Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) guidelines require meeting specific knowledge, skills, documentation, and professional practice standards to design and deliver safe, accessible, and functional home modifications for older adults and those with functional limitations. Key aspects to achieve CAPS certification and to practice according to CAPS principles include:

1. Formal training and certification requirements

• Complete an approved CAPS course (classroom or hybrid) delivered by a recognized CAPS trainer or organization.

• Pass the CAPS certification exam or meet any competency assessments required by the course provider.

• Fulfill any continuing education or re-certification requirements set by the certifying body.

1. Knowledge of aging-related changes and needs

• Understand normal physiological changes associated with aging (vision, hearing, mobility, balance, strength, endurance, cognition).

• Recognize common chronic conditions and their functional impacts (arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s, heart disease, COPD, dementia).

• Appreciate psychosocial factors: fear of loss of independence, depression, social isolation, caregiver dynamics.

1. Home assessment and evaluation skills

• Conduct a thorough home safety and accessibility assessment covering entry/egress, circulation paths, living spaces, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, stairs, lighting, flooring, and environmental hazards.

• Evaluate the client’s functional abilities: activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs (IADLs), mobility, transfer ability, fall history, assistive device use.

• Assess environmental and behavioral risk factors that contribute to falls and injury.

• Document findings clearly with measurements, photos, and prioritized problem lists.

1. Universal design and accessibility principles

• Apply universal design principles to create environments usable by as many people as possible without adaptation (lever handles, zero-step entries, wider doorways, lever faucets).

• Use principles of visitability (single-step or zero entry, accessible bathroom on main level, accessible path of travel).

• Understand the differences and appropriate uses of universal design, accessible design (ADA principles where applicable), and adaptive modifications.

1. Bathroom modifications expertise

• Prioritize bathroom safety: curbless/roll-in showers, curbed showers with low thresholds, accessible tubs, shower seats, properly placed grab bars, non-slip surfaces.

• Specify correct grab bar placement, secure mounting methods, and structural reinforcement where needed.

• Design layout changes to improve transfer space, clearances for mobility devices, and safe maneuvering.

1. Kitchen and living area adaptations

• Create accessible kitchen layouts: reachable storage, reachable controls, knee space at counters/sinks, adjustable-height work surfaces, pull-out shelves.

• Ensure safe circulation, task lighting, and slip-resistant flooring in living spaces.

• Recommend seating, task chairs, and furniture arrangements that support transfers and balance.

1. Entry, circulation, and stair solutions

• Design accessible entries: ramps or lifts where needed, handrails, non-slip surfaces, covered entryways, adequate threshold treatments.

• Address interior circulation: doorway widening, hallway clearances, turning radius for wheelchairs, threshold ramps.

• Assess stair safety: proper handrails on both sides, riser/tread consistency, lighting, stairlift or elevator options when required.

1. Lighting, controls, and technology

• Specify layered lighting (ambient, task, accent) with glare control and high-contrast cues for those with low vision.

• Recommend easy-to-reach controls, rocker switches, lever handles, large-print labels, and adjustable lighting levels.

• Evaluate appropriate use of assistive technology and home modifications: medical alert systems, environmental controls, smart-home features for safety and independence.

1. Flooring and surface selection

• Recommend slip-resistant, low-reflective, shock-absorbing flooring with minimal level changes.

• Avoid high-pile carpeting; specify transitions with low thresholds and secure edges.

• Consider underlying structural needs for grab bar mounting and ramp/threshold installations.

1. Transfer, mobility, and assistive device integration

• Design spaces to accommodate assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters) including turning space and clearances.

• Plan for safe transfers: transfer benches, toilet height adjustments, grab bars positioned to support transfers.

• Coordinate with occupational therapists or physical therapists when specialized mobility or transfer assessment is needed.

1. Structural and code considerations

• Understand basic building codes, permit requirements, and when permits are required for alterations.

• Know structural reinforcement needs for secure mounting of fixtures (grab bars, railings, benches).

• Ensure modifications comply with local codes and safety standards while balancing client needs.

1. Project planning, scope, and budgeting

• Create clear scopes of work with prioritized recommendations, cost estimates, timelines, and potential phasing options.

• Offer low-, medium-, and high-cost solutions and explain trade-offs between minimal interventions and comprehensive remodels.

• Plan for temporary accommodations during construction and coordinate subcontractors to minimize disruption.

1. Client-centered planning and communication