Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) |
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelors Council, in collaboration with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), NAHB Research Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, developed this program to provide comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging-in-place.
CAPS Professionals are also trained to apply their knowledge to those people with disabilities.
In plain English, 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 Home? |
If you are like the majority of Canadians over the age of 45 you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. Older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your home safe, independently and comfortably, 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 home as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop height 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 population
- Aging-in-place home modifications
- Common remodeling projects
- Solutions to common barriers
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 remodelling expenditures and projects, product ideas, and resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions. CAPS professionals pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating community service.
Before You Modify Your Home |
Keep in mind that when you hire a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist you are hiring a service rather than just 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 remodeller to actually make the modifications to your home.
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