Medical assist equipment free of charge
L-R Diane Cutworth & Rachel Brown at the Senior Citizen Council
Diane Cutworth
By John T. Ryan
Peru & Plattsburgh – It’s not uncommon for people, especially seniors, to need a medical assistance device on a short-term basis. Fortunately, at least three local organizations offer them free of charge, typically for up to sixty days. If people know they need a device for a more extended period, a short-term loan allows them to find which device best suits their needs.
The Senior Citizen Council of Clinton County is another excellent resource. It is located at 5139 North Catherine St. (the former M.A.I. building) in Plattsburgh and has an extensive medical assistance equipment inventory. When the Peru Gazette visited last week, Program Coordinator Rachel Brown was assisting a man who stopped to pick up a walker for his mother, who was returning home following a hospital stay. Rachel also introduced Diane Cutworth, a longtime Senior Council volunteer who recently underwent knee replacement surgery. Diane commented, “I needed a walker for a few weeks, and now I’m using a cane. I loaned them both right here.” Call 518-563-6180 for information.
The North Country Mission of Hope at 3452 Route 22 in Peru generally has several items in stock, including manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, portable commodes, walkers, canes, and hospital beds. In addition, they occasionally have Hoyer lifts, lift chairs, and electric wheelchairs. The Mission of Hope Executive Director Deacon James Carlin said, “We also get some other equipment, so please call if you have a specific need, and we will try to fill it.” The Mission of Hope’s phone number is 518-643-5572.
Another resource is the Adirondack Regional Technology Center (ARTC) at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Sibley Hall, Room 309, on Rugar Street (the former campus school building). It offers the same equipment as the Mission of Hope and the Senior Citizen equipment, plus an array of high-tech equipment intended for people with more severe disabilities. Call 518-564-3360 to reach the ARTC.
Posted: March 8th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, General News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru News.