Universal Design: How a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Can Help
Posted on Tue, Jul 13, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
The “Universal Design” movement has gained momentum because of the advocacy efforts of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). One of the goals of AARP is to enable retirees and older adults to remain in their homes and live independently, safely and comfortably for as long as possible. The U.S. Baby Boom generation is 77 million strong (28 percent of the population) and has reached the age of 50+. As this cohort ages, making changes in their home environments will be essential to their quality of life.
To address this issue, AARP collaborated with the National Association of Home Builders to train contractors and remodelers in modifying homes to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and senior adults. The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) training program was designed by the Remodelers Council of NAHB, the NAHB Research Center and NAHB Senior Housing Council in consultation with AARP.
Graduates of the CAPS program are trained in:
- Communication techniques.
- Identifying home modifications or changes that will help people live independently in their homes.
- Finding solutions to common obstacles that make houses unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Technical/construction aspects of designing environments for a lifetime.
- Ethics.
Once certified, CAPS contractors must maintain their credentials through continuing education and subscribe to a Code of Ethics.
A CAPS contractor will typically address the barriers and obstacles in a home of a person with special needs by:
- Creating access to enable an individual to safely and securely enter and exit their home.
- Improving the function of the kitchen for easy meal preparation and eating.
- Modifying bathrooms for safety and access.
- Enabling a person to maneuver in their home safely, securely and independently.
- Designing accommodations while preserving the aesthetics of a home.
AARP maintains a list of certified contractors and remodelers and will help consumers locate CAPS contractors in their area. Scott McClurg is a CAPS-certified professional and is available to answer your questions about “Universal Design” and “Aging-in-Place.”
One final note, not only are organizations such as AARP and NAHB promoting “Universal Design,” but consumers are beginning to show more interest in home features that promote comfort, ease of access and safety. Adding these amenities can add value to your home.