DeSoto County stretches across 637 square miles of flat interior land between the Gulf Coast and Lake Okeechobee, with the Peace River running north to south through the middle. Most of the stairs we see here are inside homes in Arcadia and Southeast Arcadia, or on the steps leading up to a front porch.
Some of the county's oldest houses follow the Florida Cracker farmhouse style, with high ceilings and wraparound porches. The John Morgan Ingraham House Museum in Arcadia is a late-1800s example. Newer single-family homes, detached houses, walk-up apartments and low-rise buildings make up much of the rest, and each one raises different questions about which lift will work.
A straight stair lift is the simplest and usually the quickest to install. It fits a staircase that runs in one line from bottom to top with no turns or landings in between, which describes many single-family and detached houses.
Older homes built in the Florida Cracker farmhouse style can have their own quirks. High ceilings often mean a longer run of stairs, and older staircases may turn or narrow. A curved lift is built to follow the exact shape of a staircase, so we measure it in person before quoting anything.
If the trouble is the steps up to a porch or front door, an outdoor lift is made to handle sun and rain. For someone who uses a wheelchair and cannot transfer to a seat, a platform lift may be the better fit.
About 55.6% of households in DeSoto County own their homes, which means a good number of people here rent. If you live in a walk-up apartment or a low-rise building, the stairs may be shared with neighbors.
A lift on a shared staircase needs the owner's written permission before installation. Bring us the building details and we can explain what a landlord will usually want to know, such as how much space the rail takes up and how the lift is removed later.
The closest VA facility listed for the county is the Port Charlotte VA Clinic in Port Charlotte.
Be aware that the VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant does not cover stair lifts. Veterans Services in Arcadia, at 201 E Oak Street, Suite 202, can be reached at (863) 993-4860 to talk through what other VA benefits might apply.
No single program in DeSoto County is confirmed to pay for stair lifts, so it helps to make a few calls before you decide. The programs listed below are the ones most likely to be worth asking about.
For people who qualify for Florida Medicaid long-term care, the SMMC LTC home accessibility adaptation benefit is decided case by case by the plan. The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida can point residents age 60 and up, and adults with disabilities, toward local services. Florida also lists the FAAST New Horizon Loan Program among its statewide options, which may be worth asking about if you plan to pay over time.
A Florida Medicaid long-term care benefit for people age 65 and older, or 18 and older with a qualifying disability, who meet nursing-facility level of care and financial limits. Stair lift coverage is unknown; the official text names grab bars and specialized toilet seats, so approval would be case by case through the plan, and you can call (877) 711-3662.
An information and referral line for DeSoto County residents age 60 and older and adults with disabilities, also serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. Stair lifts and home modifications are not listed in its materials, so call (866) 413-5337 to ask.
A federal VA benefit for veterans with a service-connected or qualifying non-service-connected condition who need structural changes to their home. HISA does not cover stair lifts.
Older adults
2830 Winkler Ave, Ste. 112, Fort Myers, 33916
Veterans
201 E Oak Street, Suite 202, Arcadia, 34266
Often, yes. These homes can have longer stair runs because of high ceilings, and older staircases may turn. A curved lift is made to match the staircase, so we measure in person first.
The SMMC LTC program accepts adults 18 and older with a qualifying disability who meet its other criteria. The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida serves people 60 and older as well as adults with disabilities. Call (866) 413-5337 to start.
No. The HISA grant does not cover stair lifts. Veterans Services in Arcadia at (863) 993-4860 can talk with you about other VA benefits.
The AAA for Southwest Florida (PSA 8) is at 2830 Winkler Ave, Ste. 112, Fort Myers, 33916. Its phone number is (239) 652-6900.
An outdoor stair lift is built for weather exposure and can run up exterior steps to a porch or entry. If the person uses a wheelchair, a platform lift may make more sense.
It is possible, but you need written permission from the building owner first, especially on shared stairs. We can explain the space the lift needs and how it comes out later.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
