CAPS Certification :

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 familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to the AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your home safety, 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 house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop 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 Seniors Housing Council, and the AARP developed this program to address the growing number of consumer that will soon require these modifications. While most CAPS professionals are remodelers, an increasing number are general contractors, designers, architects, and health care consultants.  

The CAPS designation is a reliable way to identify professional 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 draw from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in 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. 

 Classes are offered through local and state home building associations and at national trade shows including NAHB's International Builders' Show and the Remodelers' Show. A class schedule is available on the NAHB website (www.nahb.org)