A new certification offered by the National Assn of Home Builders (NAHB), the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, will help professional remodelers understand and offer improved services for seniors who need home modifications to "age in place." CAPS remodelers have received education about aging-in-place home design and partnering with customers to create a more comfortable home.
Our Hawaii seniors are a revered and large segment of our total population. Multi-family housing is quite common here, but many elders prefer to live independently if they can, which can mean remodeling the home to accommodate their physical needs. According to AARP, most seniors prefer to stay in their home rather than move. Remodeling for aging-in-place can enhance a home's function as an individual ages or lives with a disability.
Home remodels frequently include installing grab bars to minimize falling, adding comfort-height toilets, building no-step showers, and widening doorways to allow for mobility-assistance equipment such as wheelchairs. Also changing the height of electrical outlets and door knobs can make life easier.
The changes don't have to detract from the beauty or charm of the home either, as universal design features can be incorporated at the same time. These additions can be as simple as creating no-step access from a patio to a home's interior and constructing raised-bed planters for easier gardening. Fashion can be combined with function in bronze grab bars, improved lighting, stylish lever handles, and pull-out shelves.
According to NAHB,the CAPS courses were developed in partnership with AARP. Homeowners have more than 3,500 certified CAPS nationwide to choose from when planning their remodel. Remodelers, designers, occupational therapists, and other professions working with seniors and people with disabilities have become CAPS certified to assist with aging-in-place plans.
If you would like more information on CAPS remodeling professionals on Oahu, just let me know. Their services are an important step in helping more of our seniors remain independent in their own homes.
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