In 2000, the AARP commissioned a study, "Fixing to Stay," and found that older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your own home.

The remodelers Council of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and AARP, developed the Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the needs of consumers who want to make their house a home for a lifetime—safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

To age in place, you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop heights, to the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites and the installation of private elevators.

A Certified Aging In Place Specialist is specially trained in:

• the unique needs of older people:
• home modifications that can help people continue living independently in their homes longer;
• common remodeling projects;
• and solutions to common barriers.

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.