Make Aging Sexy with A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist
What is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist?
With over 20 years of experience in the interior design industry, Andrea Hysmith is a woman of many talents. One skill that sets her apart is her certification as an Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). If you've never heard this term before, you aren't alone.
"A certified aging in place specialist can provide any number of services to seniors and older adults. To date, most home remodelers and a growing number of health care professionals, home care providers, architects, designs and other professions in the their ranks (NAHB.org)."
At its most basic, a CAPS certification is obtained through the National Association of Home Builders which provides the knowledge and understanding on how to design homes specifically with accessibility in mind.
Features of Andrea's Modern Accessible Bathroom:
1. Low Profile Shower: Convenient and easy to step over
2. Built in Seats: A person is able to sit and use the hand shower without weight limits
3. Comfort Heigh Toilet with a Toto Washlet Seat: Allows for easy assistance when cleaning after using the toilet
4. Grab Bar and Hand Shower Combo: Great to keep a shower wall clean and simpler as well as having a multifunctional
The Growing Need for a CAPS Designer
"Aging-in-Place designs shouldn't just be considered for seniors or people with physical disabilities," says Andrea, "It is a rather a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to my design process." While she is focused on the immediate future for a stylish renovation, she is simultaneously thinking years down the line for longevity of design, and making sure her client's homes are prepared for inevitable life changes.
Including elements into her designs such as accessible toilet height, wide door entries, easy-to-use faucets and hardware, like grab bars that don't necessarily look like grab bars, and proper lighting are just a few astute ways to make your home more accessible, without sacrificing style.
Furthermore, there is a growing number of people living in multigenerational households. A CAPS designer like Andrea and her team are skilled in designing spaces that accommodates for these families whose property will live through generations.
Andrea's expertise encompasses a universal approach to design. On one hand, she can think ahead to future needs for her clients. On the other, she is able to meet specific needs for her clients by working with occupational therapists or other licensed professionals.
Andrea cannot predict the future, but being a CAPS designer, she brings a perspective that considers your immediate home needs, as well as your future home needs. Designing a home with accessibility in mind is about ensuring a homeowner will be able to stay there for as long as possible throughout their lifetime with minimal barriers.
