Adelante Back in Use program gets assistive technology back into the community to help people in need. Donations of wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and communication devices are recycled back into the hands of seniors and people with disabilities who need them, such as Rosalie “Kay” Sorrels, a recent recipient. Kay heard about Back in Use through a social worker at Alliance Home Health Care and Hospice. Back in Use was able to give Kay a power scooter for her own personal use.
Being in and out of hospice care, Kay requested a power scooter through Back in Use to “wheel back into life.” As of April 2018, Kay is living in her own home in Albuquerque, NM. She pointed upwards with her index finger. “He isn’t through with me yet,” said Kay. Experiencing congestive heart failure, Kay realized in January 2018 that she would need assistance in order to go outside safely on her own. She and Elfida, her caregiver from Alliance, explained that her heart tired very easily.
After Kay learned about Back in Use, Stephanie Swanberg with Back in Use was her key contact. “Stephanie called me and we arranged to meet so I could see the equipment,” said Kay who visited Adelante to test-drive a power scooter, which was a perfect fit. When Kay did not have the means to bring the scooter home with her, Back in Use graciously offered to deliver it. Kay was ecstatic.
Stephanie Swanberg is the Adelante employee who takes the phone calls and greets people picking up equipment from the Back in Use equipment recycling program.
“It’s perfect, and red, and perks you up real quick. I’m thrilled to death for this scooter. It’s a source of joy and usefulness and laughter with friends.” Kay jokes and mentions that her friends and family love her new scooter, too. “It’s a new set of wheels, and I can hop myself down the street if I want to.”
Pointing to the power scooter in her living room, Kay says, “It’s in beautiful condition and Stephanie couldn’t have been any better with what she did for me.”
Since receiving the power scooter, Kay has used it inside her home. She set the power scooter up to allow her to carry her portable oxygen. She is excited to go outside with the power scooter soon. Two of Kay’s former nurses are generously building a ramp for her at the front door of her house for free. “Once I get that [the ramp], I can be out in the fresh air. I’ll still have to have someone with me, but I’ll be outdoors.”
You can make a difference in someone’s life by donating to Adelante Back in Use program. Currently wheelchairs and walkers, and other assistive devices can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at Adelante’s administrative building located at 3900 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. All donations are tax deductible. Have questions or need equipment? Contact Back in Use at (505) 341-7171 or BackInUse@GoAdelante.org.
