Q&A: Senior Needs eases access issues

MARYSVILLE, Tenn. - Timothy Hollis, who works in business development for Home Instead Senior Care in Marysville, Tenn., and its owner, David Kiger, recently launched Senior Needs to provide HME and supplies free of charge.

“Wheelchairs can cost upward of $1,000,” he said. “Folks just don't have that type of money these days. They are retired. They are on Social Security. They are struggling when they should be thriving, struggling to get this equipment.”

Hollis spoke with HME News recently about why he's willing to donate his time and efforts to the cause.

HME News:What made you decide to launch a home medical equipment donation program?

Timothy Hollis:The owner and I saw the need in the community here in Blount County for folks that are either low income and can't afford it or were denied by their insurance company because their insurance gave them a walker six months ago and now their health has declined and they need a wheelchair.

HME:Where do you get equipment donations from?

Hollis:We get them from regular folks. They might have had a loved one pass away and they are just looking to get rid of this stuff. A lot will try to sell these items but then when they see Senior Needs will donate them back out the community, to those who need it, they'll donate it. We've also had facilities—hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living—donate equipment they've had sitting in a storeroom for a long time.

HME:What's the most requested item?

Hollis:Rollators are our No. 1 “seller.” As soon as I pick up a rollator it's donated back out. Also, wheelchairs, shower chairs, hospitals beds, adult diapers.

HME:This must take a lot of time. Why do you do it?

Hollis:We don't get paid; we don't it for the money. We do it because there's a need. We are firm believers in taking care of our seniors. You see across the world the bad things, the scams, seniors losing their life saving savings and being treated unfairly. We are probably never going to be a nationwide donation business, but if we can take a little chunk of the negativity out of east Tennessee, then we'll start there.