Mecosta County spreads across 571 square miles of west-central Michigan, from Big Rapids on the Muskegon River out to Canadian Lakes, Morley, Mecosta and Barryton. About 74.5% of the county is rural, and the lakes, rivers and streams mean many homes sit on uneven lots with steps outside as well as in.
In Big Rapids, the county seat, a lot of the housing went up when the city's population peaked above 14,000 in the 1980s. Many of those two-story houses are still lived in by the people who bought them, and the stairs that were easy then are harder now. This page walks through what kind of lift fits local homes and where to look for help paying for one.
Big Rapids has shrunk by more than 46% from its peak to about 8,565 people (2024 estimate). What stayed behind is an older housing stock, including two-story houses from the peak years, often owned by longtime residents who want to stay put.
A traditional two-story house usually has one straight staircase between floors. That is the simplest case for a stair lift: a straight rail mounts to the stair treads, not the wall, and the install is usually done in a day. If the staircase turns at a landing or has winders, a curved rail built to that staircase is the answer.
Split-level homes are common here, and they bring short runs of stairs between several levels. Sometimes one short straight lift covers the run people use most, such as the flight up to the bedrooms. Other times a vertical platform lift makes more sense, especially if a wheelchair is involved.
Ranch-style homes look stair-free, but many have a basement with the laundry, or a few steps at the entry. Townhouses often stack living space over two or three floors. In walk-up apartments, talk with the building owner before anything is installed, since the stairs are usually shared space.
With so much of the county rural and dotted with lakes and streams, plenty of homes have porch steps, deck stairs or a slope down toward the water. Michigan winters make those steps a real hazard for anyone unsteady on their feet.
Outdoor stair lifts are built with weather-resistant parts and covers for the seat and controls. For a few porch steps, a platform lift or a ramp may be the better fit, and we can look at both during a home visit.
At the 2020 Census, 20.7% of Mecosta County residents were 65 or older, 73.7% of housing units were owner-occupied, and 12.8% of households had someone 65 or older living alone. That is a lot of people in homes they own, often without someone in the house to help on the stairs.
The county is spread out, served by US-131, M-20 and M-66 plus Dial-a-Ride transit. Moving closer to services can mean leaving a town and a home you know. For many families, making the existing house safer is the more practical step.
Of the programs listed below, only the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver names stair lifts as a covered modification, and it has income and functional requirements. The VA HISA benefit specifically excludes stair glides.
Several others, including the Mid Michigan Community Action Agency home modification program and USDA Section 504 repairs, cover home safety work but do not list stair lifts. It is worth calling and asking directly. For a starting point on aging services, the Region VII AAA in Muskegon is at (616) 456-5664, and veterans can reach Mecosta County Veterans Affairs in Big Rapids at (231) 592-0124.
No-cost home modifications such as ramps, grab bars and adaptive equipment for Mecosta County homeowners age 62 or older; stair lifts are not listed, so ask whether one can count as adaptive equipment. Call (231) 660-0271.
The county's senior services office within the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan network; stair lift coverage is not listed. Contact them to ask about home modification help or MI Choice waiver access.
A state Medicaid waiver for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities that lists stair lifts among covered home modifications. Applicants must meet Medicaid income limits and functional eligibility, and enrollment can be capacity-limited, so confirm current coverage with the local MI Choice waiver agent.
Loans up to $40,000 at 1% over 20 years, and grants up to $10,000 for homeowners 62 or older with income at or below 50% of Area Median Income in eligible rural areas. Ramps, grab bars and walk-in tubs are named, but stair lifts are not listed.
A VA benefit of up to $6,800 or $2,000 lifetime for medically justified home changes; it explicitly excludes stair glides and porch lifts. Mecosta County Veterans Affairs can be reached at (231) 592-0124.
VA grants for veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities, up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) for FY2026. Stair lifts are not listed specifically, so ask the VA about your situation.
A referral and advocacy lead for Mecosta County residents with disabilities; stair lift coverage is not listed. Call 211 to find the current Center for Independent Living serving the county.
Older adults
1335 W. Muskegon Dr., Muskegon, 49441
Veterans
14330 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, 49307
The MI Choice Medicaid Waiver lists stair lifts among covered home modifications for people who meet Medicaid income limits and functional eligibility. There is no fixed dollar cap; budgets are set per participant. Check current coverage with the local MI Choice waiver agent.
The VA HISA benefit explicitly excludes stair glides. SAH and SHA grants are larger but do not name stair lifts specifically. Call Mecosta County Veterans Affairs at (231) 592-0124 to talk through your options.
Yes. The MMCAA Home Ramp Up program serves Mecosta County homeowners 62 and older at no cost, and USDA Section 504 grants also start at 62. Neither lists stair lifts, so call MMCAA at (231) 660-0271 and ask directly.
Often, yes. A short straight lift can cover the flight used most, or a platform lift can handle a short rise. The right answer depends on how many levels you need to reach.
Yes. Outdoor models are built to handle weather, which matters on rural and lakeside lots across the county. For a few porch steps, a platform lift may fit better.
The Region VII AAA at 1335 W. Muskegon Dr. in Muskegon can be reached at (616) 456-5664. The Mecosta County Commission on Aging is also part of the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan network.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
