Do you need access to equipment like a mobility aid or bathroom aid to be safer at home? Are you a senior who needs specialized rehabilitative equipment to be more independent?
The Canadian Red Cross offers 2 equipment loan programs:
- The Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) loans mobility & bathroom aids at no cost. Equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, tub transfer benches, commodes and raised toilet seats, crutches, canes, and others are available through this program.
- The Senior Rehabilitative Equipment Program (SREP) provides customized mobility and bathroom aids at no cost to eligible New Brunswick seniors who do not have a Department of Social Development health card and are in a private home, apartment, Special Care Home, or Adult Residential Facility.
Visit the Canadian Red Cross’s Equipment List for information on the types of equipment available.
Health Equipment Loan Program
Anyone with a referral from a health care provider can access the Health Equipment Loan Program.
Senior Rehabilitative Equipment Program
Anyone 65 and older who needs specialized equipment to help them maintain their independence, can access the Senior Rehabilitative Equipment Program.
Who Does Not Qualify?
If you have a health card from the Department of Social Development you do not qualify for the Canadian Red Cross equipment loan programs. The Department of Social Development’s health card can help with your equipment needs.
Healthcare Equipment Loan Program
You will need a written referral from a registered Health Professional (doctor, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, etc.). They will determine the best equipment for your needs, and send their referral to your local Canadian Red Cross location.
Your local Canadian Red Cross office will contact you to make an appointment to pick up the equipment (upon availability). You may also visit your local center (please call ahead to ensure the equipment you need is available).
Senior Rehabilitative Equipment Program
You will need a referral from a registered Health Care Professional (doctor, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, etc.). They will determine the best equipment for your needs. Referral forms are available upon request from your local Canadian Red Cross office. Completed referral forms, can be faxed to the Saint John Canadian Red Cross office at (506) 674-6129 or emailed to SpecializedEquipment@redcross.ca.
Please note: a referral from an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist will be required to borrow specialized seating, specialized low air loss or static mattress systems, and rollator walkers.
The Canadian Red Cross will work with you and your Healthcare Professional to have the equipment delivered to your home.
Please remember, you will need to return the equipment to the Canadian Red Cross when you no longer require it.
A referral (see “How do I apply?” for more information.)
Basic information about yourself such as (name, address, date of birth, height, weight, reason for referral etc.).