Durable Medical Equipment

Doctors prescribe durable medical equipment (DME), sometimes called home medical equipment, for use at home. DME helps to speed recovery and ease some of the physical burden on caregivers.  

DME can help you live independently and perform daily activities so you don’t have to get long-term nursing care. Without this technology, some activities might be harder to do or not even possible. Some equipment, like walkers, makes moving around easier. Others, like electric scooters, help you go longer distances.

DME includes, but is not limited to:

  • blood sugar monitors
  • crutches
  • hospital beds
  • oxygen therapy
  • therapy shoes or inserts
  • walkers
  • wheelchairs
Before buying or renting DME, check with a Medicare representative first to make sure you are using a contract supplier. Medicare usually will help pay for your DME from an approved supplier.

Additional Resources:


Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov 


Medicare: medicare.gov


U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy: dol.gov/agencies/odep