Around the courthouse square in Rochester, with its stone lions out front, many houses date to the 19th and early 20th centuries and still have their original staircases. Head out toward Akron, Kewanna, Fulton or Nyona Lake and the picture shifts to farmhouses on open land, plus newer ranch-style and split-level homes in more recent subdivisions.
Each of those homes asks something different of a stair lift. This page walks through how Fulton County houses tend to be built, which kind of lift usually fits, and the state, federal and veteran programs that may help with the cost.
Rochester is the county seat and the center of its oldest housing. The Rochester Downtown Historic District, the Lyman M. Brackett House and the John W. Smith House are all on the National Register, and the neighborhoods around them hold many multi-story homes of the same era.
Original stairways in older houses are often narrower or steeper than modern ones, and some turn at a landing. A straight stair lift works when the run goes top to bottom with no bend. When the stairs turn, a curved lift with a rail built to that exact staircase is usually the answer.
Most of Fulton County is rural, with 64.2% of residents living outside urban areas. Farmhouses in the outlying townships often keep a main staircase to the bedrooms and a separate flight down to the basement, so it helps to think about which floors you actually use every day.
Split-level homes have several short flights rather than one long one, and each may need its own lift. Ranch-style homes usually keep living space on one floor, but a basement stair or a few steps at the entry can still be a problem. For steps outside the house, an outdoor stair lift or a platform lift may fit better than an indoor model.
Lake Manitou sits on Rochester's east side, and lakeside lots often come with steps from the drive, deck or yard. Those steps face rain, snow and sun, so they call for a lift built for outdoor use.
If someone uses a wheelchair or cannot transfer to a seat, a platform lift is worth a look. We can measure both indoor and outdoor stairs on the same visit so you can compare options.
About 65.3% of Fulton County households own their home. Owners can choose any lift type, while renters will want the landlord's agreement before a rail goes on the wall.
Several VA programs exist, but they differ on what they pay for, so check the program notes below before you apply.
Two Indiana programs list home or environmental modifications among their covered services: the CHOICE Program and the Medicaid waivers, PathWays for Aging for people 60 and older and Health & Wellness for people 59 and younger. For Fulton County, applications go through Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services at (574) 722-4451.
The USDA Section 504 program offers repair loans and grants for very-low-income rural homeowners, though its source does not name stair lifts. Indiana also runs the INDATA Alternative Financing Program (AFP) statewide. Veterans should know that the VA HISA grant does not pay for stair lifts, while the larger SAH and SHA grants do not list them either way.
A state-funded program for people 60 and older, or any age with a qualifying disability, that lists Environmental Modifications among its covered services, so stair lifts may be covered. Applications go through Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services; the program number is (800) 713-9023.
A Medicaid waiver for Hoosiers 60 and older who meet a nursing facility level of care and an income limit of 300% of the maximum SSI amount; Home Modifications are an authorized service. Call (800) 713-9023 or apply through the local Area Agency on Aging.
The companion Medicaid waiver for people 59 and younger with a qualifying disability, with the same 300% of SSI income limit and Home Modifications listed as an authorized service. Call (574) 722-4451.
The local intake, case management and referral office for CHOICE and the Medicaid waivers; its own service list does not mention stair lifts, but this is where you apply for home modification help. Call (574) 722-4451.
Loans up to $40,000 at 1% for 20 years, and grants up to $10,000 for very-low-income homeowners 62 and older who cannot repay a loan; the source does not mention stair lifts. Fulton County is a USDA-eligible rural area, and the phone is (219) 324-6303.
A VA grant of up to $6,800 or $2,000 for permanent accessibility changes like ramps and widened doorways; it does not cover stair lifts, which the VA lists as excluded. Call (800) 827-1000.
Grants of up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) for veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities to build, buy or adapt a home; the source does not mention stair lifts. Call (800) 827-1000.
The local office at 815 N. Main Street, Room 108, Rochester, offering benefits counseling and help applying for VA programs; it does not list stair lift funding itself. Call (574) 223-2217.
Older adults
1801 Smith St., Suite 300, Logansport, 46947
Veterans
815 N Main Street, Room 108, Rochester, 46975
Usually, yes. A straight stair needs a straight lift, and a staircase that turns at a landing needs a curved lift with a rail made for that stair. A home visit tells you which one you have.
The Indiana Health & Wellness Waiver serves people 59 and younger with a qualifying disability and lists Home Modifications as a service. CHOICE also serves people of any age with a qualifying disability. Call Area Five at (574) 722-4451.
No. The VA specifically excludes stair glides and porch lifts from HISA. The Fulton County Veterans Service Office at (574) 223-2217 can help you review the SAH and SHA grants and other VA benefits instead.
Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services handles applications for Fulton County. You can reach them at (574) 722-4451, and the CHOICE program line is (800) 713-9023.
The USDA Section 504 program serves very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas, and Fulton County qualifies. It offers loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000 for owners 62 and older, though it does not name stair lifts. Call (219) 324-6303.
Yes, outdoor stair lifts and platform lifts are made for steps exposed to weather, such as those on lots near Lake Manitou. We can measure outdoor and indoor stairs on the same visit.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
