Riedel Foundation awards $6,500 grant to help disabled and elderly live independently

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Riedel Foundation’s $6,500 grant will help NorthEast Independent Living Services (NEILS) supply medical equipment at no cost to the elderly or people with disabilities who cannot afford it on their own. NEILS expects to buy 90 pieces of durable medical equipment.

NEILS executive director Brooke Kendrick says the organization has seen an increase in requests for medical equipment as the baby boomer population ages.

In a press release, Kendrick said, “This equipment establishes additional safety measures in the home to ensure the elderly and disabled populations can continue living on their own and remain as independent as possible. This program loans equipment to community members in need and recycles it back into our inventory when it is no longer needed so additional individuals can be impacted by each piece of equipment.”

Most of the equipment addresses mobility or safety needs, like walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs and the like.

“Many of the people in our area who have mobility issues and are living on their own have limited incomes and wouldn’t be able to buy this equipment on their own, so we are happy to step in and help,” Riedel trustee Michael Gaines said.

In the past five years, NEILS has loaned more than 900 pieces of durable medical equipment into the community. Kendrick said, “Our current inventory is extremely low, and we are having to turn individuals away because we do not have the equipment they need. Having this Riedel grant is really going to make a big difference.”