Last week, we talked about professionals with CAPS designations and how someone earns that designation.  This week, we’ll be talking specifically about Occupational Therapists (OTs).  The AARP acknowledges the important role that OTs can have in helping individuals modify their homes.  In fact, the AARP recommends OTs be utilized to assist people in identify ways to improve home safety and for recommending home modifications.  Some OTs choose to become certified in the area of home modification.  Some OTs choose to earn the CAPS designation by taking courses through the National Home Builders Association.  Other OTs earn specialty certification in environmental modification through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the national association for OTs.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are among the professionals that work with individuals who desire to Age in Place.  So, how are OTs different from others that work with home modifications that help people age in place?  The OTs background and training are unique and help prepare them to work with this segment of the population.  OTs use their medical knowledge, training, and education to assess areas that include the individual’s motor and sensory functions/abilities, cognitive abilities, and their ability to access and function in their home environment.  The OT may assess how the individual performs their daily functional life skills such as getting in and out of the tub/shower and accessing items in their kitchen/pantry.  They gather this information and make recommendations to improve independence and safety in the home and during functional activities in the home.  These recommendations may include simple modifications such as installing lever handles on doors and recommending rocker switches or more involved modifications such as recommending a curbless roll in shower and/or recommending adjusting the height of kitchen counters to allow someone in a wheelchair to access the counter.

Sources

Occupational Therapy: Helping America Age in Place and New Markets Emerge From Society’s Needs

So, what does it mean to be CAPS certified?

A professional with the CAPS designation is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist.  This designation was developed with collaboration by the AARP, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and NAHB remodelers.      

Why was CAPS created?

The CAPS designation was developed after research by the AARP indicated that Americans wanted to stay and age in their homes instead of moving.  It was also created as a means to help older adults obtain reliable and skilled professionals to help remodel their homes.

CAPS professionals have training that includes:

• Understanding the needs of the older adult population and the benefits of aging in place
• Home Modifications for aging in place
• Education regarding the principles of universal design
• Design solutions that meet the needs of individuals who desire to age in place
• Strategies and techniques for building and designing attractive barrier free living environments

CAPS Designees include:

• Builders
• Contractors
• Occupational Therapists
• Interior Designers

Requirements to maintain designation:

CAPS designees must uphold a code of ethics and take continuing education courses to maintain their designations.  You can find a CAPS professional in your area by going to the National Association of Home Builders website.  Click here to find a list of CAPS professionals in your area.

Visit The Aging Suite next week as we discuss the unique role Occupational Therapists can play in aging in place.

Source: NAHB

The week of October 12-18^th is National Aging in Place week.  In celebration, The Aging Suite will be running a special three week series on the topic of Aging in Place.

So, what exactly is Aging in Place?

Aging in Place is defined by the National Aging in place Council as

the ability to continue to live in one’s home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

The goal of aging in place is just as it sounds, helping people age in place, within their homes.  For the older population, this may mean the difference between being able to stay and age in their homes or moving out and living with family members or at a nursing home.  The aging in place concept is great for older adults but is also beneficial for all populations.  For example, wider doorways are beneficial for people in wheelchairs but also benefit someone trying to maneuver a baby stroller in the house.  Lower light switches make turning on a light easier to someone in a wheelchair and to a child.

So, why is Aging in Place important and how can it affect you?

Everyone from baby boomers to senior citizens wants to be able to live out their golden years in the comfort and security of their own homes.  Baby boomers make up 28% of the US population and own 48% of all homes.  Boomers, now more than ever, are looking for ways to age in place realizing that they may need to make changes to their current homes or move into one that will allow them to do so.  An AARP survey stated that 89% of older adults said that they wanted to stay in their current homes as they aged.

Aging in Place incorporates the concept of universal design.  The Center for Universal Design defines universal design as the:

“design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest   extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”

Some features of universal design include step-less entry ways into homes, wider doorways, handrails on both sides of stairs, use of grab bars in bathrooms, and lever door handles.

So, if you want to Age in Place and think you need home modifications, who do you turn to?

There are numerous professionals that may work with individuals who desire to Age in Place.  They can include:

• Builders and contractors
• Occupational therapists (OTs)
• Physical therapists (PTs)
• Realtors
• Engineers
• Social workers
• Interior designers

Some individuals choose to earn the CAPS designation by becoming Certified Aging in Place Specialists or CAPS.

Visit The Aging Suite next week as we talk more about the CAPS designation and how you can find a CAPS designee in your area.  To learn more about Aging in Place and CAPS check out these links.  AARP.org and  The National Association of Home Builders

Source: AARP.org and The National Association of Home Builders