Union County is New Mexico's easternmost county, a stretch of high plains grassland where Clayton is the county seat and small communities like Des Moines sit far from the nearest larger cities. Most homes here are single-story ranch houses on rural lots, built for a ranching and farming county.
A one-story house does not always mean a step-free house. Raised entries, porches and split-level ranch homes are where we most often see a stair lift or ramp make a real difference for someone who wants to stay put. This page walks through what fits local homes and which programs may help with the cost.
The housing stock in Union County leans toward older single-family homes, detached houses, ranch-style homes and split-level homes. Because single-story ranch homes are the dominant type, many households will never need a lift inside the house.
Split-level homes are different. The short flights between levels are usually straight, which makes a straight stair lift the simplest and most common fit. If a staircase turns or has a landing partway, a curved rail built to that staircase is the option.
For a raised entry or porch with only a few steps, an outdoor stair lift or a vertical platform lift can be the better answer, especially if a wheelchair is involved. We look at the entry first, because getting in and out of the house is often the bigger problem than anything inside.
Union County sits on the high plains of northeastern New Mexico, the same semi-arid grassland country as Capulin Volcano National Monument and Kiowa National Grassland. The climate is dry and drought-prone, with a Dust Bowl history in the 1930s.
Any lift mounted on a porch or exterior steps should be a model built for outdoor use, with a cover for the seat and controls. Dust is worth taking seriously on the plains, so ask about keeping the rail and carriage clean and how often the unit should be checked.
Clayton, Des Moines and the rest of the county are geographically isolated, and the nearest larger cities are well outside the county. That means long drive times for anyone bringing mobility equipment or in-home services.
It helps to plan ahead. Have the stairs measured once and carefully, ask what the install will need on the day, and line up service questions before the lift goes in. Good photos of the stairs, the top and bottom landings and any nearby outlet can save a second trip.
Roughly 71.2% of households own their homes, which matters because owners can make permanent changes like mounting a rail to the stairs.
The poverty rate in the county, 16.6%, runs above the national average. For many seniors on fixed incomes, that makes it worth checking every program below before paying out of pocket.
Veterans should start by calling the VA at (800) 827-1000, but know the limits going in. The HISA grant specifically excludes stair glides and porch lifts, and the SAH and SHA grants do not name stair lifts as a covered change.
For older adults, the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging runs a senior home repair and modification program and works with the Clayton Senior Center and Des Moines Senior Center. New Vistas Center for Independent Living serves Union County for advocacy and referrals. The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services – Northeast Region Office in Las Vegas, at (505) 331-8838, can help veterans sort out their options.
A VA benefit for medically justified home alterations, with a $6,800 or $2,000 lifetime maximum depending on disability status. It does not cover stair lifts, since stair glides and porch lifts are excluded; call (800) 827-1000.
Grants for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities who own or will own the home, up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) for FY2026. The source mentions ramps and wider doorways but does not list stair lifts; call (800) 827-1000.
A nonprofit center offering advocacy, independent living skills, peer support and referrals to New Mexicans with disabilities in nine northern counties, including Union County. It is not an equipment grant, and stair lifts are not listed; call (505) 471-1001.
A home repair and modification program for older adults in the Non-Metro AAA area, which includes Union County; stair lifts are not listed. As of 02/01/2024 it was not accepting applications, so call (866) 699-4927 to check its current status.
Older adults
417 Schepps Blvd., Suite 201, Clovis, 88101
Veterans
917 Douglas Ave, Las Vegas, 87701
Not through the HISA grant, which excludes stair glides and porch lifts. The SAH and SHA grants do not name stair lifts as a covered change, so ask the VA at (800) 827-1000 about your specific case.
As of 02/01/2024, the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging said the program was not accepting applications because it had reached capacity. Call (866) 699-4927 or (505) 395-2668 to confirm where it stands now.
The Clayton Senior Center is at (575) 374-9840 and the Des Moines Senior Center is at (575) 278-2140. Both operate under the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging.
Often not inside, but check the entry. Raised entries, porches and split-level layouts are where a stair lift, outdoor lift or ramp is most likely to help.
New Vistas Center for Independent Living does advocacy, skills training, peer support and referrals rather than equipment grants. It serves Union County and can be reached at (505) 471-1001, (800) 737-0330 toll-free, or its Las Vegas office at (505) 425-5044.
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services – Northeast Region Office is at 917 Douglas Ave in Las Vegas, phone (505) 331-8838.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
