There are many people who can benefit from HELP’s program.
■ Those who lack insurance to cover medically necessary equipment, or those whose insurance doesn’t fully cover their needs.
“It’s very easy to get frustrated and discouraged trying to navigate through the health care system,” said Bev Stuart, director for the organization’s Crystal City office. “It’s really important that people understand that help is there for them; they just have to look for it.”
■ Those who have insurance but are waiting for approval or payment authorization, a process that can sometimes be lengthy.
“Whether it’s a weekend or a year, they can use it and then just return it when their authorization comes through,” Stuart said.
■ Those temporarily disabled by injury, accident, illness or surgery.
The HELP website lists thanks from a 56-year-old man who borrowed equipment to use during his rehabilitation following a car crash. Stuart said several local people have donated equipment they used while recovering from joint-replacement surgery.
■ Those whose own equipment is being repaired or refurbished.
■ Terminally ill people and their caregivers.
■ Visitors to the area who cannot easily bring their own equipment.
The HELP website lists thanks from the family of an 84-year-old woman who got to come to the area to attend her grandson’s wedding because of the availability of assistive equipment.
■ Children who outgrow adaptive equipment.
“We have a monkey stander (a prone stander for non-ambulatory children) that’s been loaned out probably six times in 10 years,” Singer said. “Kids just grow so fast.”
■ Those interested in trying equipment before purchasing, or caregivers hoping to help a relative or friend adjust to the idea of needing adaptive assistance.
