Raise your hand if you have a person in your life about whom you worry but who refuses to accept your help or even listen to your ideas! I bet there are many hands up high out there, but I would guess that mine might be waving the highest!
I have a 97-year-old dad who is as feisty as they come. The Greatest Generation really did produce some incredible people! I mean that in the most complimentary way. Fiercely independent, resourceful, and determined…I am no match for him, nor do I ever want to take away or diminish his inner strength and dignity, but there are days when I wish he would just listen to my suggestions. Here I am, a trained Certified Aging in Place Specialist(CAPS), and he refuses to take any of my tips on how to make his home safer. His neighbor, Bernadette, could tell him the exact same thing as I have told him on multiple occasions, and he will listen to her. I have even resorted to asking Bernadette on the sly to suggest certain things just to get him to make some changes, but he is way too smart to fall for it! “You’ve been talking to Bernadette again!” he accuses, and he is always right!
It is actually encouraging that our family members do at least listen to other people who are not their loved ones, especially people who are experts in their field. My dad may not listen to me, but other moms and dads, husbands and wives, seem to think that I have some good ideas, just because I am a trained, objective outsider. If you are looking for a professional whose objective is to create a safe home environment in order to make aging in place a viable option, then I would suggest you locate a Certified Aging in Place Specialist in your local area.
CAPS professionals are trained by the National Association of Home Builders to help guide people, regardless of their age, on making adaptations to their homes with safety in mind. In addition to providing an objective, trained opinion, they also offer a fresh set of eyes, often seeing easy, creative solutions to seemingly impossible barriers. Consulting with them before making changes to a home can help people make well-informed decisions. This may, in the end, save people money by doing things correctly from the start. If done proactively, life-changing falls can be prevented, and the beauty of a home may be preserved. You can quickly and easily locate CAPS professionals in your area by going to www.nahb.org/capsdirectory and in the filter boxes, click on CAPS and your State or City.
A CAPS professional cannot resolve all of your challenges, but they can take some worries off of your plate by at least helping provide a safer home environment. Peace of mind is priceless…Now, if only my challenges were so easily resolved!
What Is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)?
CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, a professional credential offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The program provides specialized training in communicating with aging-in-place clients, designing livable homes, and identifying practical solutions for home modifications.
A CAPS professional can help homeowners consider how changes in mobility, accessibility, or daily living needs may affect the way they use their homes. The goal is to explore practical improvements that support comfort, accessibility, and independence.
Learn more about the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist credential from NAHB.
Why Does CAPS Training Matter?
Every home and homeowner has different needs. A change that works well for one person may not be the right solution for another.
Specialized aging-in-place training helps professionals consider how a home’s layout, entrances, stairs, bathrooms, lighting, and pathways affect everyday activities. It also supports conversations about possible modifications, so homeowners can understand their options before deciding which changes to make.
Depending on the home and the individual’s needs, potential improvements may include grab bars, handrails, ramps, stairlifts, better lighting, or accessible bathroom modifications.
Planning ahead can help families prioritize improvements and make informed decisions about their home and budget.
How Liv Home Pros Helps Homeowners
Making a home more accessible starts with understanding the challenges a homeowner faces and the activities they want to continue doing comfortably.
Liv Home Pros provides home accessibility solutions, including ramps, stairlifts, grab bars and handrails, lighting improvements, and accessible remodeling. The right approach depends on the property, the homeowner’s needs, and the scope of the project.
If you are considering accessibility improvements for yourself or a loved one, a home evaluation can help you explore possible solutions and determine what steps to consider next.
Contact Liv Home Pros at 585-203-9200 or visit our contact page to ask about a free home evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does CAPS stand for?
CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. It is a professional credential awarded by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to professionals trained to plan and carry out home modifications that help people live safely and independently in their homes.
Why should I hire a CAPS professional?
A CAPS professional has specialized training relevant to home accessibility and aging in place. This expertise can help homeowners identify potential barriers, consider suitable modifications, and prioritize improvements based on their needs and budget.
What types of home modifications can support aging in place?
Depending on the home and the homeowner’s needs, modifications may include grab bars, handrails, ramps, stairlifts, improved lighting, and accessible bathroom features.
Is CAPS certification the same as a contractor license?
No. CAPS is a professional credential focused on aging-in-place training. It does not replace any contractor licensing, permits, or other legal requirements applicable to the work.
Who can earn a CAPS credential?
The credential is held by a range of professionals, including remodelers, builders, designers, and occupational therapists who work with older adults and people with mobility needs. Each completes the same NAHB course series.
What does a CAPS home evaluation look at?
A home evaluation typically reviews entrances and exits, stairs, bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and doorways, lighting, and flooring, because these are the areas where falls and mobility barriers are most common. The specialist then recommends a prioritized plan based on the household’s needs and budget.
What if my parent or loved one resists making changes to their home?
This is very common. Many people are more open to suggestions from a neutral professional than from a family member, especially when the focus is on keeping their independence and the look of their home. A CAPS-certified provider like Liv Home Pros can explain the options respectfully and let the homeowner stay in control of the decisions.
Does Liv Home Pros offer CAPS-certified home evaluations in Rochester, NY?
Yes. Liv Home Pros is a CAPS-certified accessibility provider serving Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and communities throughout Western and Central New York. We offer free home evaluations and install ramps, lifts, safety equipment, and accessible remodeling. Call 585-203-9200 or visit livhomepros.com/contact/ to schedule yours.