Muncie still has a large stock of homes built during the 1880s-1910s natural-gas boom, when gas found in 1866 brought Ball Brothers Glass and other manufacturers to town and paid for grand houses like those in the Emily Kimbrough Historic District. Many of those century-old, multi-story homes still have their original staircases. Out in Yorktown, Albany, Eaton, Daleville, Selma, Gaston, Royerton and Oakville, the mix shifts toward single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses and split-level homes.
Each of those home styles asks something different of a stair lift. This page walks through what we look for on Delaware County staircases, which lift types tend to fit, and the local and state programs that may help with the cost. If you are helping a parent stay in the house, or planning ahead for yourself, start here.
Older Muncie homes often have staircases that turn at a landing, wind around a corner or run narrower than modern code. A straight rail will not follow a turn, so these stairs usually call for a curved stair lift built to the exact shape of the staircase. We measure each step and landing before anything is ordered.
Original woodwork matters to a lot of owners in these houses. A stair lift rail mounts to the stair treads, not the wall, which keeps the banister and plaster largely untouched. If you are thinking about an exterior change or outdoor lift on a home in a locally designated historic district, check first with the city's Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation Commission, which serves as the architectural review board for those districts and landmarks.
Split-level homes are common around the county, and they bring their own puzzle: several short flights instead of one long one. Sometimes a short straight lift on the flight used most is enough. Other times a platform lift makes more sense, especially if a wheelchair is involved.
Townhouses and duplexes often have one straight, enclosed flight between floors. These are usually the simplest and quickest installs, as long as there is room at the top and bottom for the seat to fold and for a safe step off. In low-rise apartments, the building owner needs to approve any installation before work begins.
Most of Delaware County is low rolling prairie, with the White River running west through Muncie and the Mississinewa River crossing the north end of the county. The ground itself is rarely the problem. The trouble spot is usually the front or back steps, where a few concrete stairs stand between the driveway and the door.
An outdoor stair lift built for weather exposure can handle those steps through Indiana winters. For someone who cannot transfer to a seat, a platform lift at the entry is the other option to discuss.
About 15.5% of Delaware County residents are 65 or older, and 59.5% of households own their home. That ownership figure matters, because several funding programs below only help homeowners who live in the house.
If that includes someone in your family, read the VA details closely, since the main VA home alteration grant does not pay for stair lifts.
The strongest public option for older residents is the Indiana PathWays for Aging Waiver, which lists stair lifts as a covered home modification for people 60 and older who qualify. The way in is through LifeStream Services at 1701 Pilgrim Blvd. in Yorktown, which handles intake and case manager requests.
Other programs help with home repairs or financing in general terms but do not name stair lifts, so ask directly before counting on them. Muncie-Delaware County has marketed itself as one of Indiana's more affordable housing markets, and for many families on fixed incomes, private pay ends up being part of the plan. The program list below explains each option and who to call.
This Medicaid waiver for people 60 and older lists stair lifts as a covered home modification, authorized by a case manager under your plan of care, with no dollar cap stated. Request a case manager through LifeStream Services, or call (800) 457-8283.
LifeStream is the local Area Agency on Aging and the intake point for PathWays waiver case management; its own page does not list stair lifts or home modifications as a benefit. Call (765) 759-1121 or visit 1701 Pilgrim Blvd., Yorktown, IN 47396.
Owner-occupants in eligible rural areas with income at or below 50% of area median income can get repair loans up to $20,000 at 1% for 20 years, and those 62 and older may qualify for grants up to $7,500 lifetime. The source describes removing health or safety hazards and does not mention stair lifts.
HISA pays up to $6,800 or $2,000 lifetime for medically necessary home alterations, but it explicitly excludes stair glides and porch lifts, so it does not cover stair lifts. Call the VA at (800) 827-1000 about other benefits.
This office helps veterans and families with claims, referrals and access to the Military Family Relief Fund; no home modification program is listed. Call (765) 747-7810 or visit 100 W Main St, Room 304, Muncie.
A repayable low-interest loan through STAR Financial Bank for Indiana residents with a documented disability; home modifications are an eligible use, but stair lifts are not named. Call (888) 466-1314 to ask whether a stair lift qualifies.
Repairs up to $10,000 per home for owners who have lived within Muncie city limits for at least one year with income at or below 80% of Area Median Income; stair lifts are not named, and applications are currently closed with a waitlist. Call (765) 286-5739.
Older adults
1701 Pilgrim Blvd., Yorktown, 47396
Veterans
100 W Main St, Room 304, Muncie, 47305
The Indiana PathWays for Aging Waiver lists stair lifts as a covered home modification for people 60 and older who meet its income limit, need a nursing-facility level of care and live in a qualifying home setting. A case manager authorizes services, and you start through LifeStream Services at (765) 759-1121.
People 59 and under are served by the companion Health and Wellness Waiver rather than PathWays. The INDATA Alternative Financing Program is also open to Indiana residents with a documented disability at any age, though it is a loan that must be repaid.
The VA HISA grant specifically excludes stair glides and porch lifts. The Delaware County Veterans' Service Office at (765) 747-7810 can help with claims and refer you to other resources, including the Military Family Relief Fund for emergency needs.
That program is limited to homes within Muncie city limits that the owner has lived in for at least one year. Its applications are also currently closed with a waitlist.
Yes, curved stair lifts are made to follow turns and landings like those common in gas-boom era homes. Each one is built to measurements taken from your staircase, and the rail attaches to the treads rather than the walls.
The home must sit in a USDA-eligible rural area, and eligibility for Muncie has not been confirmed. Check your address on the USDA property eligibility map before applying.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
