Aging in Place – A Checklist For Those Looking to Redesign Your Home
May 23rd, 2006 • Related • Filed Under
The National Association of Homebuilders has recognized that many people who are aging are not planning on going straight to the nursing home. They want to remain in their home for as long as possible. To help these people, and also to make sure that the work will be done correctly, the NAHB has created a new certification, the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).
They also have a new brochure out to help those who are looking for help in modifying their home for the eventual aging in place process to help make the house as accessible as possible.
Some of the recommended items are:
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Figure out how much money you have to spend on the home modification project.
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Seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and others who have had similar work done.
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Contact trade associations such as your area’s local Home Builders Association or Remodelers™ Council (see www.nahb.org).
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Check with your local or state office of consumer protection and the local Better Business Bureau.
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Verify the remodeler has the appropriate license(s) in your state.
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Look for professional designations such as CAPS, Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) or Graduate Master Builder (GMB).
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Ask your professional remodeler for a written estimate of the work to be done based on a set of plans and specifications. Be prepared to pay for this package.
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Select a professional remodeler with plenty of experience with your type of project. Remember, lowest price does not ensure a successful remodeling project.
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Trackback by Better Business Bureau on 29 September 2006:
Dave…
Interesting topic… I’m working in this industry myself and I don’t agree about this in 100%, but I added your page to my bookmarks and hope to see more interesting articles in the future…
Comment by Margo Traines MA OTR/L, LCP on 10 March 2008:
Buyer Beware. Before spending a large sum of money on Aging in Place Remodeling please be sure to be evaluated by someone, usually an OTR/L , who will make a personalized assessement of your present and future needs and who is trained to make recommendations for both simple and inexpensive home and activitiy modifications as well as those to meet ADAAG and Universal Design standards. Most expensive modifications like pull down cabinets and roll in showers are not only not necessary but also use money that would better be used for caregivers, meals or groceries delivered, and medication. Additionally, the ADAAG standards were set by the Federal Government to meet the needs of young adults in wheelchairs with strong upper body strength and not the needs of the elderly. As a consequence many of the recommendations are not appropriate to the types of disabilities a senior may encounter. Occupational Therapists have over five years of training and have been performing this service for decades . They are not remodelers but their recommnedations could be completed by a CAPS. AARP and the National Home Builders Association have created this certification as a marketing tool, and it is given to anyone following completion of a three day workshop in “Business and Selling to Seniors” and “Accessibility”. An OT Evaluation of you and your place of choice for present and future need could save you thousands of inappropriately spent dollars, and help keep you in your home.