Elizabeth City, the Pasquotank County seat, has houses that go back a long way. The Northside Historic District and the circa-1750 Old Brick House are both on the National Register of Historic Places, and many of the older homes in the historic core are multi-story with their original interior staircases.
Out past the city's edges, the picture changes to newer single-story suburban construction and rural homes spread across a county that is about 21.58% water. This page walks through what that mix of homes means for a stair lift and which local and federal programs are worth a phone call before you pay out of pocket.
The stairs in a historic or pre-war house are often the one part of the home that becomes hard to use. A stair lift lets the person keep the upstairs bedroom without a major remodel of the original staircase.
If the staircase runs in one straight flight, a straight rail is usually the simpler and faster install. If it turns at a landing or curves, the rail has to be built to match that exact shape, which takes more measuring and more lead time.
Original staircases are not always the standard width found in newer homes. That is why we measure the stairs in person before recommending a model.
Housing in the county also includes split-level homes, townhouses and walk-up apartments. A split-level often has short flights between levels, so the question is which flight the person actually needs to use every day.
Townhouses usually have a straight interior stair, which suits a standard straight rail. Only about 41.0% of residents are homeowners, so if you rent a townhouse or apartment, talk with the property owner before any rail is mounted.
Pasquotank County sits in North Carolina's flat coastal plain at near sea level, so steep outdoor grades are rarely the problem. The barrier is usually inside, on the staircase of an older two-story home.
If a house does have entry steps, an outdoor stair lift or a platform lift can be part of the conversation. About 45.1% of residents live in rural areas, and those homes are often far from the outreach that reaches Elizabeth City, so it helps to know the programs ahead of time.
As of the 2020 census, 18.5% of the county's 40,568 residents were age 65 or older, and many live on limited incomes. Grants, waivers and low-interest loans matter here more than private pay.
None of the programs below name stair lifts directly, and the VA HISA grant specifically excludes stair glides. Several do cover accessibility or handicap modifications in general terms, so ask each office whether a stair lift can qualify in your case.
Veterans can start with the Elizabeth City Veterans Service Center at 1023 US 17 South, Suite 2, phone (919) 664-1150.
A Medicaid waiver for adults 18 and older who meet a nursing-facility level of care; its equipment, modification and technology budget limit rose from $13,000 to $28,000 for the waiver period running Nov. 1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2029, though stair lifts are not named. Call (888) 245-0179.
The regional intake and referral point for adults 60 and older and their caregivers in the 10-county Albemarle Commission region, including Pasquotank County; it is not a cash grant and its listed services do not mention stair lifts. Call (252) 426-5753.
Up to $40,000 in repairs for owner-occupied homes in Camden, Currituck or Pasquotank County with income at or below 80% of area median income, with priority for elderly, disabled and veteran household members; handicap modifications are listed generally, but stair lifts are not named. Pre-applications are taken the 1st through 15th of each month while funding lasts at (252) 426-5753.
An interest-free deferred loan of up to $12,000, forgiven at $3,000 a year, for elderly, disabled or special-needs homeowners at or below 50% of area median income; it covers accessibility modifications in general terms without naming stair lifts. Call (252) 426-5753.
Loans up to $40,000 at 1% for 20 years, and grants up to $10,000 for homeowners 62 and older who cannot repay, for very-low-income owners in eligible rural areas outside Elizabeth City; stair lifts are not specifically named. Call (919) 873-2041.
A lifetime grant of up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities or $2,000 for other disabilities, for medically necessary home alterations. The VA lists stair glides as excluded removable equipment, so HISA does not pay for a stair lift; call (800) 827-1000 about ramps or other permanent changes.
Grants for veterans who own their home and have qualifying severe service-connected disabilities, up to $126,526 for SAH and $25,350 for SHA in FY2026; stair lifts are not specifically named. Call (800) 827-1000.
A statewide program for homeowners with a permanent physical disability whose home needs accessibility modifications to stay safely in place; no dollar amount is given and stair lifts are not named. Call (919) 877-5700.
Older adults
512 S. Church St., Hertford, 27944
Veterans
1023 US 17 South, Suite 2, Elizabeth City, 27909
In many cases, yes. Older homes in the historic core often have their original interior staircases, and the rail mounts to the stair treads rather than the walls. We measure the staircase in person to see whether a straight or custom curved rail fits.
Not through the HISA grant, which lists stair glides as excluded equipment. The SAH and SHA grants do not name stair lifts either way, so veterans should ask the VA at (800) 827-1000 or the Elizabeth City Veterans Service Center at (919) 664-1150.
The Area Agency on Aging serves people 60 and older, but the CAP/DA waiver serves adults 18 and older who meet a nursing-facility level of care. The Displacement Prevention Partnership is for homeowners with a permanent physical disability, with no age listed.
The USDA Section 504 program is for eligible rural areas, and Pasquotank County has eligible areas outside Elizabeth City. It offers 1% loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000 for very-low-income homeowners 62 and older; call (919) 873-2041.
The Region R Albemarle Commission AAA is at 512 S. Church St., Hertford 27944. The main number is (252) 426-5753, and the same number handles the Albemarle Commission repair programs.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
