A Guide to Certified Aging in Place Specialists
Everyting to know about who they are, why you should hire one, and more.
Author:START READING
Related Articles
- The Ultimate Guide to Aging in Place
- Aging in Place Statistics
- The Ultimate Aging in Place Checklist
- The Pros and Cons of Aging in Place
- Aging in Place Bathroom Design Ideas
- Aging in Place Kitchen Design
- A Guide to Certified Aging in Place Specialists
- The Most Common Aging in Place Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Tips to Make Aging Gracefully More Manageable
Is aging from the comfort of your home important to you?
Are you like the 93% of adults 55+ who view it as an important goal?
If so, we don't blame you. The combination of comfort, safety, and independence that home offers makes it ideal to stay in. However, there are a few challenges that this goal brings.
For one, an estimated 10% of US homes are "aging ready." This means they don't have a step-free entryway, a first-floor bedroom/bathroom, or at least one bathroom accessibility feature.
This poses a significant threat to the goal of aging in place. If your home is unsafe or doesn't meet your physical needs, your quality of life can decrease. This may lead to the need to move to assisted living.
This is where a certified aging in place specialist can be of great help. These specialists offer a unique perspective into the needs of the elderly. They can transform your home into an oasis of safety and comfort. In this guide, we dive deep into the world of these professionals, including what they are, how they can help, and how to choose one.
What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)?
A CAPS certified professional helps seniors make their homes safer and more independent as they get older. This is a designation, offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), signifies an expertise in creating accessible and functional living spaces.
What Types of Professions are Involved?
CAPS professionals typically come from backgrounds in construction and remodeling (contractors, builders, designers). However, the certification is open to various professionals who deal with senior living. including:
- Occupational Therapists (OTs): OTs understand the physical limitations associated with aging and can recommend home modifications that may improve daily activities.
- Architects and Interior Designers: These professionals offer design expertise to create aesthetically pleasing yet functional living spaces. They can help make a home look pleasant while still retaining its function for seniors.
- Gerontologists: These are professionals who study aging and promote well-being among older adults. This includes a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, biologists), social workers, and economists. They understand aging and senior needs to ensure changes address the specific challenges older adults encounter. They tailor these changes to meet the unique difficulties faced by older adults.
- Homecare Providers: Home care providers work directly with seniors in their homes. They provide a wide variety of services, such as help with daily living, cooking, and cleaning. Their first-hand experience with seniors gives them insights into their daily routines and needs.
How do they Get Their Aging in Place Certification?
To be a CAPS specialist, professionals must complete a thorough educational program provided by the NAHB. This extensive three-day program covers various aspects of aging in place, including:
- The physical and cognitive changes associated with aging: This covers the common limitations seniors face, including decreased mobility, vision impairment, and arthritis.
- Home assessment and safety evaluation: CAPS specialists are trained to identify potential hazards in the home and recommend modifications to address them. This might include installing grab bars, widening doorways, or improving lighting.
- Universal design principles: This methodology focuses on creating homes that are usable by people of all ages and abilities.
- Building codes and regulations: Professionals are educated and trained to understand relevant regulations to ensure modifications comply with safety standards.
- Communication and client relations: Working with seniors often requires sensitivity and effective communication. Professionals are trained to effectively communicate and understand their needs and concerns.
Professionals must participate in continuing education programs in addition to completing the three-day certification. This ensures they stay on top of new industry trends and requirements.
What Can a CAPS Specialist Do for You?
CAPS specialists vary in profession but can be a significant help in helping seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible. The combination of their profession and training gives them insight into the needs and struggles that come with aging. Depending on the profession, key services offered by CAPS professionals include:
Identify Key Home Safety and Accessibility Issues
A CAPS specialist can help identify potential home hazards for seniors. They can walk through the home and see potential issues that may seem minute to the untrained eye.
Make Home Safety and Accessibility Recommendations
On top of identifying key issues, CAPS professionals can make the proper recommendations to improve home safety and accessibility. They're trained in not just knowing the issues but making the proper recommendations to alleviate them.
Keep Your Home Accessible for Everyone
CAPS professionals are trained in universal design principles. These principles help make homes accessible for everyone, no matter their age or physical abilities. This is especially important for seniors living with family members.
