A certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) is a professional who has been specifically trained to help seniors age in place safely and comfortably.
CAPS professionals have the skills and knowledge to assess the unique needs of seniors and make recommendations and the right choices for products and services that can help them live independently. They also have a network of resources and contacts that they can connect seniors with, if needed.
If you or a loved one is interested in aging in place, working with a CAPS-certified professional can help ensure that your home is safe and comfortable, and that you have the resources and support you need to age independently.
What Training Is Involved With A CAPS Certification Through The National Association Of Home Builders (NAHB)?
There is a wide range of training involved in becoming a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders.
The first step is to complete an online application and pay the required fees. Once you have been accepted into the program, you will be able to access the CAPS curriculum, which includes both options of online and in-person courses.
CAPS Program:
- Marketing and Communicating with the Aging In Place Client (CAPS 1)
- Design Concept and Livable Homes for Aging In Place (CAPS 2)
- Details and Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging In Place (CAPS 3)
In order to receive your CAPS certification from the NAHB CAPS designation program, you must pass a written exam for each course.
The written exam is designed to test your knowledge of the CAPS curriculum, and to test your ability to apply the concepts you learned in the coursework to a real-world scenario.
Once you have successfully completed the CAPS certification process, you will be able to use the CAPS designation after your name and promote your business as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. In order to maintain the CAPS accreditation you must earn 4 continuing education credits annually and pay the corresponding fee to the NAHB.
If you are interested in becoming a CAPS certified professional, the National Association of Home Builders offers a variety of resources to help you get started.
For more information, please visit the NAHB website or contact your local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders.
How Do I Find An NAHB Certified CAPS Instructor?
There are a few ways that you can find an NAHB Certified CAPS Instructor. The first way is to check the NAHB website. They will have a list of all the certified instructors in your area.
Another way is to ask your local home builders association if they know of any certified instructors. Finally, you can always contact the CAPS office directly and they will be able to help you find a certified instructor in your area.
What Is The Cost Of A CAPS Certification?
There is no set cost for a CAPS certification. The price will vary depending on the instructor and the location of the class.
Some instructors may offer discounts for groups or for those who are taking the course for continuing education credits. Contact your local instructor for pricing information.
You can also find contact information for the CAPS office on their website.
Who Can Earn A Certified Aging In Place Certification (CAPS)?
Some of the most common CAPS-certified professionals include contractors, homebuilders, remodelers, occupational therapists, and architects.
Many different types of businesses that work with older adults or those with disabilities can benefit from having at least one staff member who is CAPS certified.
CAPS program requires completion of a training program and passing an exam. The training program covers a variety of topics related to aging in place, including accessibility, home modifications, universal design principles, and more.
After completing the training program and passing the exam, CAPS-certified professionals are able to provide valuable insights and recommendations to a large population of potential clients about how to make their homes more accessible and livable.
And of course, having good customer service skills is a must. Having a CAPS certification will allow you to take advantage of a market niche within the baby boom generation.
Some of the businesses that may benefit from CAPS certification include:
-Home health care agencies
-Hospitals and other healthcare facilities
-Independent Living communities
-Assisted Living Communities
-Memory Care Communities
-Construction companies
-Architectural firms
-Design firms
-Rehabilitation centers
-Product manufacturers and retailers
Individuals who may benefit from CAPS certification include:
-Homeowners
-Family Members of Older Adults
-Adult Children of Aging Parents
-Caregivers
-Architects
-Interior Designers
-Building Professionals
-health Care Professionals
-Health Care Consultants
-Home Remodelers
-General Contractors
-Product Manufacturers
-Salespeople
-Marketers
-Distributors
How Long Will It Take To Earn A Certified Aging In Place Designation?
A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is a nationally recognized credential earned by completing a training program and passing an exam.
The length of time it takes to earn the CAPS designation depends on the specific training program you choose. Some programs can be completed in as little as three days, while others may take up to six months.
Once you have completed a training program, you will need to pass the CAPS exam in order to earn your designation. The CAPS exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and is typically taken online.
