How to Find a Certified Aging in Place Specialist?

Diane Carbo

Oct 12, 2023 • 48 min read

Introduction: What is an Aging in Place specialist?

As we age, it can be difficult to stay living comfortably and safely in the home we are used to. For many, a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) offers an invaluable service in helping them stay in their current home.

A CAPS is a professional who specializes in helping elderly people create an environment for “aging in place,"" which allows them to remain living in their own home for as long as possible. They understand the physical and emotional needs of an aging population, and are knowledgeable about home design modifications, products, and services that can make independent living easier.

Hiring a certified CAPS can provide peace of mind for elderly homeowners and their families. A CAPS can develop a personalized plan to increase safety, comfort, and accessibility, and can make sure all work is completed in accordance with industry standards, government regulations, and building codes.

Defining Your Needs

When hiring a certified Aging in Place specialist, it's important to have a clear understanding of your needs. Ask yourself the following questions:

What type of help do I need?
How much assistance can I realistically afford?
Do I prefer someone with a certain set of qualifications or certifications?
Do I plan to undertake any major renovations?
How quickly do I need the job done?

Answer these questions before proceeding to the next step to determine if you wish to pursue further research into qualified Aging in Place specialists.

Research Potential Specialists

When looking for a certified Aging in Place specialist to work on your home, it is important to do some research to make sure you hire the best person for the job. Here are some methods for researching and vetting potential specialists:

Read reviews from past customers: Often, customer reviews can help paint a better picture of the quality of service provided by any given specialist. It is important to look at both the good and bad reviews so that you can get an accurate understanding of the specialist's work.
Ask for references: If possible, it is helpful to reach out to individuals who have worked with the specialist before in order to get a first-hand account of their experience. If available, talk to multiple people for a more well-rounded assessment.
Verify professional certifications: Ensure that the specialist is certified by a recognized professional body or organization as this will indicate that they are knowledgeable and experienced in their field.
Research past work experience: Look into the specialist's previous projects to gain a better understanding of the type and quality of work they have completed. This will give you an idea of what to expect when working with them.

Choosing the Right Professional

Finding the right certified Aging in Place specialist is essential to a successful renovation project. Making a thoughtful and informed choice for the professional to work on your home ensures that the project is completed with your specific needs in mind. When considering potential specialists, ask yourself the following questions:

Does the professional have experience with projects similar to mine?
How long has the professional been in the industry?
Are there any reviews online from past clients?
Is the professional available to answer my questions?
Do they have a portfolio of their work that I can review?
Do they have any certifications or qualifications?

These questions will help you identify an Aging in Place specialist who is more likely to meet your expectations. In addition to these important considerations, you want a professional who works well with others and is approachable. It is important to find someone who can openly communicate with family members and other service providers to ensure a positive experience.

The Relationship:

Finding a certified Aging in Place specialist is the first step on your journey to creating a safe and comfortable home. Working together, you and your specialist will create a plan to meet your needs and accomplish your goals. Establishing a working relationship requires communication and trust, and a clear understanding of expectations.

Before signing a contract with your professional, be sure to ask questions regarding their experience. Qualified ageing in place specialists understand the unique challenges associated with creating an accessible living space and are familiar with techniques for mitigating those issues. Ask for references or other examples of past projects, such as photos or videos.

Be sure to discuss how costs are handled, both before and after the project is completed. Be up front about your budget and desired timeline, and ensure that both you and your specialist agree on these points. Once you have established a good working relationship, drafts and contracts should be exchanged between you and your professional. Make sure to read these documents thoroughly; they should accurately reflect your intentions and requirements. Good communication is key to a successful project, so make sure you both understand each other's expectations.

Contracts and Agreements

When working with a professional certified Aging in Place specialist, it is important for both parties to sign necessary documents and agreements that clearly outline their roles and responsibilities. Examples of documents exchanged between the homeowner and the professional include contracts, agreements, and financial records. The contract should specify the scope of the project, define expectations, set out timelines, and establish payment terms. The agreement should be tailored to each individual project and ensure that all parties understand the process for completion.

Financial records should also be kept to document any transactions made between the homeowner and the professional. This is essential in helping to protect both parties and ensure all payments are accurate and up-to-date. It is beneficial to maintain organized records throughout the entire process in order to eliminate any financial confusion.

