By Jana
Ward
A recent AARP study revealed that the majority of Americans
over the age of 45 prefer to remain in their own homes as they age,
rather than transition into a condominium or shuffle off to a
nursing home. In order to “age-in-place” and make accommodations for
safe, independent and comfortable living as they get older and their
ability level decreases, most homeowners need to modify their
houses.
These modifications can 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
addition of private elevators. Sounds straightforward enough,
however, this same AARP study showed that homeowners are reluctant
to hire a remodeler to modify their homes, because they didn’t know
where to find reliable contractors.
Of course, there are dependable and competent builders and
remodelers who are eager to assist this growing population of older
adults, such as members of the National Association of Homebuilders
Remodelors Council. Working together and recognizing the importance
of this issue, the AARP, NAHB Remodelors Council, NAHB Research
Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, came together to develop
the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program. The CAPS
designation program teaches remodelers the technical, business
management and customer service skills needed to make home
modifications that allow the aging population to remain in their
homes longer.
The first three-day program was offered in May 2001 at the
Senior Housing Symposium in Orlando, Fla., and the designation
program has quickly spread across the country. In the course,
remodelers discuss the unique aspects of working with and marketing
to older Americans. They expand their skills to learn the physical
traits and health issues that affect older people and how homes can
be modified to better accommodate people as they age and their
health may decline. Not only do remodelers taking the CAPS program
learn about overall needs of their older clients, they discuss
detailed technical aspects of home modifications including
installing grab bars, widening doorways and adding elevators.
The idea behind the CAPS program is to train professionals to
go 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 for their customers. And, professionals who participate in
the three-day program—primarily remodelers, general contractors,
designers, architects and health care consultants—earn the Certified
Aging-in-Place designation at their successful completion of the
course.
Seniors or Boomers who are energized and intrigued by the
thought of remaining in their homes as they age should seek advice
and assistance from a CAPS designated professional. For more
information on where to find qualified remodelers and CAPS
designees, visit www.NAHB.org and search on remodeling or call the
Greater San Antonio Builders Association at 696-3800 and ask for
your free copy of the Remodelors® Council Directory and the brochure
“How to Choose a
Remodeler.”
