Vice President of Bullock Access, David Bullock, completed CAPS training and certification, earning him the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation.  The program and designation were created by the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with the AARP and other experts , in response to the growing market demand of people wishing to age safely and securely in their homes.

The three day intensive program teaches technical, business, and customer service skills to the residential remodeling industry and providers of products and services for the aging baby-boomer generation.

With this designation, the professional is deemed to be qualified to make recommendations that will help their client to live independently and safely in his or her own home.  They are also qualified to work with an Occupational Therapist to develop a plan for modifying the home to meet the specific functional needs of the person and their household.

In addition to working with an OT, they are also qualified to collaborate with others to address building and design strategies for creating attractive, barrier-free living spaces.  Specifically useful is David’s knowledge of building codes, accessibility products and accessories, support resources, costs and time needed with remodeling projects.

Of key interest to David were topics related to design concepts , building codes and standards so that Bullock Access can now assist builders, remodelers and architects who are not CAPS certified but who wish to incorporate the accessibility products which Bullock Access provides.  “Having multiple professionals involved with an accessibility project can cause confusion for the home owner and the contractors if all parties are not CAPS qualified.  Bullock Access now offers one-stop shopping where we can coordinate with the other contractors on behalf of the customer”, said David Bullock.  He was able to contribute his knowledge to the discussions during the class regarding bathroom solutions, wall reinforcements, lifts and residential elevators.

There were three main topics covered in the training:  Marketing and Communicating with the Aging in Place client; Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging in Place; and Details and Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging in Place.  To attain the certification, the professional must attend all three sessions and pass a comprehensive test.