AGING IN PLACE
Make your home work for you.
Customized Solutions for Aging-in-Place.
Enjoy Your Home for Years to Come
Like many aging Americans, you may want to continue living in your home throughout your maturing years. Aging in a familiar and comfortable place is much more pleasant than a retirement home. According to the AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place - which means being able to live in your home safely, independently and comfortably - regardless of age or ability level. With the help of a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) such as Stephens Remodeling you can enjoy your home for years to come.
What Is Certified Aging-In-Place?
The NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP developed the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications in order to remain in their homes.
A CAPS certification ensures that qualifying remodelers are experts in their market and are able to provide the technical, business management, and customer service skills necessary to provide custom remodels for the aging in place - the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry!
Our Aging-In-Place Process
Remodeling your home to be suitable for aging in place can be a complicated process. At Stephens Remodeling, we strive to make the process as easily as possible for our local clients to remain proud (and safe) homeowners. We start by asking the following questions:
- How should you modify your home to make it more comfortable?
- Who can you rely on to modify your home?
- What is the CAPS designation?
- What information should you think about for CAPS remodeling?
- How do I get started with the remodeling process?
How should you modify your home to make it more comfortable?
To age in place, you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications can include:
- Installation of bath and shower grab bars
- Adjustment of countertop heights
- Creation of multifunctional first-floor master suites
- Installation of private elevators
- Implementation of measures to prevent falls (grab bars, non-slip flooring, wheelchair ramps, etc.)
Who can you rely on to modify your home?
CAPS professionals have the answers to your questions about aging in place. Specialists, like Stephens Remodeling, have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments.
Beyond design, the CAPS program also addresses:
- Codes and standards
- Common remodeling expenditures and projects
- Product ideas
- Resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions
- And more
CAPS contractors also pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service.
What is the CAPS designation?
A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:
- The unique needs of the older adult population
- Aging-in-place home modifications
- Common remodeling projects
- Solutions to common barriers
Keep in mind that when you hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, you are buying a service rather than a product. Each CAPS professional draws from a different knowledge base and will approach your project in a different way. No matter where you start in the process, you will eventually need to hire a professional remodeler to actually make the modifications to your home.
What information should you think about for CAPS remodeling?
- Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level?
- How can I make my kitchen more functional?
- Am I worried about preventing falls?
- How much money can I budget for this project?
- Will I need to get a home equity loan?
- Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?
- Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?
