From the older downtown blocks of Glenwood Springs to the mix of mining-era houses and newer construction in Rifle, New Castle, Silt, Carbondale and Parachute, Garfield County homes were built to fit the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys. On grade-constrained lots, that often meant multi-level and split-level layouts with interior stairways.
Those stairways are the reason families here call us. This page walks through what Garfield County homes mean for stair lift choices, how the county's distances and winter roads play in, and which local, state and VA programs are worth a phone call before you pay out of pocket.
Garfield County's housing ranges from single-family homes and detached houses to townhouses, walk-up apartments and low-rise buildings. Many of the older homes date to the area's oil-shale and coal-mining era, while newer suburban and rural-residential construction fills in around Rifle and the smaller towns.
A single straight run of stairs is the simplest fit and usually uses a straight rail. Split-level and multi-level homes are different: short flights, landings and turns often call for a curved rail built to the exact shape of the staircase, or more than one lift.
In townhouses and walk-up apartments, the stair width and who owns the stairway both matter. We measure first, then talk about which lift type the space can actually hold.
The county covers about 3,000 square miles, from river-bottom valleys to high country like the Flat Tops Wilderness. Homes built on slopes often have steps up to the front door or down to a garage, not just stairs inside.
For those spots, an outdoor stair lift or a platform lift can be an option, depending on the height and the space at the top and bottom. Equipment outside has to stand up to winter weather, so we look at exposure and footing during the home visit.
Rural dispersion and elevation change affect winter road access and how far in-home aging services reach outlying residents. If a parent lives in a place like No Name, Chacra or Catherine, it helps to plan an install and any follow-up service around the season.
Of the county's 44,423 residents, 13.3% are 65 or older. About 65.7% of households own their home, which matters because several programs, and the decision to install permanent equipment, depend on ownership.
Just know that VA rules on stair lifts are specific, as the next section explains.
No program on our list names stair lifts as a covered item, so the honest answer is that most families should plan to ask questions first and expect some private pay. The Colorado EBD Medicaid waiver does list home modifications for safety and accessibility, and that is the strongest lead for someone who qualifies.
For veterans, the VA HISA grant explicitly excludes stair glides and porch lifts. The SAH and SHA grants fund accessibility remodels but do not name stair lifts, so ask the Garfield County Veteran Services Office at (970) 945-5004 how they apply to your case.
Statewide resources to ask about include the Assistive Technology Act Program of Colorado (AT Partners) and the Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption). The programs below list who to call.
A Medicaid waiver for people 65+ or 18-64 and blind or disabled who need a nursing-facility level of care; it lists home modifications for safety and accessibility but the source does not mention stair lifts specifically. Call (800) 221-3943, or apply through Garfield County Human Services at 970-945-5004 (Rifle office 970-625-5282, Glenwood Springs office 970-945-9191).
Serves adults 60+ in a region that includes Garfield County, with vouchers for categories such as Health Equipment, Chore and Respite; the source does not mention stair lifts. Call (970) 248-2717, or reach the local ADRC coordinator, Jacquelyn Sanchez, at 970-625-5282 ext. 3134.
The county's referral point for older adults, running Nutrition, Well and Wise fall-prevention classes, the ADRC and The Traveler paratransit service; the source does not mention stair lifts or home modifications. Call (970) 625-5282.
A lifetime grant of up to $6,800 or $2,000 for medically necessary alterations such as ramps and accessible bathrooms; stair glides and porch lifts are not covered. Call (800) 827-1000.
Grants of up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) for FY2026 to build, buy or remodel a home for veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities; the source does not mention stair lifts. Call (800) 827-1000.
A liaison between local veterans and the federal government for health care, disability compensation, home loans and pensions; the source does not mention stair lifts, but it is the local starting point for VA home-modification applications. Call (970) 945-5004.
Older adults
122 Lion Blvd., Suite 104, Vail, 81657
Veterans
405 Castle Creek Dr, Ste 102, Aspen, 81611
Not through HISA, which lists stair glides and porch lifts as not covered. The SAH and SHA grants fund accessibility remodels but do not name stair lifts, so call the Garfield County Veteran Services Office at (970) 945-5004 to ask about your situation.
The EBD waiver lists home modifications for safety and accessibility as a covered service, but the source does not itemize stair lifts or give a dollar cap. Applicants must meet a 2026 income limit of $2,982 a month for a single applicant and an asset limit of $2,000 single or $3,000 married.
Garfield County Human Services has a Rifle office at 970-625-5282 and a Glenwood Springs office at 970-945-9191. For equipment and service referrals, ask for the ADRC coordinator, Jacquelyn Sanchez, at 970-625-5282 ext. 3134.
The Area Agency on Aging serves adults 60+, though some services reach younger adults with disabilities. The EBD waiver also covers people age 18-64 who are blind or disabled and need a nursing-facility level of care.
Often, yes, but split-level and multi-level homes usually need a curved rail or more than one lift. We measure the stairs and landings during a home visit before recommending a type.
Garfield County Human Services runs Well and Wise fall-prevention classes, including Matter of Balance and Tai Chi for Health. Call (970) 625-5282 for details.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