They can Help You Find Contractors and Products
A CAPS professional's extensive knowledge can help them serve as an aging in place consultant. If you are in occupational therapy, the therapist can help you find home modifications. They can also assist you in finding the right contractor or product to meet your needs
They can Collaborate with Other Professionals
The extensive knowledge of senior needs that CAPS specialists offer can help them collaborate with other professionals. For example, if you are working with an OT and require home remodeling.
The OT can work with a contractor to ensure your physical needs and limitations are met. They can provide insight into the mobility aids you use and what you struggle with. This can help the contractor make specific modifications to meet your needs.
Three Benefits of Hiring a CAPS Specialist
Custom Support for Your Needs
The needs of seniors can be different from those of younger people. A CAPS specialist is trained to understand and manage those needs. This custom support ensures that it meets your needs and provides you with the necessary level of care.
Improved Independence, Safety, and Peace of Mind
The primary goal of a CAPS specialist is to maximize the time a senior can live in their home. The specialized training they receive provides them with the knowledge and skills to fulfill that mission. This means understanding and knowing what is required to improve senior independence, safety, and peace of mind.
Time and Cost Savings
Choosing to hire a CAPS specialist can save you time and money. Their knowledge will help them tailor solutions to your specific needs. This can save you time and money by having the proper changes done the first time and not having to hire other help.
How to Find a Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Finding a CAPS is relatively simple through the National Association of Home Builders' database. To use their tool:
- Enter the type of professional you're looking for (i.e., home builder, physical therapist, etc.).
- This step is optional. Filter your results by designation, name, city, and/or state
- Each person has a profile that lists their email, phone number, and website
Once you've contacted a CAPS, they'll typically schedule an appointment to tour your home and assess your current and future needs. Most will charge for a consultation of your services. However, some will waive their consultation fees if you hire them.
Key Things to Consider Before Hiring a CAPS
As with any purchase, it's vital to have a clear understanding of what you're looking for when hiring a CAPS. Below are key things to ask about and consider before hiring a professional:
Experience and Expertise
- Area of Focus: Does the CAPS specialist have experience working with clients with similar needs (e.g., mobility issues, vision impairment)?
- Project Experience: Inquire about their experience with specific modifications you're considering. Have they tackled similar projects before?
- Additional Certifications: Do they hold any additional certifications relevant to your project? This might include Certified Aging in Place Designer (CAPD) or certifications in specific areas like bathroom or kitchen modifications.
Communication Style and Client Relations
- Initial Consultation: Schedule a consultation to assess their communication style and bedside manner. This is someone you'll be working closely with, so ensure you feel comfortable and heard.
- Ability to Explain Complexities: Can they explain technical concepts in a clear and understandable way? This is especially important for seniors who may not understand construction concepts.
- Patience and Empathy: Working with seniors requires patience and sensitivity. Does the CAPS specialist demonstrate these qualities during the consultation?
Project Management and Costs
- Project Scope: Discuss your project goals and budget upfront. Can they create a realistic timeline and cost estimate for the modifications?
- Network of Contractors: Do they have a network of reliable and trustworthy contractors experienced in aging-in-place modifications?
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure they have the proper licenses and insurance to perform the work in your area.
Reputation and Certification
- References: Ask for references from past clients to get a sense of their experience working with the CAPS specialist.
- Online Reviews: Check online review platforms for feedback from previous clients.
- NAHB Directory: Utilize the NAHB CAPS directory to verify their certification status.
Conclusion
Hiring a specialist with a CAPS designation can improve a senior's quality of life. Because earning your CAPS requires taking a course, these professionals can offer insight into seniors' daily needs. That added expertise can make a world of difference for those aging in place at home.
Aging in Place Resources
About the Author
Brandon Landgraf is the Digital Marketing Manager for Carex Health Brands. He finds passion and fulfillment in creating content that enhances, improves, and enlivens others' quality of life. All of his written work is formulated to not only offer essential advice and tips but back it with proven studies and experts. His mission is to connect with readers and provide steps to make their lives better.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.
About Carex Health Brands
Carex is your one-stop shop for home medical equipment and for products that assist caregivers with providing the best possible support and care for their loved ones. Carex Health Brands has been the branded leader in in-home, self-care medical products for over 35 years. Our goal is to improve the lives of our customers by bring them quality products that bring dignity back to their lives. With our three nationally distributed brands, Carex Health Brands serves national, regional and independent food, drug and mass retailers along with wholesalers, distributors and medical dealers.