Useful Services for Seniors
To empower you or your loved one. Most of these services are free, some are at-cost.
Free Hospital Equipment
KC Help (Knights of Columbus) offers medical equipment free of charge. They have walkers, canes, wheelchairs, tub grab bar handles, hospital beds, over-the-bed tables, bath and shower chairs, portable bathroom equipment, crutches and much more, for use in your home. You borrow the items and return when you no longer need it. There’s no paperwork or complicated process. Just show up (625 S Elliott Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801) on a Tuesday or Thursday and get what you need. An INCREDIBLE resource.
Free Vision Tools
If you are visually impaired (you do not have to be blind), this is a nonprofit resource you’ll want to know about. Call (509) 888-7597 when they’re open (Wed. and Fri. 1pm - 6pm) and schedule an in-home visit (or you can schedule a visit at their office near Pybus). A representative will come to your house (it might take a month or more) and asses your vision needs. They have European made magnifiers, wrap around sunglasses, bump buttons for appliances, large print calendars and note pads, special measuring cups, etc. and they can get you signed up for free books on tape through Washington Talking Book & Braille Library.
Some of these things they will have on-hand, other items they may have to bring to you at a later date. These items are free to you, up to an unknown amount.
LinkPlus Transportation
If you are unable to use the bus, this is a wonderful resource. LinkPlus is operated by LinkTransit and provides free shuttle service to and from your home. After completing their application and mailing in, you will receive a call within 3 weeks to schedule a phone interview. Once you complete the phone interview and are qualified, you will receive a card in the mail and can use their service! To book, call (509) 662-1155, 24 hours or more prior to your travel needs. They will pick you up within a 30-minute window of time so you may do some waiting on both ends. They have very nice drivers who can assist you in and out of the shuttle.
Mobile Foot Care
Licensed practical nurse, Delta Cope, comes to your home to take care of your toenails in need. Contact Delta at 509-664-6079 for her current rate and to schedule a visit.
Audio Book Player
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library will mail an easy-to-use talking book player, with or without headphones, at no cost. You can request specific books, or books by genre, and pop them back in the mail once you are finished. All postage is paid. Just complete their application with a signature from the library, your doctor, a clinic professional, social worker, or counselor, and mail in.
Driving Skills Assessment
If you have concerns about driving, Confluence Health Occupational Therapy can do a two-part assessment to determine where you’re at.
Firstly, get a referral from your primary care provider for an Occupational Therapy (OT) driving assessment. Once that’s completed, call OT at 509-433-3212 to schedule.
There are two, 45-minute screenings, scheduled one week a part at Confluence Health Hospital (entrance on Fuller and Red Apple). An OT will test your cognition, reaction time, and peripheral, with tests on paper and on the computer.
If you don’t pass the tests, you can try again six months later with another, updated referral from your doctor.
No Cost Grab Bar Install
Wenatchee Valley Fire Department will provide, and install, grab bars in your bathroom at no cost, if you own your home! They are unable to install in apartments or assisted care communities. For any questions or to schedule install, contact friendly Fire Marshall, Kurt Blanchard, at: 509-679-5583 (cell) or kblanchard@wvfire.org. He will send a volunteer out to install.
Smoke Alarm Install
Wenatchee Valley Fire Department will provide and install at no cost non-hardwired smoke detectors. They also have detectors that brightly flash for hearing impaired. If you need hardwired smoke detectors, you’ll need to buy your own, but the fire department will still install for free. For any questions or to schedule, contact friendly Fire Marshall, Kurt Blanchard, at: 509-679-5583 (cell) or kblanchard@wvfire.org. He will send a volunteer out to install.
Reflective Address Sign
Another great service provided by the Fire Department—address markers! During dusk, dawn and at night it can be a challenge for emergency responders to locate the house number. Ranging from $20 - $30, the fire department provides a marker for your mailbox (or home), either horizontally or vertically. You can place an order by phone (509-662-4734) or complete their application and mail in. You will have to pick it up at the station (731 North Wenatchee Ave.) and hang.
Fall Prevention Classes
This is a month-long class where you’ll learn balance exercises, fall prevention techniques, watch short videos, and meet new friends. It is taught twice a week by the wonderful Erin Cass in multiple locations. To learn when Erin’s next class will be held, call or email her at: 509-393-9113 or sailwithmeec@gmail.com.
Exercise Classes for Seniors
Free or very low cost gentle exercise classes held throughout Wenatchee area, drop in anytime. Meet other friends and have fun!
Support Groups
A list of support groups for caregivers of seniors.