Certified Aging In Place Specialist

The Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is earned by occupational therapists, general contractors, architects and designers who have completed extensive training in the design and construction of spaces that maximize client independence, safety and function. CAPS is overseen by the National Association of Homebuilders. Per NAHB: "CAPS design takes your current and future circumstances into consideration. CAPS design principles focus on elegant, aesthetically enriching, barrier-free environments." Aging-in-place design principles identify needs that are unique to older adults (or individuals of any age with disabilities who seek to remain at home) and promote home modifications or new construction accordingly. Better client outcomes are reached through an interdisciplinary effort between occupational therapists, who are clinically trained to evaluate people and how they perform tasks in their natural environment, and members of the construction, architecture and design industries who have expertise in creating structures and spaces that are beautiful and tailored to meet client needs. Therapists participate in training together with members of these professions - by the end, we are speaking the same language and generating better ideas through collaboration. For clients who require home modification, you know you are working with professionals who meet a higher standard of expertise in the needs of people just like you.