Remodeling Today for Your Comfort Tomorrow
Seek out a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist
by Schrader and Company, Inc.
 If you are like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. A study conducted by the AARP revealed that older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place. Concurrently, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) realized the growing demand for a specialized service and well qualified individuals to perform this service. Their solution was the development of a one of a kind certification program that teaches remodelor the skills, sensitivity and knowledge to assist homeowners as they begin to consider “Remodeling for Tomorrow.” Those contractors who successfully complete the program earn the professional designation Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).
The CAPS designation is a reliable way to identify professionals who can assist with home modifications. CAPS training addresses the codes and standards, common remodeling projects and expenditures, product ideas, and resources needed to provide comprehensive and practical aging-in-place solutions. In addition, graduates from the CAPS program are taught the sensitivity, listening and communication skills that are helpful in instilling confidence and comfort. Graduates pledge to uphold a high code of ethics and are required to attend continuing education programs to maintain their professional designation.
What is Aging-In-Place and Remodeling for Tomorrow? Plainly put, aging-in-place means remaining in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. Undergoing a home modification with the help of a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist allows you the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years, provides you with ability to enjoy your daily routines and the special events that enrich all our lives, and certainly, it offers you the opportunity to call your house "home" for a lifetime.
An inaccurate assumption by many when thinking about transforming an area into a “safe” aging in place location is that the final product will look institutional. This is a common misconception: beauty need not be sacrificed. With sensitive design and quality construction, the modifications that will allow you to more fully enjoy your home through your senior years can also be modifications that are attractive and admired by all.
Many high quality products designed to address safety and comfort concerns today are indistinguishable from typical mass-market products. For example, manufacturers such as General Electric and Kohler have recognized the need for some accommodation and now offer attractive yet functional products based on aging-in-place concepts.
Some of the more common examples of Aging-in-Place practices include creating 36-inch-wide door openings in place of 30- or 32- inch, installing non-slip floor surfaces and lever-style door handles on all hinged doors, and making better use of both natural and mechanical light. They can also be much more extensive. From altering the layout of a room to the placement of customized cabinets to the hardware and finishes chosen, aging-in-place planning and remodeling can be attractively incorporated into all aspects of a home remodeling project.
Large walk-in showers, adjustable shower heads, sturdy, yet attractive grab bars, varying countertop heights, and strategically positioned appliances are some of the more popular trends in kitchen and bathroom design today. They also happen to be some of the fundamental features of a safe, easy to use bathroom or kitchen.
Aging-in-place modifications and/or renovations simply make good sense. The most basic concepts represented by this type of remodeling are safety, comfort and ease of use. These qualities can and should be incorporated into home remodeling projects for the benefit of all people regardless of age and ability level.
Schrader and Company, Inc is a CAPS certified remodeling and cabinetmaking firm located in Burnt Hills, NY. For more information, visit www.schraderandco.com or call (518) 399-1881.
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