Downtown Sheridan still shows its roots in the 1890s building boom that followed coal-mine development, with Victorian-era brick buildings, the Sheridan Main Street and Railroad historic districts, and the 1893 Sheridan Inn. Many of the older homes near that historic core are multi-story, with interior staircases that get harder to climb every year.
Outside the city core, later subdivisions spread across former farmland, and the rest of the county reaches out to Story, Ranchester, Dayton, Powder Horn and Parkman. With about 2,524 square miles of mountain and high-plains land, a stair lift can make more sense than moving, especially when the nearest contractor or specialist is a long winter drive away.
The city of Sheridan counted 9,006 housing units at the 2020 census. A good share of the homes near the historic core are older multi-story properties, and their staircases are often the main barrier between a bedroom and the kitchen.
A single straight flight is usually the simplest job: a straight stair lift rides a rail mounted to the stair treads, not the wall. Older staircases with a landing, a turn or a narrow width often need a curved rail built to fit that exact stair, so we measure before quoting anything.
Sheridan County's housing mix includes single-family homes, townhouses, walk-up apartments, split-level homes and ranch-style homes. Each one puts the stairs in a different place, and that changes which lift fits.
Split-level homes have short flights between levels, so one person may need two straight lifts or one curved lift that handles a turn. Ranch-style homes often have their stairs leading to a basement, which can usually take a straight lift. In a walk-up apartment or townhouse, renters will need the owner's permission before anything is mounted to the stairs.
Much of the county is rugged, low-density country bordering Montana, including part of the Bighorn National Forest. The 2020 census put county population at 30,921, with 22.5% of residents age 65 or older and a median age of 43.1.
For homes with steps up to the front door or a porch, an outdoor stair lift is built to handle weather. Where a wheelchair user needs to get up a few steps, a platform lift may be a better match than a seat. Staying safely at home can also mean fewer trips out on winter roads.
The 2020 census showed 69.9% of Sheridan County housing was owner-occupied, and the county median household income was reported at $48,141 in 2010 data. For many families, that makes outside help worth checking before buying.
None of the programs below name stair lifts in the sources we have, so coverage has to be confirmed with each one. Veterans can start with the Veteran Service Officers - Sheridan & Johnson Counties in Buffalo at (307) 620-0884. Statewide, it is also worth asking about the Wyoming Technology Access Program (WyTAP), the Wyoming Home Services Program (WyHS), VA Benefits for Veterans (HISA + Prosthetics) and the Wyoming Property Tax Refund Program. The Aging Division in Cheyenne can be reached at (307) 777-7986.
Wyoming's main home and community services waiver for Medicaid-eligible adults 65 and older, or ages 19-64 with a qualifying disability, run by the Wyoming Dept. of Health Aging Division. Stair lifts and home modifications are not listed on the program page, so confirm coverage by calling (307) 777-7531.
Pays up to $126,526 (FY2026 cap) for major home modifications for veterans with the most severe service-connected mobility disabilities who own or will own the home. The VA gives ramps and doorway widening as examples but does not name stair lifts; call (800) 827-1000.
A smaller companion grant of up to $25,350 (FY2026 cap) for veterans with qualifying disabilities such as loss or loss of use of both hands. Stair lift coverage is not listed; call (800) 827-1000.
Offers very-low-income homeowners loans up to $40,000 for repairs and improvements, and grants up to $10,000 for owners age 62 or older to remove health and safety hazards. Stair lifts are not listed as an eligible item, so ask whether accessibility work qualifies.
Sheridan County's central senior-services access point, offering skilled nursing, homecare and personal care after a home-visit assessment by an Access Care Coordinator. It does not describe stair lift or home-modification services, but it is a good first call at (307) 675-1978.
Older adults
6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 259B, Cheyenne, 82002
Veterans
700 Veterans Ln, Buffalo, 82834
The Community Choices Waiver landing page does not list stair lifts or home modifications. Coverage of a specific item has to be confirmed with a Benefits and Eligibility Specialist; call (307) 777-7531.
Yes, possibly. The Community Choices Waiver also serves Medicaid-eligible adults ages 19-64 with a disability meeting Social Security Administration criteria, and USDA Section 504 loans are open to qualifying homeowners of any age.
The Veteran Service Officers - Sheridan & Johnson Counties, based at 700 Veterans Ln in Buffalo, can be reached at (307) 620-0884. The VA's main line for the SAH and SHA grants is (800) 827-1000.
Its Help at Home service covers nursing, homecare and personal care, and it does not describe stair lift installation. It can still help you sort out services and payment options; call (307) 675-1978.
Usually, yes. Straight staircases take a straight lift, while stairs with landings or turns need a curved rail made to fit, which is why every job starts with measuring the stairs.
Renters need the property owner's permission before a lift is mounted to shared or private stairs. Talk with the owner first, then we can measure.
Tell us about the stairs in your home and we will explain which lift fits, what it costs and how installation works.
