The Convalescent Aid Society (CAS) was established in 1923 and has been providing local communities with free rental on in-home and durable medical equipment. I first learned about the CAS from a case manager from a local hospital and I only wish I knew about this much earlier.
[Eligibility]: Anyone regardless of financial status (mostly seniors and disables but also work for young people with broken arms/legs) can sign up and rent free medical equipment as long as they meet (1) residency/location requirements - must be living in the greater Los Angeles area, (2) two additional contacts on top of the person who will use the equipment - responsible party aka co-signer [an additional person responsible for equipment] + additional contact [someone else who knows the client, but who doesn't live at the same address]. So the applicant will need to obtain address, phone number, and email address for both additional contacts. Once the free equipment loan application is submitted, the CAS will review the application and send a text link/email to schedule an appointment to pick up the desired medical equipment.
[Medical equipment]: Please note that all equipment are subjected to availability. If they are available, then the website will say "In stock". If not, then the website will say "Waitlist Available". Medical equipment include: bath chair, tub transfer bench, hospital bed (therapeutic foam mattress not included and not free - $260 per mattress), cane, crutches, bed rail assist, exercise peddler, IV pole, over the bed table, patient lift, transfer board, toileting aids like commode & toilet safety frame, knee scooter, front wheel walker, rollator, wheelchair, and wheelchair ramp. The CAS also sell certain items like bedding in a box, commode pail liner, fitted sheet, and hip kit (Long-Handled Bath Sponge, Polyethylene Stocking Aid, 26" Folding Hand-Held Reacher, Plastic Shoe Horn, and Black Elastic Shoe Laces).
[Pick-up]: The approval email will tell the applicant to bring the applicant driver's license and co-signer's license as well as proof of residence (utility bill like electricity, gas, and water - if these documents are not available then bring the rental contract). For my 1st time visit, I came here 10 minutes ahead of scheduled time and I realized visitors cannot enter the building. Visitors MUST park and wait in the designed parking lot behind the building. I told the staff about my appointment and the staff only checked the applicant's and co-signer's licenses (first time visit). The staff didn't check other proof of residence like utility bill. However I only brought driver's license for the applicant on my second visit (the applicant didn't come in person this time) and I was still able to pick-up additional medical equipment without an issue.
[Rental duration]: Each equipment rental lasts 6 months and the CAS will send a text message or email on renewal notice. There's no time limit on how long the applicant can hold onto these medical equipment as long as they continue to submit renewal notice every 6 months.
[Return/Donation/Repair]: No need to set up an appointment for anyone who's returning or donating or repairing the equipment. If the staff can't fix the equipment on the spot, then the staff will replace the equipment for free.
This is simply an amazing free service and one of the best hidden gems for anyone who cannot afford to buy mobility equipment. In addition, some of injuries are short-term and it just doesn't make sense to buy a brand new wheelchair or walker. read more