Beltrami County stretches from Bemidji on Lake Bemidji, near the headwaters region of the Mississippi River, up past Red Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake located entirely within Minnesota. In between are towns like Blackduck, Kelliher, Tenstrike, Wilton, Redby, Little Rock and Ponemah, plus a lot of rolling, tree-covered country dotted with lakes and ponds.
Many rural homes here are split-level or two-story houses where stairs are the only way to reach the bedrooms or a walkout basement. When climbing those stairs gets hard, a stair lift can let someone keep using the whole house. This page explains which kind of lift tends to fit local homes and which programs may help pay for one.
Most homes we see in the county are single-family homes and detached houses, with some duplexes, walk-up apartments and split-level homes mixed in. A two-story house with one straight flight is usually the simplest job. A straight stair lift rides a rail mounted to the stair treads, not the wall, so it rarely needs any construction.
Split-level homes are different. They often have short flights between levels, and getting from the lowest floor to the bedrooms can mean two separate runs. That can call for two straight lifts or one curved lift that follows the turn, depending on how the stairs are laid out.
Walkout basements are common on lake lots and hillside properties. If the basement stairs turn at a landing, a curved rail is usually the answer. We measure each staircase in person before recommending anything.
Winters here are hard on anyone with balance trouble. Bemidji's average January low is about -4°F, and the record low is -50°F, set in January 1950. Icy entry steps are a real fall risk for older residents.
For homes where the trouble is outside, an outdoor stair lift or a platform lift at the entry can help. Outdoor units are built to handle weather, but snow and ice still need to be cleared from the rail and steps. If a wheelchair is involved, a platform lift is usually a better fit than a seat.
The county has a population of 21,577, and 15.5% of residents are 65 or older.
Rural distances matter too. Between the forest, the lakes, and parts of the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake and Red Lake Indian reservations within the county, reaching contractors and medical care can take time. Sanford Bemidji Medical Center serves as the regional medical center, and a lift that keeps someone safe at home can mean fewer trips after a fall.
The clearest public funding path is through Minnesota's Medicaid waivers. The Elderly Waiver serves people 65 and older, and the CADI Waiver serves people under 65 with a disability. Both fund environmental accessibility adaptations, and sources list stair lifts as an example. Beltrami County Health & Human Services Adult Services at (218) 333-8246 is the local door for both.
Homeowners who do not qualify for a waiver can look at Minnesota Housing loans. The Fix Up Loan accessibility variant has no income limit and lends $2,000 to $75,000. The Rehabilitation Loan Program serves very low-income homeowners.
Veterans should know the VA HISA grant does not fund stair glides. The Beltrami County Veterans Service Office at (218) 333-4192 can talk through other VA options. Each program is summarized below.
A Medicaid waiver for Minnesota residents 65 and older who need nursing-facility level of care; it funds environmental accessibility adaptations, and stair lifts are listed as an example of covered modifications. The 2026 limits for a single applicant are $2,982 a month in income and $3,000 in assets; call (800) 333-2433 or apply through the county's Long-Term Care Consultation team.
A Medicaid waiver for Minnesota residents under 65 with a disability who need nursing-facility level of care, and stair lifts are listed as an example environmental modification it can fund. It is handled locally by Beltrami County Health & Human Services Adult Services at (218) 333-8246.
The county office that administers and refers residents to the CADI and Elderly Waiver programs for adults 65+ and people with physical disabilities. Its page does not mention stair lifts or home modifications directly; call (218) 333-8246.
An area agency on aging serving older adults and families in 21 counties of Northwest and West Central Minnesota. Its page does not mention stair lifts or home modification funding; call (218) 745-6733 to confirm coverage for Beltrami County.
A VA grant of up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities or $2,000 for other qualifying disabilities, but it does not cover stair lifts, since stair glides are listed among items it will not fund. The Beltrami County Veterans Service Office at (218) 333-4192 can help with VA paperwork.
A VA grant of up to $126,526 for FY2026 for veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities who own or will own the home. Stair lifts are not listed among covered items; ask the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office at (218) 333-4192.
A VA grant of up to $25,350 for FY2026 for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities such as loss of use of both hands. Stair lifts are not specifically named; the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office at (218) 333-4192 can advise.
A fixed-rate loan of $2,000 to $75,000 with terms of 1 to 20 years, made through participating Minnesota Housing lenders, with no income limit for accessibility improvements. Stair lifts are not itemized, so confirm with the lender.
A loan of up to $37,500 for very low-income homeowners with assets under $25,000, with a variant for accessibility needs of a household member with a disability. Stair lifts are not itemized; call (218) 444-4732.
A center for independent living serving people with disabilities in northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, with an Equipment Loaner Closet. Stair lifts are not listed; call (800) 726-3692.
A low-cost repair program for Bemidji-area homeowners earning 60% or less of area median income, focused on painting, landscaping and minor exterior repairs. Stair lifts are not listed; call (218) 751-4649.
Older adults
111 South Civic Center Drive, Oklee, 56742
Veterans
616 America Ave. NW, Ste. 140, Bemidji, 56601
It can fund environmental accessibility adaptations, and stair lifts are listed as an example. You need to be 65 or older, on Medical Assistance, and assessed as needing nursing-facility level of care. Waiver spots depend on available allocations, so start with the county's Long-Term Care Consultation team or call (800) 333-2433.
Yes, the CADI Waiver serves Minnesota residents under 65 with a disability who need nursing-facility level of care and are on Medical Assistance. Beltrami County Health & Human Services Adult Services handles it at (218) 333-8246.
The HISA grant does not, since it excludes stair glides. The SAH and SHA grants do not list stair lifts either. Call the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office at (218) 333-4192 at 616 America Ave. NW, Ste. 140 in Bemidji to review your situation.
It depends on the layout. Some split-level homes need two straight lifts, one per flight, while others are better served by a single curved rail. We measure in person before recommending one.
Yes, outdoor models are built for weather, which matters when January lows average about -4°F in Bemidji. The rail and steps still need to be kept clear of snow and ice.
The Minnesota Housing Fix Up Loan has an accessibility variant with no income limit, lending $2,000 to $75,000 at a fixed rate through participating lenders. Stair lifts are not itemized, so confirm eligibility with the lender.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
