Dane County takes in 26 towns on our service list, from Madison on its isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona out to Sun Prairie, Verona, Stoughton, Mount Horeb, Cambridge and Rockdale. The homes are just as varied. You'll find early-20th-century bungalows in Madison's Marquette neighborhood, split-level homes in the suburbs, townhouses and low-rise buildings near downtown, and single-family homes in every village.
Each of those homes has its own kind of staircase, and that decides which stair lift will work. This page walks through what we see in Dane County homes, which lift types usually fit, and the state, county and VA programs that may help with the cost.
A single straight flight, common in many single-family homes and townhouses, is the simplest case. A straight stair lift mounts to the treads, not the wall, and usually fits without changes to the staircase.
Split-level homes are different. They tend to have several short flights with landings in between, so the choice is often a curved lift that follows the turns or separate straight lifts on each run. We measure every flight before suggesting either.
Older houses, like the bungalows in the Marquette Bungalows Historic District, can have tighter stairways, turns near the top, or basement stairs that families use daily for laundry. Those details matter for the rail path and for where the seat parks when it's not in use.
Plenty of trouble starts before anyone gets inside. Porch and entry steps can be the hardest part of the trip for someone with weak knees or balance problems.
Outdoor stair lifts are built for weather and can run up entry steps or a deck stair. For residents in low-rise buildings with shared stairs, talk with the building owner or association first, since a lift in a common stairwell usually needs their approval.
About 13.8% of Dane County residents are 65 or older, and the county is described as Wisconsin's fastest-growing. As of the 2020 census, 56.3% of occupied housing units were owner-occupied, which means many older residents can make changes to their own stairs.
The county is 86.4% urban and 13.6% rural. If your parent lives in one of the smaller towns or an unincorporated area, expect that accessibility and home-modification services may be farther away, so it helps to plan the assessment and paperwork early.
The clearest path for many families is IRIS, Wisconsin's self-directed Medicaid waiver, whose policy manual lists porch and stair lifts as allowable home modifications. For a large purchase above the yearly cost threshold, IRIS requires at least three provider quotes, so ask any installer for a written quote you can submit.
For people who don't qualify for Medicaid, WisLoan offers low-interest loans from $500 up to $80,000 for home modifications, administered locally by Access to Independence. It must be repaid, but it can spread the cost out.
Veterans should know that the VA HISA grant does not cover stair glides or porch lifts. The Dane County Veterans Service Office at (608) 266-4158 can talk through other VA options such as the SAH and SHA grants.
Not sure where to start? The ADRC of Dane County offers free benefits counseling at (855) 417-6892. You can also ask there about statewide options like the Community Options Program (COP) and the WHEDA Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP).
A self-directed Medicaid waiver for Wisconsin adults 18 and older who meet the long-term care functional screen and live at home; its policy manual lists porch and stair lifts as allowable home modifications. Call the IRIS Call Center at (888) 515-4747.
Medicaid managed long-term care delivered through a Managed Care Organization for frail elders and adults with disabilities; the source does not mention stair lifts or home modifications. Call Medicaid Member Services at (800) 362-3002.
Low-interest loans from $500 up to $80,000 for Wisconsin adults with a disability or a family member applying for them, and home modifications are an eligible use. Call (608) 242-8484.
A free center for independent living offering home safety and accessibility assessments, an assistive technology library, and referrals; the source does not mention stair lifts. Call (608) 242-8484.
A free information and benefits-counseling office at Northside Town Center, 2865 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers; it does not list a stair lift grant. Call (855) 417-6892, or TTY 608-240-7404.
A VA grant of up to $6,800 or $2,000 lifetime for medically needed home alterations, but it does not cover stair glides or porch lifts. The Dane County Veterans Service Office can be reached at (608) 266-4158.
Up to $126,526 for FY 2026 for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities who own or will own the home; the source names ramps and wider doorways but does not mention stair lifts.
Up to $25,350 for FY 2026 for veterans or qualifying family members with certain service-connected disabilities who own or will own the home; the source does not mention stair lifts.
Older adults
2865 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, 53704
Veterans
1709 Aberg Ave, Suite 2, Madison, 53704
Through the IRIS waiver, yes, it can. The IRIS policy manual lists porch and stair lifts as allowable home modifications for eligible participants. Call (888) 515-4747 to ask about enrollment.
WisLoan offers low-interest loans from $500 up to $80,000 for home modifications to Wisconsin residents 18 and older with a disability, and a family member can apply on their behalf. Call Access to Independence at (608) 242-8484.
No. The VA states that HISA does not cover removable equipment such as stair glides and porch lifts. The Dane County Veterans Service Office at (608) 266-4158 can review other VA benefits.
Usually, yes. Split-levels often have short flights with landings, so the fix is either a curved lift or a straight lift on each flight. We measure every run before recommending one.
The ADRC of Dane County at 2865 N. Sherman Ave. in Madison provides free benefits counseling for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Call (855) 417-6892. The Dane County AAA is at the same address and can be reached at (608) 261-9930.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
