Certified Accessibility Specialists

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of the nearly 80 million Baby Boomers that reached retirement age this decade.

80 percent of all Americans 55 years or older own their own homes; the highest rate of homeownership of any age group in the country. This generation is typically healthier and wealthier than previous generations, and expect their homes to reflect their active, independent and upscale lifestyles. The CAPS designation identifies remodelers and other industry professionals that have been trained to help retirees and older adults remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably regardless of income or ability level, to continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.

To reduce falls and accidents in the home and to help older adults live better, a CAPS professional will run through a short checklist such as: bathroom modifications, stair rails, lighting, reducing glare, troubleshooting entrances, clearing walkways, increasing color contrasts and heat safety. Products and equipment that target these issues in the home are at the top of any CAPS’s list.
Projects for the aging-in-place remodeling segment range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and the adjustment of countertop heights to the creation of multifunctional first-floor master suites and the installation of private elevators. An NAHB survey of remodelers in late 2010 showed that the most common aging-in-place remodeling projects included:
grab bars: 80 percent
higher toilets: 78 percent
curb-less showers: 59 percent
wider doorways: 55 percent
ramps or lower thresholds: 45 percent
lighting/task lighting: 42 percent

The CAPS designation helps professional remodelers “separate the wheat from the chaff.” Their experience and expertise in home accessibility modifications and universal design gives them a leg up in choosing the correct products for their clients. More than 70 percent of remodelers are seeing increases in requests for aging-in-place features. The two most common reasons for taking on aging-in-place work are acute age-related disabilities at 68 percent, followed by the desire of the homeowner to plan ahead for future needs at 44 percent.

The NAHB Remodelers, in collaboration with Home Innovation Research Labs, NAHB 50+ Housing Council and AARP, developed the CAPS program to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications. Though originally targeted to remodelers, HME/DME providers, occupational and physical therapists, nurses, architects, interior designers and even government officials who deal with home modifications for disabled veterans also seek the CAPS designation in increasing numbers.

The three-day CAPS curriculum focuses on 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 program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects. CAPS classes are offered through local and state home building associations and at national tradeshows including NAHB’s International Builder’s Show and the Remodeling Show.