The main goals of the regional equipment loans program are to help home support clients use high-quality and safe equipment that is as functional and affordable as possible. The goal is also to help them get fast, easy and ongoing access to equipment, to help people use the equipment as best as possible, and to ensure that everyone has equal access to the equipment.

The following two ministerial programs describe how this equipment can be accessed:

1. Small equipment for home support

This program serves people covered by the “Chez Soi: Le premier choix” home support policy on a temporary basis. The equipment is loaned free of charge to clients with the following needs and must be given back when the items are no longer required:

• Surgical care
• Short-term physical needs 
• Long-term physical needs
• Age-related losses of independence 
• Palliative care

2. Program for activities of daily living and household chores 

This program provides equipment for people with permanent disabilities to compensate for an impairment due to a disability. This equipment is loaned free of charge over the long-term to eligible clients who have an:

• Intellectual disability
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Physical disability

Equipment is loaned to all users whose needs have been assessed, who are living at home, and who have an intervention plan.

Note that this equipment may also be funded by the following organizations and bodies. Staff members can give you more information about this program:

• Personal insurance  
• Social solidarity services 
• RAMQ 
• SAAQ
• Veterans Affairs
• IVAC

Available equipment

Heavy equipment (e.g., electric beds, mattresses, electric lifts) is loaned and delivered to the client’s home. Small equipment is provided to clients based on eligibility criteria. Users or their family members must come get this equipment in person.
For hygiene and infection prevention purposes, some small equipment (e.g., toilet seats, commodes or transfer chairs) must be purchased by users.  Your case manager will provide you with a list of suppliers.

CISSS

• Loans out high-quality and safe equipment according to available material and financial resources. 
• Soundly manages the use of home support equipment.

CISSS staff member

• Assesses the person’s home equipment needs to set up safe services.
• Informs clients and their families about available equipment and the conditions for the equipment loan. 
• Creates an intervention plan that includes the use of this equipment. 
• Advises clients and their families about how to set up their homes so that they can safely use the equipment.
• Ensures the equipment is returned when it is no longer required. 

Users and their families

• Use the equipment safely. 
• Actively help create a safe space in which to use the equipment. 
• Perform routine maintenance on loaned equipment as per the technical data sheets (if applicable) and return the items in good condition.
• If required, notify their insurer that they have loaned equipment at home.
• Pay to replace the equipment in case of fire, theft, vandalism, misuse or non-compliant use.
• Notify their case manager when they no longer need the loaned equipment or if they are moving.
• Return the equipment when it is no longer required.