Injuries, surgeries, and illnesses are unwelcome parts of life at any age, but we are fortunate to have aids that can help us get through them with minimal discomfort and maximum mobility.  Bathtub rails and shower chairs make washing up safer and easier; canes and walkers provide stability for the unsteady; kneel scooters and wheelchairs make travel possible when limbs can’t bear weight.  But for temporary conditions, the cost of such aids can be high.  If only we could just borrow such equipment when we need it.

Fortunately for us, we can.  Thanks to the Rotary Club of Wellman, we have access to a Medical Equipment Lending Closet, which is housed in the basement of Parkview Manor in Wellman.  For more than 20 years, the Rotary Club has purchased and maintained medical equipment for use by the public. 

“There’s so many wonderful things that happen, so many people use it, that it’s kind of a hidden gem,” says Marianne Reha-VanRoekel, Rotary President. 

Reha-VanRoekel cites several examples of recent borrowers. 

One man’s wife had surgery and needed a walker, and he was scheduled for surgery the following week, so he selected walkers for them both.  Another woman’s daughter felt her mom’s wooden cane wasn’t adequate, so the pair made an appointment to visit the closet, where the mom tried out a range of 4-prong canes until she found one that suited her.  A young man broke his leg and needed a kneel scooter, so he borrowed one from the closet too.

Records kept inside the lending closet show that 75 pieces of equipment were checked out in 2020 alone.

“For short term, it’s great, because who wants to go out and spend money on something they’re only going to have for a couple of months?  It’s expensive. Insurance doesn’t cover it,” says Kelly Litwiller, Wellman City Administrator and Rotary Club member.

To borrow items from the lending closet, one need only contact Wellman City Hall or Jet Physical Therapy to schedule pick up of equipment from Parkview Manor.  There is no charge to borrow, although many choose to donate to the Rotary Club upon return of equipment. 

The range of equipment stocked in the lending closet includes bathtub rails, hospital beds, bedside tables, canes, lift chairs, commodes, crutches, kneel scooters, stool risers, walkers, and wheelchairs.

“It’s a huge community service for us to be able to provide it,” notes Litwiller. 

For those who wish to help support it, the Rotary Club accepts monetary donations and the donation of clean, usable medical equipment to support this community service project.  To borrow equipment, contact Wellman City Hall at 319-646-2154 or Jet Physical Therapy (Chuck) at 319-646-5381.