What is CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)?

Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is a certification program administrated by the National Home Builders Association (NHBA) in the US. Builders, architects, designers, remodelers and trade professionals who are members of the NHBA can take the courses and apply for certification as a CAPS professional. The NAHB Remodelers Council, in collaboration with the 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.

The 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. Aging in place is the ability to remain in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. Basically, it means that your home and surroundings will accommodate changes in family composition, health and mobility changes as you age.

 CAPS professionals understand the aging in place market and have the technical knowledge and resources to solve the remodeling needs of the aging in place population. The CAPS program is a three-day program covering the strategies and techniques for marketing, designing, and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments.

Projects for the aging-in-place remodeling segment range from installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop heights to the creation of multi-functional first-floor master suites and the installation of accessible bathtubs.

 The three main components of the course are:

  • Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I): background on the older adult population; communication  remodeling expenditures and projects; accessing the aging-in-place remodeling market
  • Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II): codes and standards; common barriers and solutions; product ideas and resources
  • Business Management for Building Professionals: strategies and techniques for building a competitive, sustainable remodeling business; case studies and interactive exercises (holders of certain certifications are exempt from this course*)

There is also a continuing education requirement of 12 hours of continuing education every three years from building industry related educational activities.

Links:

NAHB http://www.nahb.org

Directory of CAPS Certified Professionals : http://www.nahb.org/directory.aspx?directoryID=1415

NAHB Research Center, http://www.nahbrc.org/

AARP. http://www.aarp.org/

The following are some Aquassure dealers that have CAPS certification:

?        Tim Dickey – Accessible Living Concepts

?        William Thibadeau – Case Remodeling

?        Chuck Tanner – Aspen Design

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