You will have three hours to complete the exam, and you must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher to earn your CAPS credential.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in aging in place, earning your CAPS designation is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field.
For more information about how to earn your CAPS credential, contact a local training program or visit the National Association of Home Builders website.
You may also want to consider a course in business management which is also offered by the NAHB.
What Can I Do With An Aging In Place Certification?
Baby Boomers make up the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry. With an aging in place certification, individuals can work in home health care agencies, hospitals, senior living communities, and other healthcare facilities.
They can also work in construction companies, architectural firms, design firms, and rehabilitation centers. Furthermore, they can be employed by product manufacturers, sales companies, and marketing firms that focus on the needs of seniors.
Finally, they may work for distributors that sell products designed for aging in place and modification of the home environment. In any of these settings, an aging in place certification can provide opportunities for those who are passionate about helping older adults live fulfilling and independent lives.
What is Meant By Aging In Place?
Aging in place refers to the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.
It means being able to stay in the home you love as you age and not having to move away from your community and support network due to a lack of accessible housing options.
What Is The Most Common Aging In Place Remodeling Project?
The most common aging in place remodeling project is installing grab bars in the bathroom. Grab bars provide stability and support for getting in and out of the shower or tub, and can help prevent falls.
Other common projects include installing wider doorways and widening doorways for wheelchair accessibility, additional task lighting, installing lever handles on doors and faucets, and adding railings on stairs in clients’ homes.
These common remodeling projects can make your home safer and more comfortable to live in as you age.
Wheelchair Ramps
If you’re looking for an aging in place remodeling project that can make a big difference in your home, installing a wheelchair ramp is a great option.
Wheelchair ramps can help provide people with limited mobility the ability to move around their home more easily and independently.
If you have a loved one who uses a wheelchair or has difficulty walking, a wheelchair ramp can be a great way to make your home more accessible.
There are a few things to keep in mind when installing a wheelchair ramp, such as making sure the ramp is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and has a nonslip surface.
You’ll also want to make sure the ramp is installed securely and is able to support the weight of a wheelchair and user.
Stair Lifts
One of the best ways to maintain your independence as you age is to invest in an aging in place remodel
This type of home improvement project is designed to make your living space more comfortable and accessible, so that you can stay in your own home for as long as possible.
Stairlifts are a great addition to any aging in place remodel, as they can help you safely navigate your home’s stairs.
TOP 5 Aging In Place Remodeling Projects
1. Widen doorways and hallways
2. Install grab bars and handrails
3. Convert a bathroom into a wet room
4. Add ramps or lifts
5. Modify the kitchen to accommodate wheelchair users
Home Innovation Research Labs
Home Innovation Research Labs is a national research organization that develops and delivers products, services, and technologies to improve the quality, performance, affordability, and health of our homes.
Their areas of expertise include: building envelope systems; indoor environmental quality; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; plumbing and water systems; windows, doors, and skylights; and structural systems.
They provide research, consulting, testing, and product development services to a wide range of clients in the public and private sectors.
Is Aging In Place Realistic?
Most people own homes that need to be remodeled in order to improve accessibility. For many people, aging in place is a realistic goal.
With a little planning and preparation, it can be possible to stay in your own home even as your needs change.
There are a number of things you can do to make your home more comfortable and accessible as you age, and there is also a growing number of services and supports available to help you stay in your own home.
However, aging in place is not always possible. Sometimes, the changes that come with aging make it difficult or unsafe to stay in your own home. In these cases, moving to a more supportive living environment may be the best option.
For many people, the “golden years” are a time to enjoy retirement, spend time with grandchildren, and travel. However, for some, the golden years can be a time of declining health and decreased independence.
No matter what your situation, it is important to plan ahead and be prepared for the possibility that you may need to make some changes in your living arrangements as you age.
Talk to your family and friends about your plans, and research your options so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
And if you are considering earning your CAPS certification, there is a growing need for these types of professionals across the country and beyond.