctor’s appointment. Insurance does not routinely cover these energy-saving wheelchairs, but they make a world of difference to those who use them.  

Bathroom equipment such as tub benches, commodes, and toilet safety rails can also be provided through the lending program. These items are purchased new for each user, as we do not accept these items dirty or used as donations. 

Access to equipment to help with communication is very important for those whose ability to speak is affected by ALS. Low-tech assistive devices such as Boogie Board writing tablets, voice amplifiers, and letter boards are not covered by insurance, but are available through the lending program. We also maintain an inventory of high-tech, specialized communication devices that have been donated to us. In cases where insurance coverage is unavailable or insufficient, our speech therapist can work with the individual’s treating therapist to find equipment that is appropriate to meet their needs. Donated equipment is factory reset, erasing all personalization from the previous owner and set up to meet the needs of the recipient.

Although insurance usually covers custom power wheelchairs for those with ALS, there are a few instances where there is no coverage for this important item. Nursing home residents or those who are receiving the support of hospice services do not have access through insurance to a new power chair. In rare instances, insurance policies have insufficient or no coverage for a powered mobility device. None of these circumstances should be an obstacle to access to appropriate equipment. ALS United Greater Chicago accepts power wheelchairs that are recent models, in good working order, and appropriate for people with ALS as donations. These wheelchairs are stored in the warehouses of our mobility partners and maintained by their professional staff. When a request is received by the care services team, the coordinator works closely with one of the Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) to identify the appropriate chair to meet the needs of the individual. ALS United Greater Chicago assumes responsibility for the maintenance of the power wheelchair, and there is no cost to the individual.

We are also able to offer loaner respiratory equipment for those without insurance coverage for such items. This includes BiPap machines, suction, and cough assist devices. The equipment is maintained by a contracted specialty respiratory care provider who will deliver the equipment and provide ongoing training and support for the patient and caregiver.

Smaller items to assist with important activities of daily living (ADLs) are also not covered by insurance. The equipment lending program is able to provide some adaptive aids such as gait belts, universal cuffs, adaptive utensils, transfer boards, or foam grip tubing.

We occasionally receive generous donations or larger equipment like hospital beds and patient lifts. The availability of these items varies widely depending on what we have received and lent out. If you are in need of a larger piece of equipment that is not covered by your insurance, speak with your Care Services Coordinator to investigate what is available.

There are a few items that the equipment lending program does not cover. Items that require professional installation like ramps or grab bars are not available through the lending closet. Your Care Services Coordinator does, however, have referrals for obtaining these items through other providers. The lending closet does not supply disposable medical equipment such as gloves or absorptive undergarments. We do not supply medications or tube feeding supplies.

If you are in need of an item to help you live well with ALS, please contact your Care Services Coordinator to discuss your need and determine if we can help provide the item in question. We are here to help!