Long Term Program
Many coping with long-term illness and injury do not have the financial resources required to purchase or rent medical equipment. This specialized program is available in the Lower Mainland under the Medical Equipment Provision Program, with a referral from an authorized Health Authority Care Provider. For more information, please contact your Health Authority
Services are provided to clients living in the following designated areas:
For further information on BC’s HELP Program, click here.
Designated areas:
| Abbotsford | Agassiz |
| Burnaby | Coquitlam |
| Chilliwack | Delta |
| Langley | Maple Ridge |
| Mission | New Westminster |
| North Vancouver | Pitt Meadows |
| Port Coquitlam | Richmond |
| Surrey | Vancouver |
| West Vancouver | White Rock |
Long Term Loans - Eligibility
The program is meant to provide equipment for clients that do not have alternate equipment sources and do not have the means to purchase new or used equipment on their own. Clients should explore other funding options available such as coverage through extended health insurance. Clients must be referred by a registered occupational therapist or physiotherapist and must live in the areas listed above.
Long Term Loans - Equipment availability
The program offers both new and used equipment for loan. Equipment available includes wheelchairs, bathing aids, toileting aids, cushions, floor to ceiling poles, walkers, hospital beds, patient lifts and pressure relief air overlay/sections. There may be a waiting list for some items.
Long Term Loans - Loan period
Equipment is provided to eligible clients for as long as the person needs it. To ensure client safety and proper maintenance of the equipment, clients are required to report on the condition of the equipment every six (6) months. Program staff will arrange for repairs to be done as necessary. When the equipment is no longer needed, it is returned to the Red Cross.
Application process for Long Term Loans
Application is made on the client’s behalf by staff in participating health units in the Lower Mainland. If a person needs an assessment for access to equipment through this program, they can call the local health unit and ask to be assessed by a therapist for the necessary equipment.
Contact for Long Term Loans
For more information about the Long-Term Loans, formerly Aids to Independent Living (AIL) Program:
- in Vancouver Coastal communities call 604-270-4224 ext. 216
- in Fraser Health communities call 604-930-9073 ext. 105
- in Fraser East communities call 604-859-5960
Email: lmr.HELP@redcross.ca