Maria has called her two-bedroom, North Denver bungalow home for 50 years.
The home is green and white. Stone and shingles. Bright and colorful. It witnessed the growth of Maria’s four children into adulthood, holding countless cherished memories. And in recent years, it has accompanied Maria through times of great change.
As Maria has faced new challenges with her mobility, she knew her decades-long home would need critical updates to meet her changing needs.
Maria partnered with Habitat Metro Denver’s Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program for home health support and home improvements that are helping her feel more confident and independent in her home. Habitat Metro Denver and the Colorado Visiting Nurse Association (CVNA) are the partners behind CAPABLE, which provides medical consultations and home repairs to improve comfort and mobility for low-income homeowners.
Maria cannot stand for long periods of time and relies on a cane to walk. Because of a recent shoulder surgery, she cannot raise her hand to help steady herself. Through the CAPABLE program, Habitat staff installed bars along Maria’s front porch, kitchen, and bathroom, allowing her a consistent and safe place to steady her steps. They also built a bed rail and a toilet safety rail, and lowered the front door closure to make it easier for Maria to reach and operate.
Through the CAPABLE program, Habitat staff installed bars along Maria’s front porch. kitchen, and bathroom, allowing her a consistent and safe place to steady her steps. They also built a bed rail and a toilet safety rail, and lowered the front door closure to make it easier for Maria to reach and operate.
“I think the bars will help me improve my walking. If I have something to hold on to, I’ll feel more secure,” shares Maria.
Born in Ecuador, Maria married and raised her four children in her Denver home, while also working multiple jobs to support her family. She was a professional seamstress and made clothing, household goods, and outdoor gear like tents and backpacks. she is most proud of a tent she made that was used in the “Indiana Jones” movies.
“The bars will help me improve my walking. If I have something to hold on to, I’ll feel more secure.”
– Maria, CAPABLE Homeowner
In recent years, after seeing her mobility challenges and witnessing a fall, a caring neighbor introduced Maria to the CAPABLE program–a transformative opportunity that would help her move safely and independently at home. With this support, Maria is now on a path to reclaiming her confidence, comfort, and the joy of living in the place she loves most. “I really like how everything turned out. Everything is really helpful for me to move around the house,” shares Maria.
A nurse from CNVA taught Maria mobility exercises and provided Maria with a walker so she can sit if she gets tired. Her home now includes non-slip mats for the bathroom and other aids that will support Maria’s daily routine. Now, Maria’s home of five decades has the updates it needs to support its owner in a new life stage.
“This program is great. So many people need this support, and I feel blessed that I received it,” shares Maria
