Medical supply store fills customers#039; needs
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 10, 2002
As the population of the United States ages, more and more people are finding themselves in need of medical equipment to help them in their daily lives.
To help meet the growing demand for such products, Adler Medical Supplies has opened a store in the Oak Park Mall.
The store offers manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, all types of walkers, canes, hospital beds, bath equipment and shower equipment for clients of all ages. Repair and service also are offered for wheelchairs and scooters. The store's services are covered by most insurance programs, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid.
Owner David Adler has operated another branch of Adler Medical Supplies in Rochester since 1998 and says he decided to open a store in Austin because "we had many customers coming from Austin … and in listening to them, they said they wished they had a store in Austin."
Adler's father, Merlin Adler, who helps his son run the two stores, adds, "it's hard for many people to go that far because they have to ask someone for a ride, so he decided to put a store over here to make it more convenient for them."
"From what I can see, there's nothing down here that offers items likes these or service on them," David said.
He opened the Austin branch of Adler Medical Supplies in the middle of May. "We've been gradually getting busier each day. A lot of people have been coming to us by word of mouth and as people find out we're there, it will get better."
"It takes time," Merlin said. "We're not here one day and everybody knows it, but as the year goes on, more and more people will know."
"Our other store started slow, but we have a really good reputation," David said. "I have a guy from Hudson, Wis. who won't go anywhere else to have his wheelchair serviced."
The company can ship items anywhere in the world and David says they also can "try to get anything, but if not, we'll do our best to find a place where you can get it."
Adler Medical Supplies is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and usually is open 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday. According to David, "as soon as we get more business, we'll be open more." For more information, call 433-9000. A Web site also is being constructed at www.adlermedical.com.
Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com