Local Loan Program
Borrow medical equipment from our Nampa warehouse
Do you need to borrow medical equipment?
Hands of Hope Northwest loans out a select catalogue of medical equipment to community members for up to six months at a time. Call our office to see what’s available and reserve your equipment today!
We help hundreds of people get back on their feet every year after surgery or an injury, and give mobility and dignity to the elderly and disabled who need help to move around their homes.
How it Works
Much like a local library, Hands of Hope Northwest loans durable medical equipment (DME) to local area residents for up to six (6) months.
If you would like to borrow equipment, please call our office at (208) 461-1473 to see if your item is in stock and to schedule a pickup time during our office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-2:00 pm).
Purpose of the Program
This program is meant to be a bridge, filling in the gap between a medical event or diagnosis and your arrival at a more permanent solution. Therefore, if you will be needing medical equipment for more than six months, we highly recommend that you start seeking a more permanent solution as soon as you are able.
Cost
There is no fee to borrow most of our items; however, we do kindly ask for a donation in gratitude if you are able. A refundable $50 deposit is required on specific items that are expensive to replace, including knee walkers/scooters, wheelchairs, transport chairs, and hospital beds. Unfortunately, due to a recent increase in misuse of our card services, we now only accept cash and checks for local loan deposits. The $50 deposit can be either refunded to you or donated back to Hands of Hope Northwest when you bring back the item, as long as the item is returned within the original six-month rental window. If the item is overdue or you extended your rental period beyond six months, you will forfeit your deposit.
Rental Period Extensions
If six months passes and you need to keep using your loaned item, you may call our office and request an extension of an additional six months. However, keep in mind that any deposit you may have paid when renting the item will be forfeited upon extending your rental. We may call you after your rental due date passes if you have not returned the item in order to check on the status of your return.
Waitlist
If all of our inventory is currently loaned out, we will offer to add your name and phone number to our waitlist; this will enable us to give you a call as soon as your item becomes available. Unfortunately, we are unable to give time estimates on how long you may be on the waitlist, but inventory is returned to our office every day and we always do our best to redistribute equipment efficiently. If you receive a message from us that your item has become available, please make sure to call us back as soon as possible (leaving a message for us if you call after business hours), otherwise we may need to give the item to the next person on the waitlist. If you are on our waitlist, please check your voicemail frequently and make sure that your voicemail is set up and not full – if we can’t leave a voice message, we may have to give your item to the next person in line.
Equipment Cleaning Process
In order to keep all of our customers, staff, and volunteers as safe and healthy as possible, all equipment is cleaned before and after being loaned out. As soon as an item is returned and checked in, it is cleaned and sterilized in our commercial equipment washer.
Giveaway Items
Hands of Hope Northwest gives away certain donated medical equipment when we no longer have adequate storage space for it. Common giveaway items include shower stools, rollators, walkers, grabber tools, and ice therapy machines. We also currently have a number of transfer chairs available. We cannot guarantee the availability of giveaway items; however, you are welcome to call our office to ask about and/or reserve any current giveaways.
Other Options
If Hands of Hope Northwest does not carry or have in stock the item you are looking for, or you are seeking a more permanent solution than our loan program is able to provide, please see the Treasure Valley Area Equipment Loan Referrals section further down this page.
Equipment in our Inventory
Typical loan items include:
If Hands of Hope Northwest does not carry or have in stock the item you are looking for, or you are seeking a more permanent solution than our loan program is able to provide, please see the following list of other local organizations that may be able to help.
Choosing Appropriate Equipment
The following images and explanations are for illustrative purposes only and do not match all models in our Local Loan Program inventory; if you need equipment with specific features and/or measurements, please let us know at time of request. Consult your doctor for recommendations on any equipment you may need and make a list before calling our office to reserve items. After viewing the information below and comparing it to your needs and your doctor’s recommendations, give us a call at (208) 461-1473 to reserve items.
