What is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)?

The NAHB Remodelers Council, in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, developed this program to provide comprehensive, practical, information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging-in-place.

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place means remaining in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a “home” for a lifetime.

How long do you plan to live in your current home?

If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45 you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to the AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortable, regardless of age or ability level.

How should you modify your home to make it more comfortable?

To age-in-place you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of counter-top heights to the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites and the installation of private elevators.

Who can you rely on to modify your home?

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:

• The unique needs of the older adult population
• Aging-in-place home modifications
• Common remodeling projects
• Solutions to common barriers

The Remodelors tm Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Senior Housing Council, and the AARP developed this program to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications. While most CAPS professionals are remodelors, an increasing number are general contractors, designers, architects, and health care consultants.

The CAPS designation is a reliable way to identify professionals to modify your home.

CAPS professionals have the answers to your questions. They have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments. The CAPS program goes beyond design to address the codes and standards, common remodeling expenditures and projects, product ideas, and resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.

Before you modify your home.

Keep in mind that when you hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, you are buying a service rather than a product. Each CAPS professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way. No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home.

Contact us to learn how our certified C.A.P.S. specialist can help you remodel your home with your mobility in mind.
Call us at 800-882-1987.

Source: www.nahb.org