Karnes County is ranch country on the Rio Grande plain, with four towns we serve: Kenedy, Karnes City, Runge and Falls City. Karnes City grew up as a railroad town platted in 1894, Kenedy began as a cattle roundup station in 1887, and places like Panna Maria and Czestochowa still have older church and residential buildings from the Polish settlers who arrived in 1854.
Much of the housing here is older single-family and detached homes, ranch-style houses and some split-level homes. Most were not built with no-step entries or single-floor living in mind. That is where a stair lift can help someone stay in the house they already know.
Split-level homes are a common reason people call us. Those short runs of stairs between levels are often straight, which suits a straight stair lift. It is usually the simplest and most affordable type to fit.
Ranch-style homes are mostly on one floor, but many still have steps up to the front door or back porch. In those cases an outdoor lift or a platform lift at the entry may solve the problem better than anything inside.
Older two-story houses in towns like Kenedy and Karnes City sometimes have stairs with a turn or a landing. Those call for a curved lift built to the shape of the staircase, so we measure each one in person.
The county covers 754 square miles and has about 19.7 people per square mile. Getting to a doctor, a contractor or an equipment installer often means a drive on US 181 or State Highways 72, 80, 123 or 239.
That distance matters when you plan. It makes sense to settle the right lift type and the paperwork for any assistance program before installation day, so the job can be done in one trip. Ask about service and repair visits up front too.
About 12.9% of residents are 65 or older, and 56.0% of households own their homes. Owning the home matters, because several of the programs below require it.
If a parent or spouse served, check the veteran programs listed on this page and call the Karnes County Veteran Services Office at (830) 780-3925. The office is at 115 North Market Street in Karnes City.
Ranching and oil have long driven the local economy, and the oil side has gone through boom and bust years since Eagle Ford Shale drilling began after 2008. When household income moves up and down, grant and loan programs are worth a close look.
None of the programs below list stair lifts by name, and the VA HISA grant specifically excludes stair glides. Some do cover home modifications or repairs in general, so ask each one directly whether a stair lift qualifies in your case.
A good first call is the Alamo Area AAA at (210) 362-5200. Statewide options also include the STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver and the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Waiver.
Serves adults 60 and older and their family caregivers in a 12-county region that includes Karnes County, with services such as minor home repairs or modifications based on a care plan. Stair lifts are not listed by name; call (866) 231-4922.
A one-time state grant of up to $22,500 per household for homeowners or tenants with a household member who has a disability and income at or below 80% of area median family income. It covers items like ramps, handrails and widened doors, but stair lifts are not listed; call (512) 936-7799.
Medicaid members age 21 and older with a disability, or age 65 and older, may get up to $7,500 lifetime for minor home modifications plus up to $300 per year for repairs. Stair lifts are not listed by name; call (855) 937-2372.
A lifetime grant of up to $6,800 or $2,000, depending on disability status, for medically necessary changes prescribed by a VA provider. It does not cover stair lifts, as stair glides are excluded; call (800) 827-1000.
Grants for veterans with specific severe service-connected disabilities, up to $126,526 for SAH and $25,350 for SHA in FY2026, usable over up to 6 draws. Stair lifts are not listed by name; call (800) 827-1000.
Home modifications, repairs and weatherization for low-income veterans or surviving spouses who own and live in the home and are current on mortgage and property taxes. Stair lifts are not listed by name; call (210) 362-5282.
Rural homeowners with very low income may get a 1% loan up to $40,000, and those 62 and older who cannot repay a loan may get a grant up to $10,000. Stair lifts are not listed by name; call (800) 670-6553 and confirm your property is eligible.
A below-market-rate home improvement loan for Texas veterans, but new applications have been on a temporary moratorium since April 30, 2026. Stair lifts are not listed; call (800) 998-4456 to check its status.
Older adults
8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160, San Antonio, 78217
Veterans
115 North Market Street, Karnes City, 78118
The VA HISA grant does not, because stair glides are on its list of excluded items. The SAH and SHA grants do not list stair lifts by name, so call the VA at (800) 827-1000 or the Karnes County Veteran Services Office at (830) 780-3925 to ask about your case.
The Alamo Area Agency on Aging serves people 60 and older, but other programs have different rules. STAR+PLUS HCBS covers members 21 and older with a disability, and the Amy Young Barrier Removal Program is based on disability and income, not age.
Short, straight runs like those in many split-level homes usually take a straight stair lift. If the stairs turn or have a landing, a curved lift is needed, and we measure in person to be sure.
Yes, an outdoor lift or a platform lift can handle entry steps on a ranch-style home. We look at the steps, the ground and how the person gets in and out before recommending one.
The county is classified 100% rural by the 2020 Census, which fits USDA rural-area rules. Exact eligibility depends on the property, so call USDA at (800) 670-6553 to confirm.
Call the Alamo Area AAA at (210) 362-5200. Their office is at 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160, in San Antonio, and they can point you toward services for older adults and caregivers in Karnes County.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