Bath/Shower Chair
Shower chairs are used for patients who need somewhere to sit while showering. They usually have armrests, a backrest, or both. Some shower chairs have armrests that can be removed or lowered. The height of a shower chair is usually adjustable. If a weight capacity greater than 300lbs is needed, please let us know at time of reservation.
Bath/Shower Stool
Some showers are very small and do not have enough room to accommodate a standard shower chair with armrests and/or a backrest. A shower stool is just that: a place to sit in the shower that does not have a bulky backrest or armrests. The height of a shower stool is usually adjustable.
Bath Transfer Bench
A bath bench sits across a bathtub wall (two legs inside the bath and two legs outside the bath), so a patient can easily slide across the bench and shower while sitting on the far side of the bench instead of having to step into and out of a bathtub. The height of a bath bench is usually adjustable. A limited number of models in our inventory feature a seat that slides on bars instead of just a long flat bench. If you would prefer this model, ask about sliding bench availability when calling to reserve. If a weight capacity greater than 300lbs is needed, please let us know at time of reservation.
Bed Cane
A bed cane (also known as a grab bar) slides under the mattress on a bed and secures to the bedframe with straps under the mattress. A bed cane provides extra leverage and helps patients get themselves in and out of bed, as well as adjust themselves while sitting or laying in bed.
Bedside Table
Bedside tables are meant to fit easily over the side of a bed, especially a hospital bed. Height is adjustable, and the table can often be tilted as well.
Cane
We have several types of canes available for public use. Shown above: single point canes (also known as standard canes; shown on left side of image above) and quad canes (also known as broad-based or four-legged canes; shown on right side of image above). When considering which cane you need, quad canes provide more stability than a single point cane, but may be slightly heavier and more difficult to maneuver on stairs and in tighter spaces. Both types of canes have adjustable height settings via metal pegs.
Commode
Our commodes come with all of the equipment necessary to be used two different ways: on its own near the bedside or used over a toilet. At the bedside, use the bucket and lid (shown on left side of image above) with liner bags; for use over the toilet, use only the splash guard (shown on right side of image above, looks like a tall ring). Commode height is adjustable for most models via small metal pins in the legs. Some models also have arms that can be lowered by pulling a larger pin on each side; if this is a feature you need, please let us know when reserving as not all models have this feature. We have a limited number of commode liner bags separately available upon request. If the user’s weight is greater than 300lbs, please let us know when reserving so that we may provide a model with the appropriate weight capacity.
Crutches
When reserving, please know the user’s height to help us determine the best fit. To ensure your crutches are set to the appropriate height once you receive them, stand tall with your shoes on and relax your arms over the crutches. Make sure there are two inches of space between your armpits and the tops of your crutches; the hand grips should be at wrist level. Raise or lower the crutch height by sliding the metal peg to a new hole, and adjust hand supports by unscrewing the wing nut to release the bolt and reposition as needed.
Forearm Crutches
Forearm crutches (also known as cerebral palsy crutches or cerebral palsy canes) are a mobility aid best suited for people who have a long-term disability, such as cerebral palsy, which affects the use of the legs.
Grabber or Reacher Tool
These tools allow users to pick items up without bending down, or pull items off of high shelves without straining or climbing to reach them. There are many varieties, but the operation remains the same across models: a handle with a trigger, a claw-like end that can pick up small and/or lightweight items, and a 2- to 3-foot-long rod in the middle.
Hemi Cane
A hemi cane (also known as a hemi walker, pyramid cane, or side-stepper) is a great aid for patients who need a walker but are unable to use both hands. Since a hemi cane can be used with just one hand, it is often recommended to people after orthopedic injuries or after a person has had a stroke. It provides sturdier support than a single- or quad-cane. Height is typically adjustable on the legs of a hemi cane via metal pegs.
