Created in 2002 in response to emerging market trends, CAPS classes were the first of their kind to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage home modifications for aging in place. With more than 1,500 designees, the CAPS program is one of the NAHB University of Housing’s fastest-growing programs.

This year, with the help of a group of dedicated remodelers, the University of Housing revised the two CAPS courses, which were up for their four-year review. They adjusted the courses for improved graphics, activities, and more recent statistics and trends about the older adult community. In addition, as aging in place has become recognizable and popular, new technology and practices have appeared in the market, and the redesigned classes incorporate these new elements into the body of CAPS knowledge.

The classes, originally entitled “Working With and Marketing to Older Adults” and “Home Modifications,” have been replaced by “Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I)” and “Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II),” respectively.

Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, a remodeler from Tucson, Ariz., worked closely with the University of Housing as a Content Provider for the CAPS I redesign. “CAPS courses were updated for some of the usual reasons, but the pressure was on because this is such a fast-growing and consumer-driven area,” he said. “As our medical technology and care techniques provide for longer and more comfortable independent lives and lifestyles, the building industry — remodeling in particular — needs to be, and indeed should be, on the leading edge. With the resources and expertise NAHBR has to offer, our rightful place is truly leading that charge.” 

The designation’s original target audience was the remodeling industry, but other professionals have found the class useful, including new home builders, interior designers, architects and health care professionals. In fact, the newly revamped CAPS II class was created with the help of occupational therapists.

After completing the new CAPS I class, students will now be able to describe the different aging in place markets, better promote new aging in place products and services and better understand and sell to older adults. The CAPS II class’ revised objectives will allow students to assess the needs of aging in place clients, better understand the design and accessibility needs of clients, and understand contractual and legal issues surrounding aging in place, among other valuable considerations.  

Both CAPS I and CAPS II have been pilot tested and will officially debut Oct. 10-12 at the Remodeling Show in Las Vegas.

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