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Happenings of Note
Aging-in-Place Specialists Key to Independent Living
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
Certified
Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) may be just the ticket to worry-free
summer remodeling for seniors who want to remain in their homes for
as long as possible.
The CAPS program was developed as a cooperative venture by the National Association
of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP. Originally developed with senior homeowners
in mind, the program focuses on the needs of any consumers wanting to stay in
their homes longer, regardless of their age or functional abilities.
The CAPS-certified professionals are specially trained in home modifications
that can help people stay living independently in their homes for longer periods
of time.
“It’s geared to people over age-55, but anybody can benefit from
it,” said Jackie Verlin, a sales professional with Dunmore Homes in Lincoln. “I
think it has some great ideas.”
Verlin obtained her CAPS certification in order to polish her professional skills.
She also knows through personal experience what a difference small design changes
can make. She assists her wheelchair-bound mother with some of her daily tasks
such as taking plates from the cupboards and putting them back within easy reach.
CAPS professionals have been taught the strategies and techniques for designing
and building aesthetically pleasing, barrier-free living environments. The CAPS
program goes beyond design to address the codes and standards, common remodeling
projects and their costs, product ideas and resources needed to provide comprehensive
and practical aging-in-place solutions.
Chris Lattuada, president of B-Line Construction, Inc. in Sacramento obtained
his CAPS certification to augment his 15 years of experience as a remodeling
contractor. The certification has broadened his view of remodeling and how proper
design is critical for homeowners who want to stay independent for as long as
possible.
Lattuada can easily name some of the difficulties that may result from the aging
process or accidental disability. “Doorknobs can become more difficult
to turn,” said Lattuada. “Proper lighting becomes critical. Even
something as routine as making a telephone call can be unmanageable if the buttons
are too small.”
Because of his training, Lattuada knows techniques that can solve the problems. “Most
people want to stay in the same place as they get older,” he explained. “Thinking
ahead is very important. Looking at future needs plays a big part.”
Lattuada said that the typical remodeling job handled by his company involves
making a barrier-free shower, and that’s when the CAPS certification becomes
critical.
“We do things like install plywood behind the moisture-resistant drywall
in bathrooms as part of our bathroom remodels,” he said. “The customer
may not notice it now, but when they need to install handrails or grab bars,
they can do it easily where they need it.”
The CAPS training also takes the needs of caregivers and family into consideration
when remodeling. Often small changes make all the difference.
“When we make a barrier-free shower, we usually install a second drain
in the bathroom floor,” said Lattuada. “It might not seem important
when we do it, but it sure does when you help somebody in a wheelchair take a
shower.”
Sometimes Lattuada must correct work done by another company because it did not
take into account foreseeable changes. “People don’t think about
things that don’t pose a problem now, but they may in the future,” he
said. “Usually they don’t take space needs into account.”
It’s not always the hired contractors that fail to anticipate future needs.
Many times the homeowners themselves don’t know what’s needed. Lattuada
feels he has an obligation to educate consumers, but does so diplomatically.
“Usually, it’s a matter of asking questions and being willing to
listen to what they say,” Lattuada told Spectrum. “I try to use questions
to take people through the process that allows them to determine what their needs
will be.”
A recent study by the National Society of Interior Designers indicates that 73
percent of seniors above the age of 65 intend to spend the rest of their life
in their current home. A CAPS specialist can help make that intention a reality.
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Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