Hospital Bed
Our hospital beds are all Invacare brand and full-electric (also known as fully-automatic). This means that all bed-related adjustments, including head, knees, feet, and bed height, can be made using a hand-held electric control. Conveniently folded for transportation, our beds typically measure roughly 3.5ft x 4ft x 2ft, which easily fits in the bed of most pickup trucks. Our amazing volunteers will make sure to show you how to assemble and disassemble the bed before sending you on your way. A refundable $50 deposit is required to borrow this item.
Hospital Bed Rails
Hospital bed rails (also known as side rails or half rails) are useful for helping patients reposition themselves in bed, get into and out of bed, and keep them from accidentally rolling out of bed. However, they are also considered to be restraints, so they are not allowed in many skilled nursing facilities. Our bed rails come in pairs and are all Invacare brand models, so make sure that your bed is also Invacare brand before calling to reserve.
Hospital Bed Mattress
A hospital bed mattress (also known as a medical or therapeutic mattress) is made to fit on a standard hospital bed. They can be especially helpful for addressing problems that many bed-bound patients may face, including back pain and pressure sores.
Ice Therapy Machine
An ice therapy machine (also known as a cold therapy machine or a therapeutic ice machine) provides more targeted therapy than a standard bag of ice. To use this machine, fill with ice to the ice/water line, then cover with cold water to the same line. Connect the hoses to the therapy pad, then wrap securely (but not too tightly) around the injured area. Plug the power cord into a power supply, then adjust the cold setting. Remember: the cold settings will not adjust the temperature of the water; they will only adjust the flow of the ice water through the wrap.
Knee Walker/Scooter
Designed to improve mobility for those who have had injuries or surgery below the knee on one leg, this device has a pad to kneel on with your injured leg and the handlebar with hand brakes steers much like a child’s scooter. The handlebar and kneepad can be adjusted to your height using either a knob or a metal peg, depending on the model. A refundable $50 deposit is required to borrow this item.
Mini Bike Pedal Exerciser
The mini bike pedal exerciser is a great tool for at-home physical therapy. It can be used with hands or feet, and can help strengthen a variety of joints and muscles post-surgery. Resistance can typically be adjusted with the knob on the top.
Rollator
A rollator enables you to maintain a normal walking pace over longer distances. They typically have hand-operated brakes and a seat, and occasionally have an attached basket or bag to carry personal items as well. Adjust a rollator’s height by pushing in the metal pins on the legs and sliding the legs up or down a few peg holes as needed. Fold a rollator for easy transport by pulling up on the thin black bar beneath the seat. If the user’s weight is greater than 300lbs, please let us know when reserving so that we may provide a model with the appropriate weight capacity.
Toilet Frame
Toilet frames give a patient more leverage for getting on and off of a toilet. Our toilet frames are free-standing, meaning there is no installation required. There are a variety of models in our inventory, including a crossbar style and a folding style. When using a toilet frame with a crossbar (pictured above), make sure the crossbar goes across the front of the toilet. When using a folding style, make sure the metal pegs click into place before using. If you need a taller toilet frame, also consider using a commode with a splash guard over the toilet as a toilet frame.
Toilet Riser
A toilet riser (also known as a raised toilet seat) is a device that goes on top of a toilet bowl to increase its height. They are extremely helpful for people who have trouble sitting down in seats that are as low as a toilet. Toilet risers will “lock” onto a toilet via a knob on the front, and come in various heights, but most of ours are about 4-5 inches tall.
Transfer Board
Use a transfer board (also known as a sliding board) to help a patient move between flat or seated surfaces, such as a wheelchair and a bed. It acts as a sturdy bridge, allowing the patient to slide from one somewhat raised place to another without the use of their legs.
Transport Chair
When reserving, please know the user’s weight to help us determine the best fit. Transport chairs have a belt with a buckle to securely hold the patient in place, but because of the smaller wheels, the patient cannot maneuver the chair on their own – someone else must push the chair. Easily fold and unfold the transport chair by lifting up or pushing down on the sides of the seat. A refundable $50 deposit is required to borrow this item.
