For sons and daughters arranging this, nearby or from far away.
The short answer
Start with your parent's own goals, then take one practical step together, such as a free home visit to measure. Most families pay for a stair lift themselves, about $4,000 on average, because Medicare does not cover home modifications; the local Aging and Disability Resource Center and, for veterans, the VA are the first calls to make about help.
Last updated
How do you raise it?
Keep it about what your parent wants to keep doing at home. Ask rather than tell, and let them set the pace. Our post on talking with a parent about a stair lift has words that help.
What should you note before the visit?
- Which stairs or steps are the problem, inside and out
- Whether a walker or wheelchair is used, and its width
- Where your parent sleeps, bathes and spends the day
- Who will be at the visit, and who makes decisions
- Condo or HOA rules, if any
Who can help with costs?
- Medicare: usually not. CMS says home modifications are not covered.
- Florida Medicaid long-term care: screening starts with the local Aging and Disability Resource Center, or the Elder Helpline on 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
- The VA: if your parent is a veteran with a qualifying service-connected disability, SAH and SHA grants may help.
| County | ADRC | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Alliance for Aging, Inc. | (305) 670-6500 |
| Broward | Area Agency on Aging of Broward County | (954) 745-9567 |
| Palm Beach | Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast | (561) 684-5885 |
| Hillsborough | Senior Connection Center | (813) 740-3888 |
| Pinellas | Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas | (727) 570-9696 |
| Collier and Lee | Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida | (239) 652-6900 |
Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). Last updated October 28, 2026.
Arranging it from another city
- Fill in the form on your parent's behalf and tell us the best number to arrange the visit
- Join the home visit by phone or video
- Ask for the quote by email so you can read it together
- Make sure a neighbour or relative knows how to use the lift and who to call if it stops
Hurricane season
If your parent has a disability, Florida's Division of Emergency Management encourages planning ahead and offers a Special Needs Registry. Add the lift to the family storm plan: where it parks, and charging the battery.[6]
What this means for you
Keep your parent in charge, take one step at a time, and make the first calls about funding early. General information only, not medical, legal or financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a quote for my mother or father?
Yes. Choose "A parent or family member" on the form and tell us who to call to arrange the visit.
My parent says they do not need a stair lift. What now?
Listen to why. Sometimes a trial, a rental or a different option such as a downstairs bedroom is the right next step.
Can the quote be sent to me rather than my parent?
Yes, with your parent's agreement. Tell us at the start who should receive it.
Sources
- Stairlift Installation Cost (national cost guide, updated 31 Jan 2025), Fixr. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- SMMC Long-Term Care Recipient FAQs, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Disability housing grants for Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Patient Lifts, Policy Article A52516, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Access and Functional Needs Planning (Florida Special Needs Registry), Florida Division of Emergency Management. Accessed October 28, 2026.
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