Platte County stretches across 2,111 square miles of southeastern Wyoming, from Chugwater and Wheatland up through Glendo and Guernsey along the North Platte River. Wheatland, the county seat, began with an irrigation-district land auction, and its first lots sold in 1894. Many homes here go back to that era of farm settlement, long before anyone built with accessibility in mind.
With roughly 4.1 people per square mile, a trip to town for care can mean a long drive. That makes it practical to fix the stairs at home rather than plan a move. This page covers which lift fits the homes you see around Platte County, and where to look for help paying for one.
Wheatland had 1,903 housing units in the 2020 census, and most farms in the surrounding irrigation district were in place by 1915. A lot of the housing stock dates to early and mid 20th century settlement. Staircases in these houses are often narrow or steep, and they were never planned around a chair rail.
That does not rule out a lift. A straight stair lift mounts to the stair treads, not the wall, so plaster walls and older framing usually are not a problem. We measure the stair width, the landing space at the top and bottom, and any doorway close to the last step before recommending a model.
Single-family homes with one straight flight are the simplest case, and a straight lift is usually the lowest-cost option. Split-level homes have several short flights with a turn between levels. Those often call for a curved lift with a custom rail, or a separate straight lift on each flight.
Ranch-style homes keep most living space on one floor, but the basement stairs and the front or back entry steps can still be a barrier. An outdoor stair lift built for weather can handle porch and entry steps. For a wheelchair user, a platform lift may make more sense than a seat. In low-rise buildings, ask the building owner about installing in a shared stairway before you plan anything.
As of the 2020 census, the county's median age was 49.1, and 25.9% of residents were 65 or older. In Wheatland itself, the figure was 24.5%. That is a much older population than the U.S. as a whole.
About 62.7% of residents own their homes, which matters because owners can usually approve a permanent installation on their own. Renters should get the landlord's written permission first. With services and specialists spread across long rural distances, keeping a parent safe on the stairs at home can be the difference between staying put and leaving the county.
The 2010 median household income in the county was $42,947, so paying out of pocket is a real concern for many families. Their published materials describe modifications such as ramps and widened doorways and do not name stair lifts, so ask the VA directly before counting on them.
For other help, start with the state Aging Division in Cheyenne at (307) 777-7986. The Veteran Service Officers who serve Platte and Laramie counties can be reached at (307) 274-7747 to help with VA paperwork. You can also ask about statewide programs such as the Wyoming Community Choices Waiver (CCW), the Wyoming Technology Access Program (WyTAP) and the Wyoming Property Tax Refund Program to see whether any fit your situation.
A federal grant of up to $126,526 in FY2026 for veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities who own or plan to own their home. Stair lifts are not listed in the VA's description of covered modifications; call the VA benefits hotline at (800) 827-1000 to ask.
A federal grant of up to $25,350 in FY2026 for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities, and the home may belong to the veteran or a family member the veteran lives with. The VA does not list stair lifts among covered changes, so confirm with the VA at (800) 827-1000.
A statewide nonprofit that serves as an information and referral hub for Wyoming residents age 60 and older, plus caregivers of any age. Stair lifts and home modifications are not listed among its services, but you can call (800) 856-4398 for current referrals in Platte County.
Older adults
6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 259B, Cheyenne, 82002
Veterans
5800 Central Ave., Cheyenne, 82009
Usually, yes. Much of the local housing dates to early and mid 20th century farm settlement, and a stair lift rail attaches to the stair treads rather than the wall. We check stair width, landing space and nearby doorways first.
Split-level homes have short flights with turns between levels. Depending on the layout, that means a curved lift with a custom rail or a separate straight lift on each flight.
The VA's SAH and SHA grants cover home modifications for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities, but the VA's description names ramps and widened doorways, not stair lifts. Call (800) 827-1000 or the Veteran Service Officers for Platte and Laramie counties at (307) 274-7747 to ask about your case.
Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc. serves residents age 60 and older statewide and can point you to programs at (800) 856-4398. The state Aging Division in Cheyenne is at (307) 777-7986.
No. That program serves only Albany, Fremont, Lincoln and Park counties, so Platte County residents need to look at other options.
Yes. An outdoor stair lift is built for weather and can handle porch or entry steps, which is often the main barrier in a ranch-style home.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
