Certified Aging in Place Specialist: Home Modifications to Age in Place
Mike Shina of Windsong Properties in Somerset, Georgia offers expert advice on universal home design and easy modifications to accommodate changing needs.
Looking for home modifications for elderly parent? Talk to a Certified Aging in Place specialist.
Certified Aging In Place Specialist
“To a young couple, a house that is universally designed will seem more open and spacious. To someone with health or mobility issues, it will seem both beautiful and functional with its accessible entry point and wider doorways and hallways. "
Mike Shina Certified Aging In Place Specialist
Meet:
Mike Shina CAPS
Windsong Properties
Somerset, Georgia
Phone 678-409-6475
Meet Mike Shina
Diane: What are the first steps an individual that wants to remain in their home consider taking to prepare for aging in place?
Mike: A home assessment by a Certified Aging-in- Place Specialist is a good place to start.
The CAPS professional, equipped with specialized training, will visit the home and discuss the homeowner’s specific situation. The CAPS will assess their individual situation, and then explain the options available that will best meet their needs and budget.
Diane: Can you make some inexpensive recommendations that may be helpful to any aging senior now?
Mike: A raised “comfort height” toilet is important as you age. Grab bars in both the water closet and shower for safety is important as well.
Discover the Benefits of Aging in Place: Stay in the Comfort of Your Own Home
While assisted living communities offer convenience and luxury, many seniors prefer to age in the familiarity of their lifelong homes and neighborhoods. An assisted living facility can be a costly alternative, making aging in place a more financially viable option for many families. If you want to learn how to make your home more aging-friendly, keep reading for top home modifications and innovative assistive technologies that promote independence.
Reasons to Choose Aging in Place
With increasing life expectancy and positive societal factors like education and work opportunities, more people than ever are choosing to age in place. Avoid the high costs of senior living communities and maintain the close connections with your loved ones and neighbors by staying in your own home. Don’t worry if your home wasn’t designed for long-term care - there are plenty of options available to help you comfortably age in place. Creating a safe and comfortable environment is crucial, as it ensures that you can live independently and securely while catering to your personal comfort and safety needs.
What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist?
A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is a professional designation that equips individuals with the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential for thriving in the residential remodeling industry. Offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the CAPS program is specifically designed to address the needs of the aging-in-place market. This designation is highly valued by organizations like AARP, which advocate for helping people live independently and comfortably in their own homes and communities as they age. CAPS professionals are trained to provide home modifications that enhance accessibility and safety, ensuring that seniors can continue to enjoy their homes as they grow older.
Benefits of Working with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Working with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) offers numerous benefits for seniors who wish to live safely and independently in their homes. A CAPS professional can conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s accessibility and recommend modifications that enhance safety and comfort. They can assist in obtaining quotes for potential remodels, hiring reliable contractors, and ensuring that the work is completed to your satisfaction. Additionally, CAPS professionals are well-versed in Universal Design principles, which help create a home environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By working with a CAPS specialist, you can ensure that your home remains a safe and comfortable haven as you age.
CAPS Certification Program
The CAPS certification program is a comprehensive training initiative that imparts the technical, business management, and customer service skills necessary to serve the aging-in-place market. The program consists of three core courses: CAPS I, CAPS II, and CAPS III. CAPS I focuses on marketing and communicating with aging-in-place clients, providing strategies to effectively reach and engage this demographic. CAPS II delves into design concepts for livable homes, emphasizing attractive design concepts that cater to the needs of older adults. CAPS III offers detailed solutions for creating livable homes, covering practical aspects of home modifications. Upon completing these courses, professionals earn the CAPS designation, becoming certified aging-in-place specialists equipped to meet the unique needs of older adults.
Top Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place
Widen Doorways: Make your home more navigable for mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers by widening doorways. The cost varies depending on your specific needs and home layout.
Install Ramps: Say goodbye to challenging exterior stairs by installing ramps that provide greater independence. Licensed contractors can ensure the ramps are built to the correct height and rise for seniors. You can also consider non-permanent, mobile versions for easy installation.
Kitchen Modifications: Adjust the counter height and lower the sink to accommodate a seated position for easier access. It is also important to understand attractive design concepts to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen. Consider placing microwaves in stands instead of elevated cabinets to simplify usage.
Shower and Bathtub Modifications: Replace traditional tubs with walk-in showers for easier entry and exit. If you want to keep your existing bathtub, add safety features like bars and strips to prevent slips and falls. Another option is a bathtub transfer bench, which allows seniors to sit safely while getting into the tub.
Affordable Bathroom Safety Modifications: Receive free quotes for bathroom safety modifications and explore cost-effective alternatives to keep your existing bathtub safe. Safety bars and strips are simple additions that can prevent accidents.
Experience the freedom and security of aging in place with these home modifications. Don’t let the limitations of traditional senior living hold you back - take control of your independence at home.
Cost of Hiring a Certified Aging in Place Specialist
The cost of hiring a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) can vary based on several factors, including location, labor and material costs, project timeline, and the extent of renovations needed. On average, a personalized home evaluation, which includes a comprehensive report on necessary home modifications with visual aids, can cost around $500. The overall fee for hiring a CAPS professional will depend on the scope of the project and the specific services required. Despite the initial investment, the benefits of working with a CAPS specialist are substantial. They can help you create a safe and comfortable living environment tailored to your needs, ensuring that you can age in place with confidence and peace of mind.
