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

A Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) is a professional who has undergone specialized training and certification to help individuals, particularly seniors, adapt their homes and living environments to meet their changing needs as they age. The CAPS designation is offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, the NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP.

CAPS professionals are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to assess a person’s unique needs, recommend appropriate home modifications, and implement those changes to ensure the safety, comfort, and accessibility of the home for the aging population or individuals with disabilities.

These modifications often include improving accessibility, enhancing mobility, and addressing safety concerns to support individuals in maintaining their independence and quality of life.

If you or a loved one plans to live independently or age in place, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of aging. Aging in place refers to living comfortably and safely in your own home as you grow older.

To ensure this, many homeowners turn to Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), experts trained to assess and modify homes for aging adults.

A CAPS professional helps seniors make the necessary changes to their homes so they can live safely and comfortably as they age.

They can suggest modifications such as using a wheelchair ramp or ramps, installing bathroom grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and widening doorways for wheelchair access. CAPS professionals also provide valuable insight on addressing problems like poor lighting or a lack of accessibility that could threaten a senior’s independence or safety.

Working with an expert with a CAPS designation allows seniors to stay in their own homes more safely and longer, maintain their quality of life, and avoid unnecessary medical expenses associated with accidents and injuries due to home modifications.

What Qualifications Are Required to Be a Certified Aging in Place Specialist?

CAPS professionals undergo rigorous training and are required to meet specific standards. To become a CAPS professional, one must complete a CAPS Program consisting of a series of courses that cover topics such as:

• The unique needs of the older adult population

• Aging-in-place home assessments and home modifications

• Common barriers and solutions for accessibility

• Communication strategies for working with aging clients

• Business management and marketing for aging-in-place services

After completing the CAPS Program, a professional can obtain the CAPS designation by passing an exam and meeting additional experience, certification, and educational requirements.

CAPS professionals typically work with various clients, including homeowners, builders, architects, and occupational therapists, to create customized solutions that support aging in place.

They must also have at least two years of experience in the construction or remodeling industry. This ensures that they have practical knowledge of current home building codes and regulations.

Finally, CAPS professionals must participate in continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on industry advancements and changes and maintain their CAPS designation and certification.

What are the services offered by certified aging-in-place specialists?

CAPS professionals offer a range of services to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities in adapting their homes and living environments for greater safety, comfort, and accessibility. Some of the services they provide include:

1. Home assessments: They conduct comprehensive assessments of a client’s home to identify potential safety hazards, accessibility barriers, and areas that could be improved to support aging in place.

2. Personalized recommendations: Based on the home assessment, they develop customized recommendations for home modifications that address the client’s specific needs.

3. Project coordination: They can oversee the implementation of the recommended modifications, working closely with builders, contractors, and other professionals to ensure the changes are completed correctly and efficiently.

4. Product selection: They can advise on selecting appropriate products and equipment, such as grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts, to enhance the safety and accessibility of the home.

5. Universal design consultation: They can consult on universal design principles, helping homeowners, architects, and builders create spaces that are accessible and functional for people of all ages and abilities.

6. Education and resources: They can inform clients about available resources, support services, and best practices for aging in place.

7. Ongoing support: They can offer continuing support and guidance as the client’s needs evolve, ensuring their home meets their changing requirements.

These services are designed to help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life as they age while providing peace of mind for potential clients, their families, and caregivers. Certified Aging in Place Specialists work closely with clients to create tailored solutions that address their unique needs and preferences.

The Benefits of Hiring a Certified Aging In Place Specialist

Working with a Certified aging-in-place specialist offers numerous benefits for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Some of the key advantages include:

Expertise

CAPS professionals have specialized training and knowledge in aging-in-place strategies and home modifications, ensuring they can provide informed recommendations and solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Safety

By identifying potential hazards and implementing appropriate modifications, CAPS professionals help to create a safer living environment, reducing the risk of falls, injuries, and accidents.

Independence

Aging-in-place solutions enable individuals to maintain their independence and continue living in their homes for as long as possible, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Comfort

Home modifications recommended by CAPS professionals can improve the comfort and functionality of living spaces, making it easier for individuals to navigate their homes and perform daily tasks.

Customized Solutions

CAPS professionals work closely with clients to develop personalized plans that address their unique needs, preferences, and budgets, ensuring that the modifications are effective and affordable.

Long-term Planning

CAPS professionals can help clients plan for their future needs, allowing them to make proactive decisions and adapt their homes as their requirements change over time.

Increased Home Value

Many of the modifications and improvements recommended by CAPS professionals can increase a home’s overall value, making it more attractive to potential buyers seeking accessible and functional living spaces.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that a loved one’s home is safe, accessible, and supportive of their needs can provide immense peace of mind for family members and caregivers.

In summary, working with a CAPS professional can greatly improve the safety, comfort, and accessibility of a home, allowing seniors and individuals with disabilities to age in place with dignity and independence.

How to Find a Certified Aging In Place Specialist

By now, you may be convinced of the benefits of hiring a Certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) for your next home renovation project. But how do you find one?

Fortunately, several resources are available to help you locate a CAPS in your area.

A popular option is to visit the National Association of Home Builders¹ website and use their directory to search for CAPS professionals.

You can also ask for referrals from friends or family members who have worked with CAPS before or contact local homebuilder associations to see if they have any recommendations.

Additionally, many CAPS professionals advertise their services online or in local directories, so check those resources as well.

With some research and effort, you can find the right CAPS professional to meet your needs and help make your home safer and more comfortable for aging in place.

Conclusion

A Certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) specializes in the aging-in-place market, creating safe and accessible living spaces for seniors or individuals with disabilities. They offer home assessments, safety modifications, and universal design solutions to help people safely remain independent in their homes as they age.

Hiring a CAPS has numerous benefits, including improved safety and accessibility within the home environment, increased independence and comfort for seniors or individuals with disabilities, and potential cost savings by avoiding the need to move to an assisted living facility.

Additionally, CAPS is trained to consider each client’s unique needs and provide tailored solutions that meet their specific requirements.

To find a CAPS in your area, search the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) directory or ask for referrals from friends, family members, building professionals, or healthcare professionals.

By working with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, you can ensure that the interior design of your home meets your changing needs as you age while maintaining your independence, home safety, and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

1. Local Associations – NAHB. “Local Associations,” n.d.
2. Top Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects – NAHB. “Top Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects,” May 18, 2023.