From Dothan out to Ashford, Cottonwood, Columbia and Gordon, Houston County sits in the flat, forested Wiregrass corner of Alabama, the only county in the state that borders both Georgia and Florida. The land is mostly level, sloping gently toward the Chattahoochee River to the east. That means the stairs that cause trouble here are usually inside the house, not on a hillside out front.
Across the county's 12 towns you will find single-family homes, split-level homes, townhouses, walk-up apartments and low-rise buildings. Each one puts stairs in a different spot and asks for a different kind of lift. This page walks through what fits where and who to call about paying for it.
A two-story single-family home or townhouse with one straight flight is the simplest job. A straight rail mounts to the stair treads, not the wall, so it works on most staircases.
Split-level homes are different. They often have short runs of steps between levels, sometimes with a turn or landing. A short straight lift can cover one run, while a staircase that turns usually needs a curved rail built to fit that exact layout.
Walk-up apartments and low-rise buildings can have shared stairways. Those may call for a platform lift or a conversation with the building owner before anything is installed.
Dothan sits at about 331 ft of elevation, and the county is generally flat with only a few small hills. Even on level lots, many homes have steps up to a porch or entry door.
For those spots, an outdoor stair lift built for weather exposure or a vertical platform lift can help. We look at the entry during the same visit we measure the indoor stairs.
About 18.9% of Houston County's 2020 population was age 65 or older. The 2020 census counted 49,282 housing units, and 62.7% were owner-occupied, so most older residents own the homes they would need to modify.
Owners can usually install a lift without asking anyone. Renters, who held 37.3% of units, should get written permission from the landlord first.
None of the programs below lists stair lifts by name, so do not count on any one of them covering the cost. Still, each is worth a call, because staff can tell you what your situation qualifies for.
Veterans can start with the Houston County Veterans Service Office at 1685 Ross Clark Circle in Dothan, (334) 677-4749. For aging services, the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging/AAA is at 170 Fortner Street in Dothan, (334) 793-6843.
Other statewide options to ask about include the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Waiver, the Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver, the Alabama Ability Loan Program (STAR / Southern Disability Foundation), VA Benefits for Veterans (HISA + Prosthetics) and the Alabama Senior / Disabled Homestead Exemption (H-2 / H-3).
A federal VA grant of up to $126,526 (FY2026 maximum) to build, remodel or buy an adapted home for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities. The source gives examples like ramps or widening doorways but does not mention stair lifts.
A VA grant of up to $25,350 (FY2026 maximum) for adaptations that make a home accessible for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities. Stair lifts are not named in the source.
A services-based Medicaid waiver for people at risk of nursing facility placement, covering things like personal care, homemaker and respite services. Home modifications and stair lifts are not listed; call (800) 243-5463.
Lets people already on the E&D Waiver direct a monthly allowance toward care needs, including saving for equipment purchases. The source does not confirm stair lifts are an eligible use; call (334) 793-6843.
Helps Alabamians in a nursing home or institution move back home by enrolling in a Home and Community-Based Waiver program. The source does not say whether home modifications or stair lifts are covered; call (800) 362-1504.
The Area Agency on Aging for Houston County, offering caregiver assistance, home delivered meals and help with Medicaid waiver options. Its services page does not list home modifications or stair lifts; call (334) 793-6843.
A county department for residents 60 and older offering meal and grocery help, limited housekeeping and referrals to programs like LIHEAP and SNAP. Stair lift help is not mentioned; call (334) 793-4225.
Older adults
170 Fortner Street, Dothan, 36303
Veterans
1685 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, 36301
Yes. The county includes 12 towns, among them Taylor, Ashford, Cowarts, Kinsey, Rehobeth, Webb, Cottonwood, Columbia, Avon, Gordon and Madrid, as well as Dothan.
It depends on the layout. A single straight run can take a straight lift, but steps that turn or break at a landing usually need a curved rail, and separate runs may each need their own lift.
Houston County In-Home Services serves residents age 60 and older with meal help, housekeeping and referrals. It does not list stair lift assistance, but you can ask at (334) 793-4225.
The E&D Waiver's listed services do not include home modifications or stair lifts. The Personal Choices budget allows saving for equipment purchases, so ask SARCOA at (334) 793-6843 whether a lift could qualify.
Call the Houston County Veterans Service Office at (334) 677-4749, located at 1685 Ross Clark Circle in Dothan. Staff can explain the SAH and SHA grants and VA Benefits for Veterans (HISA + Prosthetics).
Get written permission from the landlord or building owner first. Shared stairways in walk-up apartments or low-rise buildings may need a different approach than a private staircase.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