Upright Walker
An upright walker (also known as an up-walker or upright rollator) is a variety of rollator that provides the user with increased balance and stability via forearm platforms. This variety of walker is especially beneficial for patients who need more support to keep themselves standing upright instead of hunching over. Upright walkers typically have dual handbrakes and a seat. Armrest heights are also usually adjustable.
Walker
Most walkers fold and unfold for transportation and storage by pressing the release buttons near the handles. Set the walker at the appropriate height by ensuring the handles align with your wrists when standing. Height can typically be adjusted on the legs of the walker by pushing the metal pins in and sliding the legs in or out. If the user’s weight is greater than 300lbs, please let us know the user’s weight when reserving so that we can reserve a walker with the appropriate weight capacity.
Platform Walker Attachments
Platform walker attachments clamp onto a standard aluminum walker to provide more support and stability for patients who may have limited hand or wrist function. The attachments transfer weight and pressure from using the walker further up the arm via a forearm strap.
Wheelchair
When reserving, please know the user’s weight to help us determine the best fit. Because the larger wheels have a second rim, the user can easily maneuver the chair while sitting in it. Easily fold and unfold to transport the wheelchair by lifting up or pushing down on the sides of the seat. A refundable $50 deposit is required to borrow this item.
This program is fully funded and supplied by the generosity of our community members and partners.
Thank you!
Treasure Valley Area Equipment Loan Referrals
Looking for additional organizations that offer loaned equipment? See the list of businesses below that may also be able to loan certain medical supplies and equipment to the local public. Always call ahead to confirm what supplies and equipment are currently available.
Elks Lodge
Please donate medical supplies and equipment. Cannot accept beds.
Caldwell
(208) 454-1448
1015 N Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605
Hours: 9am-6pm, Monday-Saturday
Nampa
(208) 466-1389
1116 1st St, South, Nampa, ID 83651
Hours: 9:30a-3pm M-F & 4pm-10pm M, W, F
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Knights of Columbus
Please donate electric & manual wheelchairs, among other items.
Nampa
(208) 461-9248
2900 E Railroad, Nampa, ID 83687
Hours: 10am-3pm Wednesday & 10am-1pm Saturday
Website: Knights of Columbus Nampa HELP Center
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LINC
Please donate working electric & manual wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other items.
Boise
(208) 336-3335
1878 W. Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83705
Hours: *by appointment only: Tuesday & Wednesday*
Caldwell
(208) 454-5511
703 S. Kimball Ave, ID 83605
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm Monday- Friday
Website: LINC
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St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
Loans out select medical equipment.
Boise
(208) 853-4921 6464 W. State St, Boise, ID 83714
Loan Location Hours: 9:30am-2:30pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat
Caldwell
(208) 853-4921
(behind store) 3719 E. Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605
Loan location Hours: 9:30am-2:30pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat
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Veterans Assistance/NSO Veterans Affairs
Electric & manual wheelchairs, among other items.
Boise
(208) 429-2140 Korby Rhodes or Robert Bigness
444 W. Fort St. Rm #143 Boise, ID
Hours: 8am-3:30pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 8am-12pm Wed.
Nampa
(208) 989-2697 Sterling Mathis
6 Line Dr. Nampa, ID 83644
Have medical items collecting dust?
If you have any medical supplies and equipment that you no longer need, we can take it off your hands and give it to someone in need here in Idaho or in a developing country.
How it Started
Eula Tombaugh, a former NNU professor, had a heart for the disabled in her community. In 2004, she began storing durable medical equipment in her garage. Hands of Hope Northwest administered this Community Loan Program for Eula until 2006, when we started to distribute equipment from our distribution center at 1201 S. Powerline Road in Nampa. Eula passed away in 2017 and we celebrate her vision and achievement.
Today we have over 900 items in our Local Loan Program inventory.
Share Your Story
Has Hands of Hope Northwest made an impact on your life or the life of someone you know? If so, we would love to hear your story! Please send photos, stories, progress, memories, testimonials, and anything else you’d like to share to info@handsofhopenw.org so we can see our supplies in action in our community.