Helping a Coralville Neighbor Stay in Her Home

In a quiet Coralville neighborhood, a 74-year-old woman faced a challenge many of us might never consider—simply living safely in her own home.

Several years ago, Marilyn underwent double knee replacement surgery. Now, one of those replacements has failed, and her left knee will soon need to be operated on again. Every step causes her pain. She moves carefully, unsteadily, and with the lingering memory of past falls. Her doctors made it clear: after surgery, she would not be able to return home unless it was made safer and more accessible. Marilyn couldn’t bear the idea of saying goodbye to the house she called home for 35 years. So, she gave us a call.

The biggest obstacle? The front entryway.

Her home sits on a terraced lot, with just over four feet of elevation between the driveway and her front door. At the time, that climb was only possible via a set of stairs. She could manage them—but just barely—and each trip brought the risk of another fall. “I was terrified to leave my home,” Marilyn expressed.

The solution was an accessibility ramp. Building it was no small task. The rise from the driveway to the door meant the ramp had to be carefully designed to meet code, with the proper slope and safe landings. The finished project includes five separate landings, skillfully routed to navigate around a concrete retaining wall, requiring more digging than most ramps. Now complete, the ramp allows her to come and go without fear.

But that wasn’t the only barrier she faced. Inside, her only bathroom was equipped with a high-step-in tub—another dangerous daily challenge. Stepping over its edge had become increasingly difficult and risky. The answer was to replace it with a low-clearance, walk-in shower.

When asked about our Helping Hands home repair program, Marilyn stated, “It’s a wonderful program. It helps so many people that are in some kind of bad situation and aren’t sure what to do. Something as simple as a ramp opens up your whole life again.”

These repairs weren’t about luxury; they were about safety, independence, and dignity, and a lifeline for a neighbor in need. With the ramp in place and the shower installed, she’ll be able to heal from surgery in the comfort of the home she loves.