Suzy Adams is passionate about helping people with medical or aging issues remain comfortable and independent in their homes. The registered and licensed occupational therapist serves about 25 patients a week, and the first phone number she gives them for additional assistance is HELP Medical Equipment.
“HELP offers equipment and supplies at a fantastic, reasonable rate compared to for-profit organizations,” she said. “For example, a local pharmacy charges $60 a month to rent a wheelchair; HELP charges $110 annually!”
In her third year working as an occupational therapist, Adams learned about HELP early on from a co-worker. She visits the nonprofit’s 42nd & Center location often to pick up smaller items, such as sock aids or reachers, for her patients who can’t travel. She noted that for a minimal delivery fee, HELP will deliver “bigger ticket items” such as hospital beds or Hoyer lifts.
After graduating with a chemistry degree and working as a purchasing agent for 20 years with a variety of companies, Adams sought a more fulfilling career. Consulting with a life coach, she narrowed her choice and graduated from the College of St. Mary with a masters in occupational therapy. Calling it the “best decision I ever made,” Adams is employed by Physicians Choice Home Healthcare, one of several full-time therapists.
“The therapists all know about HELP. We usually give patients a calendar with our scheduled visits, and on it we write HELP’s phone number along with the Nebraska Department on Aging,” she said.
HELP offers a wide variety of medical equipment and supplies for purchase or rent at a fraction of the retail cost. Adams said one such piece of equipment, called an Etac Turner, made all the difference for a stroke patient and her husband.
“An Etac Turner is a sit-to-stand transfer platform that enables patients to move from a bed to a wheelchair or shower chair. They usually cost about $600 but HELP made it available for $50,” she said. “The equipment protected not only my patient but her caregivers. It enabled her husband, the primary caregiver, to safely leave her with others so he could get out and also live his life.”