What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
DME stands for durable medical equipment and is a type of medical equipment used for long periods. Examples of DME include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and shower chairs because these items are used as equipment to assist people for months to years on end. A typical piece of durable medical equipment can last for over five years but is used for only a few months.
DME is required by many people for them to live their day-to-day lives. Someone post-knee surgery may require crutches or a walker for a few weeks before walking on two legs again. Older adults with limited mobility may require shower chairs when showering to remain stable, and not risk a fall.
Items that do not fall under the DME category are disposable items, such as adult diapers, incontinence pads, ace bandages, or first aid equipment. While many organizations in the Got DME directory primarily lend out and accept donations of DME, however, some may accept donations of unopened disposable items, remaining in packages. Please check with your local organization before making any type of donation.
The reason why DME is the cornerstone of these lending organizations is that most DME can be safely cleaned and sanitized and reused by different people. Someone requiring a wheelchair post-surgery will not require that wheelchair after they have made progress in their recovery. The wheelchair can be returned to the organization, inspected and cleaned, and lent out to another person in need. Because DME is built to last, the wheelchair is still in good condition and can be used to help many others during its lifespan.
Not all DME are akin to durable wheelchairs, and organizations do not accept some DME. A knee brace built largely out of uncleanable fabric, for example, will not be accepted by most organizations because fabric in the brace is difficult to clean effectively and the size and shape of many braces is customized – therefore it is not safe for multiple people to use.
Wheelchairs, walkers, and shower seats can be reused by multiple people because of their long lifespan, and their material makeup. These items are often primarily metal, plastic, and cleanable fabric. They can be safely reused by other people because the wear does not show and they can be sanitized.
If you are looking to donate or borrow DME from any organization in the Got DME directory, always call ahead to see what DME that organization will accept, or if that organization has the specific equipment in stock. The Got DME team advises borrowers to take relative care of their borrowed DME, to ensure that other people can borrow it in the future and allow the lending cycle to continue.
For more information about DME, look on medicare.gov or healthcare.gov to learn what insurance can cover and what items qualify as DME. Organizations listed in the Got DME directory may also have their personal definition of DME that they accept so ensure that you familiarize yourself with that organization’s procedures.
