Loan Closet Expands Medical Equipment Offerings, Counties Served

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Maryland Department of Aging will make a variety of more complex medical equipment, such as hospital beds and motorized chairs, available at Howard County’s Loan Closet and make the equipment accessible for neighboring counties including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s County. Also, Neighbor Ride now will be offering delivery services for the Loan Closet for clients who do not have transportation access.

“The Loan Closet truly embodies the idea of paying it forward,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference. “When canes, walkers and wheelchairs are no longer needed, they can be donated and repurposed to promote safety and independence for a fellow community member. Serving more than 6,000 residents a year, the Loan Closet is a trusted resource and shows how simple ideas can be life-altering for those in need. The new partnerships we are announcing will make every day a little easier and a lot more affordable for our rehabilitating neighbors.”

The latest expansion of the Loan Closet speaks to the need for its services. Within the past five years, the Loan Closet has seen a 122 percent increase in residents served. In 2022, it anticipates providing services and equipment to nearly 8,000 clients. Approximately 95 percent of clients said items from the Loan Closet helped them stay safe and independent in the community. Nearly 100 percent of clients were satisfied with the services provided by the Loan Closet. The medically necessary equipment ranges in value from $5 to $20,000 per piece. Approximately 52 percent of clients served are considered low-income and about 80 percent of the costly equipment and devices is not usually covered by insurance.