WHAT IS AGING IN PLACE?

Aging in place means remaining in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a “home” for a lifetime. If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45 you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to the AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

HOW SHOULD YOU MODIFY YOUR HOME TO MAKE IT MORE COMFORTABLE?

To age-in-place you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications 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 installation of private elevators.

WHEN CONSIDERING MODIFYING YOUR HOME,

ASK YOURSELF: · Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level? · How can I make my kitchen more functional? · Am I worried about preventing falls? · Will other members of my family benefit from modifications? · Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?

WHO CAN YOU RELY ON TO MODIFY YOUR HOME?

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:

• the unique needs of the older adult population;
• aging-in-place home modifications;
• common remodeling projects;
• solutions to common barriers.

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation 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 aging in place. NAHB Remodelers—in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center and NAHB 50+ 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 CAPS DESIGNATION IS A RELIABLE WAY TO IDENTIFY PROFESSIONALS TO MODIFY YOUR HOME

CAPS professionals have the answers to your questions. They have been taught 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 graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.

*Randy Wise and Debbie Wise of Randy Wise Homes, Inc. have successfully completed all of the requirements to earn the CAPS designation. All information courtesy of National Association of Home Builder.