The Importance of Clear Communication

Effective communication is essential for the success of any project. Once you’ve chosen a certified Aging in Place specialist, it’s important to ensure that you and the professional maintain clear communication, both in terms of content and timing. This includes communicating your needs, expectations, and progress as necessary with your Aging in Place specialist, as well as any other involved parties.

Here are some tips for effective communication:

Be aware of the different communication styles of the involved parties and adjust accordingly.
Schedule regular check-ins with your Aging in Place specialist (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to review progress and updates.
Prioritize transparent communication about issues such as finances, deadlines, and deliverables.
Write down notes during planning and installation meetings to help keep everyone on the same page.
Always be respectful and courteous.

Open, honest communication is essential for successful Aging in Place renovations. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget, as well as to your satisfaction.

Assessment of Home

Finding a certified Aging in Place Specialist is an important step in making sure your home is tailored to meet your specific needs. The specialist will assess the home's characteristics and lifestyle requirements, and create a plan for best utilizing the space.

The specialist will determine necessary modifications by discussing your needs, inspecting the space, and evaluating existing features. They'll consider the safety of the space and whether it meets accessibility standards. Then they'll prioritize projects and create a plan for renovations.

Questions that the specialist may ask during the assessment include:

How are the current stairs and doorways?
Are there any changes you would like to make?
What level of accessibility do you need?
What kinds of materials do you prefer to use?
What budget restrictions do you have?

Your answers to these questions will help the specialist understand the scope of the project and create a plan tailored to your individual needs.

Scheduling Projects

It is important to plan and manage project timelines to efficiently complete renovations. Here are some tips for working with your Certified Aging in Place specialist and organizing a timeline that works for everyone:

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the scope of the project and define specific goals.
Prioritize tasks and clearly communicate expectations to your specialist.
Set reasonable deadlines and allow time for adjustments or unforeseen changes.
Stay informed on the progress of the work and provide feedback.
Plan for additional time and resources if necessary, both during and after the project.

By following these steps and staying organized, homeowners can ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget, giving them peace of mind while navigating their home renovation journey.

Accessibility

Creating an accessible home for aging in place is essential and can help ensure that your space is comfortable and safe for years to come. When selecting a certified Aging in Place specialist, it’s important to consider whether they are equipped with the experience and skills to make your home accessible. This means they will need to know about any local, state or federal accessibility regulations and how to best comply with them.

Aging in Place specialists should also be knowledgeable about potential modifications that can be completed to make your home more accessible. This includes installing ramps, widening hallways or pathways, improving lighting, making bathrooms and kitchens easier to navigate, or adding grab bars and handrails.

In addition to accessibility modifications, it is very important that all products used for renovations in an aging in place plan are tested for accessibility and have been approved by accredited testing organizations.

Final Assessment

The completion of the project is an important milestone, but it’s essential to take an extra step and perform a final assessment to make sure everything is going according to plan. A final assessment involves the homeowner, the Aging in Place specialist, and other involved parties if applicable. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the job that was done, address any remaining issues, and ensure the satisfaction of the homeowner.

During the assessment, the professional should assess the progress on all projects, verify that they were completed accurately and safely, and identify any areas that require additional attention. The homeowner should also have a chance to inspect the newly renovated space and voice any concerns or ask questions. It’s a great opportunity to make sure the space is accessible, comfortable, and tailored to the individual’s needs.

A final assessment is the best way to guarantee that the job was done correctly and to the homeowner’s satisfaction. It also allows the Aging in Place specialist to demonstrate their expertise by answering any remaining questions and providing helpful tips for future care.

Conclusion

The decision to hire a certified Aging in Place specialist should not be taken lightly. It's important to do the research and due diligence to ensure that you are getting the best possible professional for your needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can be sure that you will find a qualified Aging in Place specialist who is the right fit for you.

Your certified Aging in Place specialist should be able to provide you with an assessment of your home, help create and execute a plan for renovations or repairs, and offer advice on how best to make your home more accessible and comfortable. Ultimately, a certified Aging in Place specialist should be someone who understands your specific goals and is able to help you achieve them.