FAQ’s for Borrowers of DME
How do I qualify to borrow DME from Wheel it Forward?
Good news! Everyone qualifies as long as you’re in our service area of Fairfield County and adjacent Westchester County (click here to see service area). Wheel it Forward is a community library. We are here to help everyone who needs durable medical equipment. Simply join the Library and then choose what you need (up to 3 items at a time).
If you live outside of Fairfield or Westchester County, please visit www.gotdme.org to search for a lending organization near you.
How do I get equipment?
First, join the Library by completing the application (Click Here to Join the Library). Within 24 hours you should receive your member ID. Once received you can login and search our inventory and reserve your items on our website (Click Here to Search our Inventory) . When you find the equipment you need you will be required to complete a Loan Agreement where you’ll provide information and current ID for two people - yourself and a co-signer (the co-signer needs to reside at a different location than you). You will also need to read and sign a Loan Agreement and Liability Waiver to borrow equipment. Equipment can be picked up at a designated location or a delivery option may be available.
What is a co-signer and why do I need one to borrow equipment?
A co-signer is a second person who takes responsibility for the equipment we lend out. We require a co-signer to help ensure that the equipment we lend out gets returned to our library so that Wheel It Forward can continue to serve other members of our community.
How much does the equipment cost to borrow?
Like a traditional library that lends out books our equipment can be borrowed at no cost. We ask that you consider making a suggested tax-deductible donation (which varies by item) that helps keep our volunteer-powered community library running. If you’d like to give more than the small suggested amount - awesome! If you can’t make a donation at this time, you will not be turned away. In all cases we ask that you take good care of the equipment and return it on time.
Please Note: There is a $200 delivery fee for hospital beds to cover the cost of delivery and set up. If you can’t pay the $200 we will work with you and figure out delivery regardless of your ability to pay.
How long can I keep the equipment?
Our equipment loans are meant to be short term - ideally 4 months or less. If you need equipment now but are waiting to get new equipment approved by insurance or Medicare, Wheel it Forward is a perfect bridge for that. If you sprain your ankle and need a knee scooter for 2 months we can help. If you anticipate needing equipment for longer than 4 months we will review the situation on a case by case basis.
How do I know that the equipment is clean and in good condition?
Great question! Wheel It Forward strives to implement best practices when it comes to sanitization which includes a general cleaning of equipment using steam and/or using hospital-grade germicidal products to sanitize equipment. We only accept lightly used donated equipment and visually inspect our equipment for mechanical issues.
What if the equipment needs to be repaired while I’m borrowing it or if it’s stolen?
If the equipment needs to be repaired due to ordinary wear and tear we will do our best to get you a replacement. If the item is broken because of inappropriate use or if the equipment is stolen we require that you replace that equipment.
I don’t live in your service area - can you point me to someplace where I can borrow DME near where I live?
Wheel it Forward created the Got DME National Directory to find local organizations where you can borrow and donate durable medical equipment.
Please visit www.gotdme.org.
Do I need to sign a Liability Waiver to borrow equipment?
Yes. Before borrowing equipment you will need to read and sign a liability waiver.
FAQ’s for People Looking to Donate Lightly Used DME
What items can I donate?
We accept new or lightly used DME (Click Here to See Items we Generally Accept). We may take other DME items that are not on the list as well as disposable items that are unopened so please ask.
What if I’m not sure my DME is in good enough condition for Wheel It Forward?
Feel free to contact us (Click Here to Contact Us) and send us several pictures of the item. If we won’t accept the equipment we likely can point you to others who might.
I want to donate lightly used DME that is in good condition. Where can I drop it off?
When you arrive at 48 Union Street in Stamford (off of Hope Street) please drive down the long driveway along the left side of the building. Continue past several stores including Break Thru Fitness and a Dog Grooming place. Continue driving until you get to the back of the complex where you will see a red and black dumpster near each other. You will also see 3 loading dock garage doors. Park in that parking area and access our office through the door labeled Unit 2, turning left as you enter the door. We will be happy to assist you with your donation.
NOTE
If you are dropping off equipment during non-office hours please leave the equipment near the blue cones you will see outside, near the dumpsters and 3 garage doors.
Can you pick up my lightly used DME?
Yes - please fill out this form and we will be in touch (Click here for the Donation Form). We ask that you consider making a tax-deductible donation for this service to support our library. Pick-up may be available on a case by case basis. Please call (203) 652-8600 with any concerns and leave a brief message.
Can I get a Tax Receipt for Donations of Equipment?
Yes - we are a tax exempt 501-c3 and are happy to provide a Tax Receipt for your donated equipment and/or cash donations.
I don’t live in your service area - can you point me to someplace where I can donate DME near where I live?
Wheel it Forward created the Got DME National Directory to find local organizations where you can borrow and donate durable medical equipment.
Please visit www.gotdme.org.
FAQ’s For Volunteers
How do I get involved as a volunteer?
Fill out a volunteer application (Click Here for Volunteer Application) and we will get back to you shortly.
What skills are we looking for in volunteers?
There are many opportunities to use your skills to help Wheel it Forward’s mission. Do you have customer service skills, are you a handyman/woman, do you like logistics and technology, do you have a car and valid drivers license, are you bilingual, or can you lift 50 pounds - we can use your help!
I don’t have spare time to volunteer and don’t currently need or have DME but I love what you're doing and want to make sure Wheel It Forward is around to help my neighbors or myself if I ever need it - how can I help?
Didn’t find your question here?
Please contact us if you didn’t find your question/answer here (Click Here to Contact Us)