Legion transfers mobility aid loaning program to Red Cross

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Effective immediately, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 in Strathmore is advising that it is transferring its Mobility Aids Loaning Program to the Canadian Red Cross.

In a statement released Dec. 20, the Legion explained they felt it time to pass the program along to an organization better equipped to assess needs and provide appropriate equipment to those in need. 

These kinds of equipment include walkers, crutches, bathroom supplies, and other personal mobility assisting devices. 

The Canadian Red Cross operates a program they refer to as the Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) which provides a similar service to what the Legion previously offered. 

Operating similarly to a prescription, clients of the program will be referred to health care equipment which would best suit their needs. 

HELP is described by the Canadian Red Cross as a volunteer-supported, community-based service. It is aided through the support of provincial governments, health authorities, donations of used equipment, and contributions by volunteers, in addition to staff. 

The program offers several options for acquiring necessary medical equipment, based on the needs of the patient, and for how long they will need to utilize the required devices. 

Basic Short-Term Loans are designed to assist people recovering from injury or illness; allowing them to return home from hospital sooner, or for individuals in palliative care in order to make the final portion of their lives easier. This program is generally suited for periods of three months or less. 

Long-Term Loans are geared more toward patients with chronic but stable conditions, who may have access to their equipment for as long as they require it. 

Programs are also available for more specialized requirements such as home-use hospital beds and lifts.

The Strathmore Legion is requesting those who were previously clients of, or who were considering use of the Mobility Aids Loaning Program to contact the Canadian Red Cross going forward. 

Additionally, those who are nonveterans are also able to make use of the Canadian Red Cross HELP program.