Aging in place is important to many seniors because it offers comfort and independence. A certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) makes it easier by enhancing safety and accessibility around the home.

CAPS professionals recommend helpful modifications and oversee renovations. Their guidance can help you or an aging family member navigate the home, feel more at ease and prevent accidents. Using a CAPS and a medical alert system is the best way to enjoy your upcoming years to the fullest.

What Is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist?

A certified aging-in-place specialist helps improve safety and independence for seniors by evaluating the home and recommending special accessibility modifications. They receive training and certification through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP to fully understand the elderly community's needs. Many CAPS professionals have backgrounds in home remodeling, health care or home care.

How to Find a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist

The following steps can help you find a certified aging-in-place specialist for yourself or a loved one:

Step 1: Use the NAHB CAPS Directory

The NAHB's directories help you find experienced home remodeling professionals. If you are an NAHB member, you can search for a CAPS directly through the NAHB website. This resource is also helpful in verifying a CAPS professional's credentials.

Step 2: Ask for Recommendations From Senior Care Organizations or Medical Professionals

Another way to find a qualified CAPS is through medical organizations and local senior care centers. Ask your primary care doctor or trusted professionals in your community if they have recommendations.

Step 3: Check Online Reviews and Ratings

Once you find a CAPS professional in your area, search their name on platforms such as Google and Yelp to find reviews. Past clients are more likely to leave honest opinions, and you may gain some excellent insights from their experiences.

Step 4: Interview Potential CAPS Professionals

Interviewing a CAPS professional before hiring them is important. It's an opportunity to ask about their experience, communicate your goals and determine if they're the right fit for you.

What Does a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Do?

You can depend on a CAPS to do the following:

Assess Home Accessibility

A CAPS can assess your home or a loved one's home to determine how accessible it is. They talk with you or your family member to understand specific concerns and needs and identify potential risks in your environment.

Recommend Modifications

After assessing the home, a CAPS suggests alterations to increase safety and accessibility for aging in place. They may discuss modifications such as:

• Ramps: Ramps make it easier to move in and out of the home. These are especially important for individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers.
• Handrails and grab bars: Handrails and grab bars make it easier to navigate different areas, especially ones that are slippery or transition to higher levels.
• Shower chairs and raised toilet seats: Shower chairs and raised toilet seats can help you or a loved one use the restroom and complete hygiene tasks with ease.
• Walk-in showers: Compared to bathtubs and shower-tub units, a walk-in shower is easier to get in and out of safely.
• Widened doorways: Widened doorways help you move between rooms and are often necessary when you use a wheelchair or walker.
• Improved lighting: Enhanced lighting and motion-sensor lights improve visibility, reducing the risk of bumps, bruises and falls.
• Adjusted flooring and nonslip mats: A CAPS may recommend low-pile carpeting and nonslip mats. These help reduce slips and falls around the house.
• Stairlifts: Stairlifts are often necessary in two-story homes because they eliminate the need to walk on steep staircases.
• Improved pull handles and doorknobs: Easy-to-use pull handles and doorknobs improve accessibility. CAPS professionals typically recommend these for individuals with dexterity challenges.
• Accessible medical equipment storage: A CAPS might suggest more accessible medical equipment storage. This helps you or your loved one reach important supplies when necessary.

Provide Renovation Cost Estimates and Manage Contractors

Aging-in-place specialists provide cost estimates with their recommendations so you know what to expect before making final decisions and starting the process. They also hire and manage contractors to complete the renovations, taking care of the process and ensuring quality for you.

Evaluate Projects for Safety and Satisfaction

Once a project is complete, the CAPS evaluates the home. They thoroughly inspect the completed work for safety and ensure the results meet your expectations.

Why Hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist?

Working with a CAPS offers the following advantages:

Greater Independence and Quality of Life

The ability to age in place offers the following benefits that support happiness and overall well-being:

• Remaining in familiar spaces you find most comfortable
• Maintaining social connections with friends and your community
• Surrounding yourself with spaces and objects that hold precious memories
• Keeping a household pet for emotional support if you wish
• Having control over your life and routine
• Saving money by avoiding a long-term care facility

Cost-Effective Alternative to a Senior Living Facility

Hiring a CAPS and making safer home alterations is a cost-effective alternative to a senior living facility. Rather than paying for a room in a facility, a CAPS helps you continue enjoying your current home and save money.

Expertise and Personalized Recommendations

CAPS professionals have expertise in home safety and accessibility. They understand the best modifications for aging in place. Each CAPS customizes guidance and suggestions to meet your unique needs.

Smooth Renovation Process

A CAPS facilitates a smooth renovation process. You don't have to worry about finding contractors or explaining the requested renovations to them. CAPS professionals take care of this for you.

Combining CAPS Services With Medical Alert Systems

Pairing CAPS home modifications with medical alert systems results in enhanced safety. While home renovations help prevent accidents, emergencies are still possible. Medical Care Alert's home medical alert systems and wearable devices help you:

• Talk directly to compassionate, medically trained professionals in the event of an emergency
• Detect falls and alert experienced dispatchers
• Monitor aging loved ones for greater peace of mind

Enhance Your or Your Loved One's Safety and Well-Being

An accessible home supports aging in place and enhances quality of life. Hiring a CAPS for home renovations and using a reliable medical alert system are the best ways to create a safe living situation.

Medical Care Alert offers reliable medical alert systems to support safe aging in place. Our HOME system, HOME & AWAY GPS system and SmartWatch make it easier to remain at home and continue your usual routines safely. Wearable pendants let you call for help with the push of a button, and GPS devices report your exact location. Order a medical alert system or call us at 1-855-272-1010 to learn more.