As seasonal residents return to Sanibel and Captiva, many are also welcoming parents, grandparents and other family members for a visit. For those who need a little extra help getting around, FISH of SanCap offers small medical equipment on loan to make their stay safer and more comfortable.
Through its Equipment for Loan program, FISH provides wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, shower chairs, bedside commodes and other small, non-electrical medical equipment for temporary use. The program is part of FISH Senior Services but is available to people of all ages. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, dealing with an illness, caring for an aging parent or hosting a family member with limited mobility, having the right equipment can make daily activities easier and help people maintain their independence.
“Mobility plays such an important role in maintaining independence, especially as we get older,” said Erika Arnowitz, FISH Senior Services Director. “Something as simple as having a wheelchair or walker available can make the difference between staying home and being able to enjoy time with family, attending a holiday gathering or getting out to enjoy the island. We want people to know these resources are available, whether they’re here year-round, returning for the season or recovering from a medical procedure.”
After surgery left one island resident struggling to get around, he reached out to FISH for help. He needed crutches and a walker while he recovered, and FISH was able to fulfill the request, making it easier for him to manage his daily activities until he was back on his feet.
“After my surgery, getting around was harder than I expected. I knew I would eventually be back on my feet, but in the meantime, I needed some help,” he shared. “FISH made it easy to borrow equipment, and it took one more worry off my plate. It’s a great feeling knowing there’s an organization in our community that can help with something like this.”
For many families, the need for medical equipment comes unexpectedly. A fall, surgery or change in health can create an immediate need for assistance, sometimes for only a few weeks. Insurance approvals can take time, and purchasing equipment for short-term use can add another expense. FISH helps fill that need by making donated equipment available to those who need it.
In 2025, FISH provided 237 medical equipment loans to individuals and families throughout the community.
Those interested in borrowing equipment can call FISH’s answering service at 239-472-0404 to request an item. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on current inventory, and cannot be reserved in advance.
FISH relies on donations of gently used medical equipment and financial contributions to keep the program available. Donated wheelchairs, walkers, transport chairs and other items help replenish the inventory, while monetary gifts allow FISH to purchase new equipment as needed. Anyone wishing to donate equipment is encouraged to contact FISH to discuss current needs.
Financial contributions can be made through fishofsancap.org/donate. Donors should note “Equipment for Loan” in the dedication line to direct their gift to the program.
The Equipment for Loan program is one of several services offered through FISH Senior Services, which also provides transportation assistance, reassurance calls, social gatherings, educational programs and other resources that help older adults remain active, independent and connected to the island community.
